Healing Hearts (Hope River #3) - Margaret McHeyzer Page 0,62
to mention we’ve got the houses over on Oak Tree Parade, and the city is really impressed with what we’re doing and is trying to get us to sign on so we take on more of their houses.”
“Speaking of which, I need to modify a few things at Aunt May’s house. I know you guys are busy, so I’ll try to find contractors to come in and do the work.”
“Hey, what do you need?” I ask.
“I need to put a ramp in the front so Aunt May can come and go without trouble, because she loves her vegetable garden. And I need some new easy turn faucets installed. And a hand rail for her in the bathrooms, um, I think that’s it. Honestly, my brain is fried, so there could be more, but I’m so tired I’ve probably forgotten.”
These are all things I can do. I sneak a look over to Hope and River, and both give me a small, knowing nod. Yeah, we’ll get it done. We’ll get it done tomorrow, so it’s all ready for when May comes home. “I’ll make a few phone calls,” I say.
“Oh no, please. I know how busy you are, and it’s too much to ask you to do anything.”
That’s her, I refuse to let anyone close so I’m elevating all my walls again. She can think whatever she likes, we’ll take care of this for her and for May.
“If you and Elle can help with the food, would you mind if sometime next week or the week after, the three of us get together and go over a few things for the wedding?” Hope asks.
“Sure,” Elle says.
“Yeah, I can do that,” Tabitha adds. “As long as Aunt May is okay, then I’m good.”
“Hey, how’s um Joanne doing?” I ask Hope.
“She wasn’t supposed to start yet, but she heard what happened with May, so she called me and asked if I needed the help, so I put her to work. Thomas, her son, has been helping out too. They’re staying at the B&B for now, which means we need to get the family retreat done ASAP.” Hope pointedly looks to me, then River.
“You’re a slave driver,” I say.
“You’re only her brother, I’m marrying her,” River mumbles under his breath.
“I swear to God, River, if you keep going like this, our wedding night will consist of you sleeping in a separate bed from me.”
“Sorry, love,” he mutters as he lowers his head.
Tabitha laughs, and Jake shakes his head. “Keep your woman under control, River.”
Hope’s eyes widen as she slowly turns her head to look at Jake. We all know he’s only kidding, but things like this fire Hope up. Elle’s trying to hide her laughter by lifting her hand and covering her mouth. River has suddenly become invested in anything but what’s happening, and Tabitha and I are trying to contain our laughter. “All I can say, buddy, is I hope the castration is quick,” I say.
Jake starts laughing too. Hope brings her finger to her mouth, tapping on her bottom lip. “Don’t think I’m not gonna get you back for that comment.”
“I’ll make sure to wear a protector for the rest of my life,” Jake jokes.
Even Tabitha has relaxed. Her shoulders aren’t as tense, and she’s smiling. I like it when she’s free like this. In the few months I’ve known her, she’s always been so damn intense, and high-strung, but tonight she’s different.
The night goes by with lots of laughs, and the perfect company. But by nine, Tabitha’s yawns are becoming more frequent while she struggles to keep her eyes open. “Okay guys, thanks for having us, but I need to get this one home.” I push my chair back, and hold out my hand for Tabitha.
Her eyes grow large as she looks at my hand, then peeks over to the others. All her walls are sneaking up again, and I know this is an internal struggle for her. She slowly reaches for it, and I think she expects everyone to say or do something. But nothing happens.
I push her limits once more by snaking my hand around her waist, and drawing her closer to me. “Good night, everyone,” I say.
“Night,” everyone responds in unison.
“Hey, Tabitha, if you need anything, let me know, yeah?” Hope offers.
“Thank you. Good night. Oh, and thank you for dinner.”
We leave the four of them talking, and still nibbling away at what food’s left. As we walk out to the car, I can see Tabitha is restless.