Chapter 62

sixty-two

DANIEL

I stood at the back of the old steamboat museum with Pastor Adam. Seeing the tiny homes being constructed indoors, then transported to the property, was impressive. It would definately speed up the project timeline.

The first tiny home was coming together more quickly than I imagined. Yesterday, the subfloor was constructed and the timber framing was partly assembled.

"Your grandfather enjoys being here," Adam said, looking at the progress.

I glanced across the room. Granddad was listening intently to one of the students as they studied the house plans. "He regretted having to sell his construction company. You've made him very happy."

"It's great having someone with his experience working alongside the apprentices. Do you like being back in Sunrise Bay?"

"I'm not here for long. Granddad and I are flying back to Manhattan tomorrow afternoon."

Adam's eyebrows rose. "Why so soon?"

"I need to be in my office on Monday. We're in the middle of rebranding our prestige store and promoting a lot of new products."

"Ben will be disappointed."

He wouldn't be the only one. For the first time since I'd started my company, I wanted something different. Manhattan wasn't the same when Ben wasn't there. I was ready to settle down, but the restlessness inside me was unsettling.

"I'll be back as soon as I can."

"Well, if you know anyone who wants a job, I'm looking for a Community Outreach Coordinator. The Welcome Center and the tiny home village are taking too much of my time."

I frowned. "It would be a good job for anyone wanting to give back to the community."

"That's what I'm hoping someone will think. We can't afford the salary most people earn in a city, but there are a lot of advantages to living here. I'll send you a copy of the job description. Feel free to give it to your friends."

"I'm not sure it would do much good. Most of my friends aren't planning on moving from New York."

Adam shrugged. "You never know. Stepping away from the stress of big city living can be good for the soul. Besides, it wouldn't have to be forever. It could be the type of job someone does for a couple of years before trying something else."

Granddad joined us. "What do you think of the progress we've made?"

"I'm impressed," I said. "It looks as though the walls could be going up later today."

"If we stick to the schedule, they will." He nodded at Adam. "It was a good idea to use the building apprentices on the project."

"It couldn't have worked out better." Adam turned as someone called his name. "I have to go. My ten o'clock appointment must have arrived." He shook our hands. "Have a safe journey home. Make sure you come and see me when you're next here."

"We will," I said. "Good luck with the projects."

"I'll need it if I can't find a coordinator," Adam muttered. He headed across the room, smiling at the woman waiting for him.

"Why do you think Adam became a pastor?" Granddad asked.

I looked at him and frowned. "I've got no idea. He can't be much older than I am."

"He's forty-one."

"You asked him?"

"Of course I asked him. That's what you do when you want to get to know someone. Have you seen Ben this morning?"

"I saw him for a few minutes before he came into town," I said softly. "He enjoyed having dinner with us."

"I ruined his family's life."

I touched Granddad's arm. I knew how much he was hurting because I felt it too. "Ben would disagree with you."

"Maybe." Granddad took off his tool belt. "I'm heading to the kitchen for coffee. Do you want to join me?"

"Sure. The only thing I have to do after this is buy Owen some fudge and meet Ben for lunch."

"That gives us plenty of time. After we've had coffee, you can help us lift the timber framing into place."

"I haven't picked up a hammer in years." The last time I'd done any construction was when I was at college. Granddad had given me a job over the summer break. It had been long, hot days, but I'd enjoyed every minute.

"It's like riding a bicycle. Once you know how, you never forget."

"I don't know if the person in charge would agree with you."

Granddad cleared his throat. "He's a flexible guy."

I looked closely at him. "Is there something you're not telling me?"

"Coffee first, then we talk. I'm still recovering from last night."

I couldn't blame him. Even after walking Ben home, the knowledge of what had happened to his family weighed heavily on my mind. But, one way or another, I vowed to make it up to Ben and his dad. Even if it meant doing the one thing I never thought I would.