Patrick picked up his glass of wine and raised it in a toast. “To good friends, new loves, and open hearts.”
Cassie touched the rim of her glass to Patrick and Noah’s. “To good friends.”
Chapter 19
Noah stood at the back of the old steamboat museum with Pastor John. Being able to build the tiny homes indoors, then transport them to the property, would make a huge difference to the project timeline.
The first tiny home was coming together more quickly than he imagined. Yesterday, the subfloor was constructed and the timber framing had been partly assembled.
“Your grandfather enjoys being here.”
Noah looked across the room. His granddad was listening intently to one of the students as they studied the house plans. “He regretted having to sell his construction company. You’ve made him very happy.”
“It’s great having someone with his experience working alongside the apprentices. Do you like being back in Sapphire Bay?”
“I’m not here for long. Granddad and I are flying to Manhattan tomorrow afternoon.”
John’s eyebrows rose. “Why so soon?”
“I need to be in my office on Monday. We’re in the middle of rebranding our prestige store and promoting a lot of new products.”
“Cassie will be disappointed.”
She wouldn’t be the only one. For the first time since he’d started his company, Noah wanted something different. Manhattan wasn’t the same when Cassie wasn’t there. He was ready to settle down, but the restlessness inside him was unsettling.
“I’ll be back as soon as I can.”
“Well, if you know anyone who wants a job, I’m looking for a Community Outreach Coordinator. The Welcome Center and the tiny home village are taking too much of my time.”
Noah frowned. “It would be a good job for anyone wanting to give back to the community.”
“That’s what I’m hoping someone will think. We can’t afford the salary most people earn in a city, but there are a lot of advantages to living here. I’ll send you a copy of the job description. Feel free to give it to your friends.”
“I’m not sure it would do much good. Most of my friends aren’t planning on moving from New York.”
“You never know. Stepping away from the stress of big city living can be good for the soul. Besides, it wouldn’t have to be forever. It could be the type of job someone does for a couple of years before trying something else.”
Patrick joined them. “What do you think of the progress we’ve made?”
“I’m impressed,” Noah said. “It looks as though the walls could be going up later today.”
“If we stick to the schedule, they will.” He nodded at John. “It was a good idea to use the building apprentices on the project.”
“It couldn’t have worked out better.” John turned as someone called his name. “I’ll have to go. My ten o’clock appointment must have arrived.” He shook Noah and Patrick’s hands. “Have a safe journey home. Make sure you come and see me when you’re next here.”
“We will,” Noah said. “Good luck with the projects.”
“I’ll need it if I can’t find a coordinator,” John muttered. He headed across the room, smiling at the woman waiting for him.
“Why do you think John became a pastor?”
Noah looked at his granddad. “I’ve got no idea. He can’t be much older than I am.”
“He’s forty-one.”
“You asked him?”
“Of course I asked him. That’s what you do when you want to get to know someone. Have you seen Cassie this morning?”
