Restoring His Heart. Lorraine Beatty
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her cheeks flushed, turning her violet eyes to deep purple. He forced his mind back to the job at hand. “What now, boss?”
She pointed to the broken railing. “Start pulling that apart and stack it over there. Keep all the like pieces together. We’ll have to use them as templates later. Don’t throw anything away unless I okay it.”
“So you’re going to recycle all this? Saving the planet and all that?”
“In a way. All this lumber is original. I want to keep as much of it as possible not only for the historic value, but to keep the historic designation, too. The structure has to be comprised of a certain percentage of original materials to be on the registry.”
Adam worked a spindle loose from the splintered floor board. His gaze drifted toward Laura again. She moved like a little dynamo, never still. Even when she was on the phone, which was frequently, she paced. He’d seen her sitting on the tailgate of the truck once when she was studying her tablet, but she hadn’t sat there long. It was easy to see why her business was a success. She worked hard and with passion.
“Good morning.”
Adam turned and looked over his shoulder. A man a few years older than he was standing near the orange fencing, a warm, friendly smile on his face. He studied the gazebo intently, while slipping his hands into the pockets of his jeans. Adam braced himself for some nasty comments. Several locals had drifted past this morning, but all they’d done was scowl. Sooner or later he’d known the words would start to fly.
The man nodded toward him. “You the man responsible for this damage?”
Adam stood and faced the man. “I am.”
The man’s smile widened. “It’s nice to meet an honest and forthright man.” He stepped forward and extended his hand. “Jim Barrett. You must be Adam Holbrook.”
The man’s handshake was firm and steady, his smile and friendly tone took any condemnation out of the words. “I seem to have acquired a reputation overnight. Literally.”
“So you have. But because you’re working to make things right, the good folks of Dover will forgive you soon enough. Provided it’s finished in time for the big festival.”
“Jim, what are you up to today?” Laura walked past Adam to the fence, opening her arms to the man for a quick hug. Apparently they were close friends.
“I just got back from rounds at the hospital and thought I’d come by and see how things are going here.” He glanced over at Adam. “Mr. Holbrook looks like he will be a competent assistant for you.”
Laura looked askance at Adam. “He might make a good saw boy eventually. We’ll see.” She turned to Adam. “Jim is the associate pastor at our church.”
Adam took another look at the man. He guessed him to be in his late thirties. He had kind eyes and a gentle manner. He could easily see this man leading a flock of believers, but then, his exposure to men of the cloth was very limited. Barrett noticed his assessment and chuckled softly.
“My church is the big red one just past the corner over there.” He pointed northward. “If you ever need to talk, or if you need a friend, just call.”
“I appreciate the offer.” Adam grinned and glanced down at his ankle. “But I’m limited in my social interaction at the moment.”
“No problem, I’ll come to you.” He handed Adam his business card before turning to Laura. “You’ll let me know if I’m needed, won’t you?”
“Of course.”
He started to leave, then turned back. “Oh, I meant to ask you, how’s it going with the Keller building? Any luck? I understand the auction is coming up soon.”
Laura sighed. “I’m still working on a solution, but at the moment it’s not looking good. I’m praying something will turn up because I’m nearly out of ideas.”
“Don’t give up. I’m sure the Lord is working it out. We just can’t see it yet. Well, I’ll let you get back to work. I don’t want to be the cause of this gazebo not being ready for the festival.”
Adam watched the pastor walk away, then looked at his boss. The expression on her face was one of sadness and disappointment. Apparently the little gazebo wasn’t the only thing she was concerned with. He started to ask, then thought better of it. “Hey, what’s a saw boy?”
She glanced at him and smiled, tugging her hat more firmly onto her head. “You are. You’re going to get to cut all the wood on this project.”
Adam grinned in anticipation. “We’re talking power saws, whirring blades, danger, stuff like that?” Laura grimaced and shook her head, motioning him back to work.
“I was just wondering, how long do you think this job will take?” Adam asked.
“If all goes well and everything arrives on time, two to three weeks. What’s the matter, Holbrook? You bored already?”
“No, but I have someplace I need to be at the end of the month. I don’t suppose you could put in a good word for me with your uncle? Convince him that the quickest way to get this job done on time would be to hire another professional?”
Laura frowned. “I don’t suppose I could. What’s so important that you have to be there? Some sort of big celebrity party?”
He should have expected her to react that way. He doubted she’d be sympathetic to his dilemma anyhow. “Never mind. Forget it.”
Adam watched Laura return to the table saw. She was a hardworking, hands-on kind of woman. People were expecting her to restore what had been damaged. She’d find it hard to identify with a guy who never had to question where his next paycheck was coming from. But then, no one had ever expected anything from him. Until now.
* * *
Adam rubbed his protesting shoulders and stretched his back to ease the kink in his spine. He’d been working nonstop since the pastor’s visit and his body screamed for relief. Almost as much as his stomach craved food. Apparently, Laura stayed small because she never ate. He was beginning to wonder if he’d ever taste food again when he heard a familiar voice call out.
“Hey, y’all. I thought I’d treat you to lunch today.” Tom Durrant walked toward them across the courthouse park, a large pizza box in his hand. Laura went to meet him.
“Thanks, Dad. I hadn’t even thought about eating. Too much to do.”
“Hello, Adam. Is she working you too hard?”
“Nothing I can’t handle so far.” Adam brushed off his hands and joined them.
“How’s it going, Boo?”
“Fine. We should have the damaged section cleared away by tomorrow, then we can get a better idea of what we’re looking at.” She handed Adam the hot pizza box and turned to give her dad a warm hug. “Thank you, Daddy. You’re the best.”
Adam watched with interest as the two embraced. A moment ago Laura Durrant had been all business—determined, focused and self-assured. But she’d turned into a happy little girl when her father showed up. He found himself wondering what other sides there were to his boss.
“Well, I won’t keep you. Enjoy your lunch and I’ll see you both later at the house.”
Laura smiled over at Adam, her eyes bright. “Isn’t he just the sweetest? Someday I’m going to find a man just like him to marry.”
Adam saw the love and admiration in her expression, feeling sorry for the man who tried to live up to the image Laura had created. Even in the short time he’d known Tom Durrant, he knew he was a man worthy of admiration. But few men on the planet could measure up. Adam held out the pizza. “Where do you want to eat this?”
“Over here.” She walked to the truck, lowered the tailgate and hopped up on it, feet dangling. She held out