“Well, you’re not here, so I’m going to do the plowing.”
“Fair.” He chuckled. “Is that ice cream mint chip?”
“Of course it’s mint chip.” I sighed. “I should probably buy stock in Tillamook.”
“What if I just promise to keep the freezer stocked?”
“That’ll work.” I smiled. “Now we just need the reno to be done.”
“Cade said he can meet with us tomorrow if you want.”
I paused, mid-bite. “I’m free.”
“Awesome. I’ll text you tomorrow and let you know what time.”
“Okay.” I closed my eyes and let the warm fuzzies cover me. “I love you.”
“Love you too, beautiful. Now, go study. I’ll text you when I’m done.”
“Can’t wait.”
“Me neither.”
We hung up and I opened my laptop before grabbing my ice cream. My heart was full and my spirit peaceful as I hunkered down to study.
* * *
Idrove over to Flash’splace just before lunch the next day and walked into chaos. There were towels covering the living room floor and workers rushing through the house.
“Flash?” I called out.
“Kitchen, babe.”
I walked that way and found Flash and his uncle bent over the new island, plans spread across the form. Flash’s uncle looked a lot like Hatch, only with short hair. He was a little taller than Flash’s dad, leaner but obviously fit. Short, dark hair, he kind of looked like if Paul Rudd and Channing Tatum had a baby. He was just as gorgeous as all the Wallace men.
“What happened?” I asked.
“Water main busted,” Flash said.
“Oh, crap.”
He grimaced. “Yeah. Old pipes.”
“It’s a miracle they lasted this long,” Cade said. “But, yeah, we gotta replace ’em all.”
I bit my lip and Flash wrapped an arm around me. “Hey, it’s all good, baby. All the floors were already ripped up and none of the new hardwood had been laid. Better it happen now rather than later.”
“How can you be so calm?” I asked. “It’s not even my house, and I’m freaked.”
He chuckled. “Can’t worry about shit that’s outta my control, Tater. Plus, got you and my family at my back. I’m covered.”
I sighed, wrapping my arms around him. “This is very true.”
“Why don’t you two go over to VFI and look at paint, flooring, and tile?” Cade suggested. “Write down things you like, you can check out samples too and bring them back here to check light and stuff. I can give you pricing, and you can decide your favorites from there. Sound good?”
Flash gave me a squeeze. “You feel like shopping with me?”
“I’m a girl.”
