Jo, come look at these designs. What do you think?”
Jo leaned over her husband’s desk. They’d been married for a little over two months now. Sarah and John were settled in at John’s homestead. Mike sold the wagon and took the train back to Pearisburg. Jo and Xander had spent the past month finishing Xander’s circuit, selling his wares.
The drawing was perfect and detailed. “This is incredible. Do you think it would work?”
“Yes, I believe it will.” He pointed out the designs for a new wagon that would accommodate the two of them, having a full-size bed for their travels. Camping along the roadside would save them enough money after a year that they would be able to invest in a single shop and send the tinware via the trains. He wouldn’t be playing matchmaker after they settled down, but with any luck his time would be full playing with his son or daughter.
“I love it.” She kissed the top of his head.
“Are you feeling better?” He wrapped her in his arms.
“Yes, much, thank you.”
“Do you think?” He glanced down at her tummy.
“Too soon to know, but I hope so.” She stepped from his embrace and reached for the board she’d been working on and held it up to him. “What do you think?” she asked.
His eyes lit up. “Oh, honey, this is splendid. Thank you. You did this? All of this?”
She smiled and nodded.
“I’ll make a tinsmith out of you, yet. This is very good.”
“Thank you. What do you think of the name?”
“Russell’s Tin Shop,” he read aloud.
“I like it, Mrs. Russell. I can’t believe we’re opening our own place in a year. You’re a wonder, Jo. I never would have done it in less than five years without your help. I love you.”
“I love you, too,” she whispered.
He reached for her again and kissed her with the love and determination of a master craftsman working a sheet of metal into something beautiful.