Chapter 38

thirty-eight

JACOB

Two days later, Pastor Adam stood in front of the tiny homes the community had completed. With their bright red roofs and wide verandas, they’d make perfect homes for the first two tenants.

So far, the official opening ceremony had gone incredibly well. Adam had blessed the site and, with the construction foreman, had planted an oak tree. Children from Amy’s elementary school had sung a beautiful song, and a reporter from the local television station had interviewed the people who would be moving into the homes.

I tightened my hold around Andrew’s hand. “You should be proud of everything you’ve achieved.”

“I’m only a small part of the fundraising committee. Adam did most of the work.”

“I spoke to Paul yesterday. He said you’ve been a big help. As well as planting trees and decorating the houses, the money you and Tim raise will pay for four more homes.”

Andrew looked into my eyes and smiled. “It feels good to know we’re making a difference. Apart from anything else, the concerts will be a great community event. Did you enjoy Amy’s song?”

I grinned. “I did. She was so proud to be here.”

“The project means a lot to her, too. She’s spent a lot of time with Paul, helping to make the curtains and cushions for the houses. I thought I’d do something special for her.”

“Like what?”

“I don’t know yet, but I’ll think of something.”

I gently pulled him against my chest and kissed him. “Sunrise Bay is lucky to have you living here.”

“It’s the other way around,” he reminded me. “I don’t know what would have happened if I’d stayed in Nashville.”

Matt, another volunteer, cleared his throat. “I know what would have happened. You would have bought an enormous house, filled the garage with Lamborghinis, and toured the world wearing cowboy boots and black jeans.”

Andrew laughed. “I knew there was a reason I wanted to come home. Taking photographs and making jam for my friends sounds so much better.”

Matt smiled. “Since we’re talking about food, can you help Jenny and me in the kitchen? Everything took a little longer to prepare, and we’re only halfway through putting it on the tables.”

I looked at Andrew. “If you have something else to do, I can give Matt a hand. I want to speak to Jenny, anyway.”

“We’ll both help,” Andrew said. “A lot more people have come to the opening than we expected, and they’ll all be hungry.”

As we wound our way through the crowd, Andrew smiled at the snippets of conversation he overheard. Everyone who’d looked inside the homes was impressed.

Matt held open the back door of The Welcome Center. “Quite a few people are visiting the center as well as looking at the tiny homes. Mr. Jessop’s showing a group around the community garden at the moment.”

“He’d like that,” Andrew said. “He loves showing people what he’s been doing.”

Matt glanced at me before speaking to Andrew. “Did Mr. Jessop tell you he has the funding to build a greenhouse?”

Andrew’s eyes widened. “That’s wonderful. He’s been wanting to grow vegetables all year round for ages. Who’s sponsoring the project?”

“That’s the thing,” Matt said as we walked down the hallway. “The person or company who donated the money has asked that their name remain anonymous. Even Jenny doesn’t know who gave The Welcome Center the money.”

I followed Andrew and Matt into the kitchen. “As long as the center can grow its own vegetables, does it matter who gave them the money?”

“Not really,” Matt said. “But Mr. Jessop wants to thank them.”

Andrew shrugged. “Maybe the person values their privacy. Sometimes people think about you differently if you give away a large amount of money. Most people want to be treated like everyone else, regardless of who they are or what they’ve done.”

Matt’s gaze shot to me. “Maybe. But I still think it’s good to thank them.”

I frowned. “I can almost guarantee the person who donated the money knows how everyone feels.”

“It’s interesting you should say that,” Matt said. “Because just the other day I thought I saw?—”

“Thank goodness you’re here,” Jenny said as she rushed across the kitchen. “The next lot of pies are ready to come out of the oven. Andrew, can you check the teenagers who are taking the sandwiches out to the dining room? Make sure they aren’t eating them before the plates go on the tables.”

“I’ll check that the coffeepot’s hot,” Matt said quickly. “Given the noise coming from the dining room, I’d say our first guests have arrived.”

As soon as Andrew left the kitchen, I knew Matt was right. By the time everyone else arrived, The Welcome Center would be bursting with people.