“My room is all done,” Jackson bragged as they got in the car.
“Good job.”
“Can you believe how much we’ve accomplished in such a short time?”
“We’re way ahead of schedule.”
“What schedule?”
“Oh, I don’t know...” She considered this as she drove. Was it time to tell him of her plan to list the cottage with a Realtor? But they were close to town—and she thought it was unfair to spring bad news right before she dropped him off.
“Do you mean before Christmas?” he persisted.
“We definitely want to be done before Christmas. But you know we’re getting it ready to sell, Jackson. I’ve told you—”
“But we’ll be here for Christmas,” he insisted. “We have to be here for Christmas, Mom. And you don’t know what might happen after that. Remember, you promised to trust God.”
“Well, at any rate, it would be nice to have it mostly wrapped up by next week. And I think it’s possible.” She tossed an uneasy glance his way. His obstinate denial was hard to deal with. Especially when he threw God into the mix. But what if he came home one day to see a FORSALEsign in the yard? Would that be enough to convince him they couldn’t stay here? Still, this wasn’t the time for a painful reality check. “So, you never told me what you thought about the paint color in your room.”
“I love it. It’s perfect. Almost exactly what I’d been imagining.”
“I can’t wait to see it.” She turned toward town.
“But remember you promised not to look until I put it all back together again. Remember?”
“Yes, I remember.”
“And no cheating when you go back home.”
“No cheating.” She pulled up to Caleb’s shop just as he came out the door carrying a red plastic box.
“Hey, you’re right on time,” he said as Jackson hopped out.
“Reporting for duty.” Jackson made a mock salute.
“Take this.” Caleb handed him the box, then leaned in the still-opened door. “Are you sticking around or—”
“No way.” She held up her paint-splotched hands. “I have to go home and finish a project, but I can pick him—”
“Why not just let Jackson stay until five? We’ll meet you at the town square.”
“Okay.” She nodded. “Thanks.”
“Mom, will you bring Oliver?” Jackson called over Caleb’s shoulder. “Please!”
“Oliver?” Caleb looked confused—or maybe concerned.
“Jackson’s dog,” she told him. “Remember?”
He chuckled. “Oh, yeah.” He turned to Jackson. “I’d like to meet this guy.”
“Is it okay to bring him for the celebration?” Jackson asked hopefully.
“Sure, lots of people bring their dogs. Seaside is a very dog-friendly town. Well, as long as the dogs are people-friendly.”
“Oliver is really friendly,” Jackson assured him.
“Then you should definitely bring him.” Caleb grinned at Wendy.
