Patrick was with them. When he was at The Welcome Center, he’d talked to Pastor John about the project, explaining that, for more than twenty years, he’d worked in the construction industry. He’d offered his expertise and, after talking with the foreman, he was now mentoring a team of apprentices as they tackled the first house.
Cassie quickly realized that, even though Patrick was eighty-one years old, nothing, except a little arthritis in his knees, would slow him down.
She opened a door on the far side of the entrance and smiled. Megan was working with four other volunteers, measuring and cutting the fabric that would become curtains for each house.
Nora sat at a small table, reading a book to her dolly.
Cassie walked across to her friend. “It looks like Aladdin’s cave in here.” Four tables, clustered around the volunteers’ work area, held large rolls of fabric in a multitude of colors.
Megan unwound a few yards of dark blue material. “Isn’t it wonderful? I can’t believe the store in Great Falls donated so much fabric.”
“Neither can I. It’s amazing how generous they’ve been. Will you make the curtains here?”
Nora came over to the work table. “We’re making them at our house.”
Megan smiled. “Just some of them. We decided it would be easier if we sew the curtains from each of our homes. That way, we can make them in our own time instead of having to drive here each day.”
“That makes sense. Is there anything I can do to help?”
“You can hold the fabric while I cut it.”
“Sure.” While Megan sliced through the fabric with a sharp pair of scissors, Cassie looked around the room. “When did you arrive?”
“About an hour ago after school finished. Nora and I met Noah’s granddad. He seems like a nice person.”
“How did you—”
“I didn’t go out of my way to say hello. When we arrived, he was sitting outside, having a cup of coffee.”
Nora leaned against Cassie’s legs. “Do you want me to tell you about the book I’m reading? It’s about dragons and princesses, and a small frog called Peter.”
“As long as Megan can spare me for a few minutes, I’d love to hear about your book.”
Nora’s big blue eyes settled on her aunt. “Would that be okay? We won’t be very long.”
Megan folded the piece of fabric she’d cut. “Of course, it’s okay. But before you tell Cassie about your book, I need her to help me lift this roll of fabric off the table.”
Cassie’s eyes widened. “There’s no way you’re lifting anything. You could hurt yourself.”
“You sound just like William.” Megan sighed. “I’m perfectly okay. The fabric isn’t heavy, it’s just awkward.”
“Which is why neither of you is going to move it.”
Cassie’s mouth dropped open. As she turned around, her heart pounded. “Noah? What are you doing here?”
He lifted the roll of fabric into his arms. “Moving this. Where do you want it?”
“Follow me.” Megan smiled and led him across to another table.
Cassie didn’t move.
“I like Noah,” Nora whispered. “He knows lots of funny jokes.”
“You remember him?” Cassie was surprised when Nora nodded.
“Is he your boyfriend yet? I told Noah if he caught you a fish, you might want him to stay.”
Cassie wished their relationship could be fixed so easily. “Noah and I are friends.”