might be even more important than electricity. Although I noticed that there’s a pump running into the house so there must be a well, which will save some time.”
“Yes,” Ariella answered. “There’s a room downstairs which also contains a pump and a tub. I have a feeling that it was used for bathing and laundry too.”
“When are they planning on installing electricity?”
“I think they’re worried about incoming weather, so they’re coming out here this afternoon.”
“Good. How about I bring a grill along with me when I return with some of my things?” he suggested once they returned to the kitchen.
She blinked since his mind had remained blank during the last few minutes. “You’re moving in today?”
He stared into her eyes. “Unless you have any objections?”
Without hesitation, she answered, “No.”
“Good,” he answered, suddenly smiling. “Let me give you my phone number.”
She picked up her phone from the table. “I can give you mine too.”
After they exchanged numbers, she watched him as he walked away, feeling bemused. It had been one of the strangest few days she’d ever had, and there’d been several after discovering at six years old that she was considered to be a witch.
Chapter Nine
Birch felt like he’d been sucker punched in the gut when he drove off in the cruiser. Somehow, she was much different than he’d expected. He sensed no weakness in her, and she was totally in control of her femininity.
Now that he knew he would be sleeping literally a few feet away from her, he was worried about how he would manage to be able to keep his hands off her while concentrating on the work he’d promised to do.
Well, the good thing about it was he would have to hire several workers to get everything done in a timely manner, because he sensed that time was of an essence with everything that needed to be done on the island before winter set in.
Or maybe because something even worse was going to happen soon. There was a feeling of dread he was carrying around inside, as if the events that were happening had occurred another time before, and everything he undertook would have to be managed on a strict schedule.
After returning his cruiser to the marina, he spoke with the owner, Matt Renfrow. “I’m looking to hire a crew of plumbers and electricians immediately. I’m going to be doing some work for someone who needs to modernize and older home.”
“The person you’re talking about wouldn’t be Ariella Capella, by any chance?”
Birch rolled his eyes upward. “I’ll bet she purchased the pontoon from you, didn’t she?”
Matt grinned. “She’s a beautiful woman, isn’t she? Vin sure fell hard. Tell you what, I’ll give you the number for Callahan Construction. Cal should be able to do the impossible and line up a crew. You might consider hiring Vin to do some of the grunge work.”
“Thanks, Matt. And yes, Vin’s help will come in handy.”
Birch couldn’t believe how everything fell right into place from the moment he’d called Cal, who he’d met a few times with Sam Danielson. Apparently, they were pretty good friends.
Birch gave Ariella a call, and she answered right away. “Hello?”
“It’s Birch,” he answered, even though he knew she would see his name on her caller ID. “How soon is the power company coming?”
“They’re here right now,” she murmured.
He blinked. “How did you…?”
“I have my ways,” she answered.
“I’ll bet,” he answered dryly. “I’ve been able to line up a crew. Shall I send them out this afternoon to check things out?”
“Sure,” she replied. “The sooner, the better.”
“That’s what I thought too,” he muttered. “See you soon.”
He grinned when she disconnected without saying a word.
* * *
Gramps watched as Birch packed up his suitcase.
“Gee, that was quick,” he said, smiling widely.
Birch grimaced. “I could hardly believe it myself.”
“She didn’t seem nervous or awkward around you? It’s pretty strange that she trusted you so quickly.”
Birch paused, carefully considering Gramps’ question. “It’s funny, but I immediately trusted her too, and you know that’s something that doesn’t come easily for me, either.”
Gramps looked at him with definite approval. “I’m relieved that you’re not wasting time with distrust.”
“Gramps? Why are you and Ariella’s mother and aunt here in Crystal Rock?”
Gramps heaved a sigh. “We’re not exactly sure, Birch. But the three of us were guided, so there must be a purpose of which we’re unaware of yet.”
“Yes, that makes sense,” Birch murmured. “I have this feeling in my head that none of this is coincidence and everything that’s happening has happened