John stood on a ladder, staring at a section of rotting wood. After three hours of pulling off the drywall in the living areas, they’d found more than the timber frames.
Shelley sighed. “That doesn’t look good.”
“It’s not as bad as it might have been.” John used the end of the pry bar to poke the wood above the worst area. “The wood’s still wet.”
“Is the black mold dangerous?”
“It can be. It would pay to leave your mask on until Patrick looks at it.”
Shelley studied the wooden beam. “The rest of the wood is dry.”
“That’s something to be thankful for, but don’t be worried if we find more mold in the kitchen and bathroom. Old houses hide all kinds of secrets.” John climbed down the ladder and looked at the rest of the exposed timber framing. “This wall is coming out, so it’s not as big an issue as it could have been. But the water pipes and wiring are ancient.”
“Patrick and his team are replacing everything. We thought it would be a good idea considering we’re removing all the drywall.” Shelley pulled out her cell phone and took a photo of the wet timber. “I’ll send him a photo.”
John moved the ladder from the center of the room. Even though the exposed frames were still in place, removing the drywall gave them a better idea of what the open-plan living area would look like. “This will be a great living space.”
Shelley’s eyes crinkled at the corners. “It will be perfect. Do you want to look at the kitchen design?”
“You’ve organized an entire kitchen? How long have you been working on the plans?”
“Since the day I bought the houses.” Shelley opened a folder that was leaning against the fireplace. “The architect had a late cancelation, so she squeezed in my plans before Christmas. What do you think?”
With the new kitchen design in his hand, he stood in the area where it would be built. Opening the living area into one open-plan space created room for a large island. Behind that, a series of cabinets would give Shelley twice as much storage and a more practical layout.
“These are the cupboards and counter I’m having.” Shelley found a photo on her phone and showed John.
He was impressed. Patrick and his team would tear out the yellow and cream cabinets and replace them with glossy white ones. The red Formica counter would disappear and, in its place, a white and gray stone counter would tie the whole look together.
“I knew the houses had a lot of potential. But it wasn’t until I spoke to the architect that I realized how much I could do with the space.”
“Are you using the same design and materials for the other house?”
Shelley nodded. “We’ll get a better price if we buy things for both houses. The plans are identical, so it made sense to keep the remodel consistent.” Her gaze traveled to the far side of the room. “A dumpster is being delivered tomorrow morning. I’ll finish work early and load all the old drywall into it.”
John didn’t want to think about how much time it would take. “I’ll look at my schedule and see if I can finish work a little earlier, too.”
“You don’t have to do that. Bailey said she’d give me a hand and Caleb and Steven are happy to help as long as I provide the pizza.”
“Are you saying that because you know how busy I am or because you don’t want me to help?”
Shelley took off her mask. “The official opening of three more tiny homes is happening soon. The Welcome Center’s food packages are flying out the door, and Bailey said you’re having trouble accommodating everyone who needs somewhere to stay. I don’t want to add another job to your list.”
John looked into Shelley’s worried brown eyes. “I appreciate you looking after me, but I can help.”
Shelley started to say something, then stopped.
“It’s okay. You can tell me whatever’s on your mind.”
“I’m not sure I can.”
John frowned. “Why?”
“Because you might not like what I was going to say.”
It couldn’t be any worse than what he’d said to Shelley yesterday. “Go ahead. I’ll listen with an open mind and won’t take it personally.”
Shelley smiled.
That one simple act made him feel like he was walking on air.
“I was going to say that you don’t have to help everyone. If you burn yourself out, or have an accident because you’re tired, you won’t be able to do anything. Bailey, Steven, and Caleb are more than happy to help me tomorrow. There’ll be plenty of other times when I’ll need your awesome muscles and funny jokes.”
John took off his mask. “Flattery will get you everywhere.”
A soft blush appeared on Shelley’s cheeks. “It wasn’t flattery. Your muscles are pretty awesome.”
“I think you’re pretty awesome, too.” He desperately wanted to kiss her, to tell her she meant more to him than anyone else in the world. But he didn’t want to push his luck.
Shelley stepped closer. “You think I’m awesome even though I’ve got teeny-tiny muscles and I’m covered in plaster dust?”
John swallowed deeply. “You’ll have bigger muscles by the time you’ve finished the houses. And the dust is easily fixed. A warm shower and—”
Shelley brushed her mouth against his.
Suddenly, the room felt hot and heavy, as if all the air had been sucked into a giant vortex of desire. John pulled Shelley close, kissing her like his life depended on it.
He wanted her to be The One. His one. The woman he would love like there were no tomorrows. The woman who would make his life complete.
With a soft groan, Shelley pulled her mouth away and leaned her head against his shoulder. “Sorry. Your incredible mouth distracted me.”
John rested his head against Shelley’s and smiled. “I like it when you’re distracted.”
Two days later, Shelley looked through The Welcome Center’s kitchen window. “Look at all the people.”
Mabel peered over her shoulder. “Each time we finish a tiny home, the crowd gets larger. Can you see John?”
There were so many people walking toward the tiny home village, that it was hard to tell where he was. “He must be on the other side of the houses.” Shelley stepped away from the window and looked around the kitchen. “Are the baskets of muffins ready? I could take them to the houses.”
“That would be great.” Mabel took half a dozen muffins off a cooling rack and placed them inside the last basket. “Here you go. When you’re inside each house, make sure someone has dropped off the linens. With all the people coming and going, it’s easy to forget the basics.”
John walked into the kitchen and Shelley smiled. For someone who had been organizing the last-minute additions to the tiny homes, he looked remarkably calm. “How’s everything going?”
“We had a slight issue with one of the bunk beds, but Patrick got that sorted. I was just coming to get the muffins, but you beat me to it.”
“You could take one of the baskets, if you like. When does the official handover start?”
John checked his watch. “In fifteen minutes.”
Mabel shooed them out of the kitchen. “You’d better get a move on. No one wants to be outside in the cold for longer than they have to.”
John picked up the third basket and walked out of the kitchen with Shelley. “I’m glad you’re here for the opening ceremony.”
“Why’s that?”
“Because it feels incredible to see the happiness and gratitude on the faces of the people who are moving into the tiny homes. We’re witnessing something that’s life-changing for them.”
“What will you do when the village is completely finished?”
“Hopefully, by that stage, we’ll have secured the funding for the wraparound services we want to provide. Setting up the budgeting and counseling programs will take time. After that, I’m not sure what we’ll do.”
Shelley smiled. “I’m sure you’ll think of another equally incredible project.”
John laughed. “Maybe in a couple of years. Santa’s Secret Helpers and the fundraising committee will keep me busy for the next twelve months.”
“Did I tell you about Bailey’s latest idea?”
John groaned. “No. Can you tell me after the opening ceremony? I’m not sure I can handle her overactive imagination this early in the morning.”
“Okay. But it’s a great idea.”
“I’m sure it is.”
Just as they were about to leave The Welcome Center, Andy and Charlie rushed toward them.
“Pastor John!” Andy said excitedly. “Mom’s coming home for Christmas.”
“And she’s staying forever,” Charlie added. “And Mr. Jessop said we can all stay with him ’cos the center has lots of people who want to stay here.”
John knelt on the floor in front of the boys. “That’s wonderful. Your mom must be just as excited as you are.”
Andy nodded. “This will be the best Christmas ever.”
Gordon Jessop joined them in the foyer. “Good morning. It looks like the boys have told you their news.”
John smiled. “They have. They’re looking forward to staying with you.”
Gordon ruffled the boys’ hair. “I think Tabby has a lot to do with that. She misses the boys when they aren’t there.”
Shelley had a feeling that Mr. Jessop’s cat wasn’t the only one who missed them when they weren’t there. Mabel had said Gordon was a different person since the boys had been staying with him.
“We’d better get you to school,” Gordon said to the boys. “We’ve been here for longer than I thought we would.”
Andy held a bouquet of fresh herbs in his hand. “We made these for our teachers for Christmas.”
“And they smell real sweet,” Charlie said. “Do you want to sniff?”
Shelley lowered her head and smelled the herbs. “They smell delicious. Your teachers will love them.”
“That’s what we thought, too.” Charlie held Mr. Jessop’s hand. “Can we go now?”
“Lead the way, little man,” Gordon said. “I’ll be back in half an hour,” he said to John.
“That sounds great. Remember to join us for a cup of coffee in The Welcome Center. The opening ceremony should be finished by then.”
Shelley smiled as Mr. Jessop and the boys hurried outside. “You already knew about Andrea, didn’t you?”
John held open the door. “Andrea called me last night. Her doctor and counselor are happy for her to be treated as an outpatient. She’s arriving on Christmas Eve. Gordon spoke to me a few days ago about everyone staying at his house.”
“That was kind of him.”
“He has a good heart.”
Gordon wasn’t the only one with a good heart. John was keeping a careful eye on the boys. And that love and attention was making all the difference. Even though their mom wasn’t here, they were more confident than they’d been when they arrived. More settled in the town that was their home.
Shelley stepped outside and shivered. Mabel was right. It was freezing out here. But that didn’t stop the people who were helping to move the three new families into the village. Cushions, blankets, and small tables were being lifted into place, ready for the new tenants to enjoy.
“How long have these families been on the wait-list for a home?”
“More than a year.” When John saw the surprise on her face he nodded. “I know. It’s a long time.”
“Where have they been living?”
“Two of the families stayed with friends. The third family was boarding with someone from Sapphire Bay.”
Shelley knew how difficult it was to find somewhere to live. She was just grateful that Bailey was happy to share her house.
After they’d placed the muffins in each house, John checked his watch again. “We’d better start the opening ceremony.”
John spoke to the person in charge of the sound system. As soon as he announced the opening ceremony was about to start, everyone stopped what they were doing and gathered around the three houses.
When John stood in the center of the yard, a hushed silence fell across the tiny home village.
“It’s wonderful to be here today to celebrate the opening of the next three tiny homes. I’d like to thank everyone who volunteered their time and skills to build the houses. I’m always blown away by your enthusiasm and hard work. To the businesses who donated supplies—thank you. Your generosity is much appreciated. And for the families who have waited patiently for the opportunity to live in these homes, God bless. This is a new beginning for you and we hope you enjoy being part of the tiny home village family. So, without further ado, I’d like to officially open the next three tiny homes. Can the families step forward to receive their keys?”
The people who were already residents of the village formed a guard of honor. Standing shoulder-to-shoulder, they welcomed each family as they walked toward John and their homes. Everyone clapped and cheered when they received their keys.
Seeing the excitement and anticipation on the faces of the families brought tears to Shelley’s eyes.
She sighed when a little girl rushed up to John and raised her arms, wanting to be picked up. With a smile that would have melted most people’s hearts, John gathered the little girl close and turned toward a man and a woman who were a few feet away.
Bailey tapped her on the shoulder.
“What are you doing here?” Shelley asked her sister.
“I’ve just finished a counseling session at The Welcome Center.” She nodded toward John. “If you’re even remotely interested in having a long and happy life with John, I’d snap him up fast. There aren’t that many handsome, eligible men in Sapphire Bay.”
“You don’t snap someone up just because there’s a man shortage.”
“Why not?”
“Because,” Shelley reasoned, “this is the twenty-first century, not the middle ages. If you’re really concerned about the number of single men in Sapphire Bay, organize a barn dance or some kind of social event. I’m sure you’ll get a lot of people wanting to come. You could run it as a fundraiser.”
“That’s not a bad idea. Make sure you write it down and tell John.”
“Why am I getting the job of telling John the ideas?”
Bailey groaned. “It’s obvious, isn’t it? John is happy to listen to anyone, but especially you. He thinks you’re amazing.”
John chose that moment to look at them.
When his gaze rested on Shelley, the warmth in his eyes made her toes curl. Whatever happened, she wouldn’t forget this moment. It was a new beginning for the three families who had moved into the tiny home village, and a new beginning for her.
Later that night, Shelley sat in front of John’s fireplace, snuggled against his side. After a busy day, they’d enjoyed a quiet dinner together. With Christmas carols playing in the background and the lights on the tree glowing, she was more content than she’d been in a long time.
“Did I tell you that Patrick and his team will start remodeling my houses in mid-January?”
“That’s good. Are you planning any more demolition days?”
“Patrick’s happy for me to take the drywall off the living areas in the second house, but he doesn’t want me to touch anything else unless he’s there. He’s worried I’ll fall off the ladder or pull something out of the wall that I shouldn’t.”
“Thank goodness for that.”
Shelley looked up at John. “Not you, too?”
“What do you mean?”
“I can help remodel my houses as well as anyone else. All I need is a little more guidance.”
“And a better ladder and safer extension cords.”
“I didn’t know you needed a circuit breaker thingy on them.”
John sighed. “The circuit breaker thingy will save your life if you cut through the cord. And if you’re using a power tool when a water pipe bursts, you could be electrocuted.”
Shelley didn’t want to think about her water pipes. What a nightmare. After she’d sent the photos of the rotten wood to Patrick, he’d inspected the houses more closely. Not only did the internal pipes have to be replaced, but all the connections to the street needed a complete overhaul. They were still in the demolition phase, and her contingency fund was already in danger of going into overdraft.
The sparkly chandelier she’d seen in a store in Billings might have to stay there.
John rubbed her shoulder. “When do your mom and dad arrive?”
“On Christmas Eve. Dad wants to arrive early so that he misses most of the traffic on the road. Mom’s bringing everything she needs for Christmas lunch, including an enormous turkey. What about your family? What are they doing?”
“The same as your family, except we’re having a big dinner on Christmas Eve. Mom and Dad are already in Los Angeles and my sisters will be there by seven o’clock tonight.”
Tomorrow morning, John was driving to Kalispell, then catching a flight to Los Angeles. He was spending a week with his family, before flying back to Montana.
“I’ll miss you while you’re away.”
John kissed the top of her head. “I’ll miss you too, but I won’t be gone for long.”
“What will the church do without you?”
“A pastor from Great Falls is visiting friends for the holidays. He’ll take the Christmas Day service and cover anything else that needs to be done. The volunteers at The Welcome Center have organized a big Christmas lunch for everyone at the tiny home village, and Gordon, Andrea, and the boys are helping them.”
Shelley sighed. “It sounds like everyone will have a lovely Christmas.”
John lifted his arm from around her shoulders and stood up. “Talking about Christmas… I’ve got something for you.”
“I thought you said no Christmas presents.”
“I lied.” Reaching under the Christmas tree, John pulled out a rectangular present. “I saw this and thought of you.”
Shelley jumped off the sofa and opened her backpack. “I have something for you, too.”
John’s eyebrows rose.
“What can I say? I’m a rule breaker, too.”
John took the present and laughed. “That must make us perfect for each other. Open yours first.”
Shelley sat on the sofa. “I’m impressed with your wrapping technique. You even added a bow.”
“I aim to please.” John sat beside her.
She opened the present and frowned. “A recipe book? Are you trying to tell me something?”
John grinned. “It’s time you learned how to cook more than cookies, muffins, and your mom’s favorite pasta dish. After Christmas, my gift to you is twenty cooking lessons.”
Shelley wasn’t sure that would be enough. “I think you’re overestimating my ability in the kitchen. I might need more lessons.”
“I’m a good teacher. If I can show teenagers who have never boiled eggs how to make coq au vin, I can teach you.”
“Okay. But don’t say I didn’t warn you.” Shelley looked at John’s present. “Your turn.”
He squeezed the slightly less well-wrapped present and grinned. “It’s squishy.”
Shelley sat forward. “I’m glad I didn’t make you any of my world-famous muffins.”
“They wouldn’t be quite so world-famous now,” John said with a grin. He opened one end of the present and peeked inside the paper. “A T-shirt?”
“Not just any T-shirt. The lady in the store said it’s guaranteed to make you run faster. I thought it might come in handy when you’re training for your half marathon.”
John pulled out the T-shirt and smiled at the quote on the front. “Mind Over Miles. I like it.”
Shelley reached into her backpack. “I bought these for you, too.”
John opened the Christmas bag and sighed. “Sometimes you’re so practical it’s scary.”
Shelley took that as a compliment. “Every runner needs anti-chafe balm, magnesium bath flakes, and anti-blister running socks.”
“Of course, they do. It’s a wonderful present.”
“I’m glad you like it. How’s the training going?”
“It will be better when I’m wearing my T-shirt and socks.”
Shelley frowned. “Does that mean it hasn’t been going well?”
“It’s hard to focus when it’s snowing outside and all Caleb wants to talk about is babies.” John held the T-shirt against his chest. “What do you think?”
“Amazing.” And she meant it. In more ways than one.
John leaned forward and kissed her. “Thank you. I’ll think of you when I’m running and tending to my chafing.”
Shelley laughed. “That’s more information than I need to know.”
John brushed a lock of hair off her face. “That’s good, because talking can be overrated.”
And he kissed Shelley so sweetly, that talking was the last thing on her mind, too.