Owen sighed. “I asked for that, didn’t I? Okay. Who am I to stand in the way of true love?”
Steve felt a surge of gratitude. “Thanks. I knew I could count on you.”
Owen sat at his workbench. “What’s your plan?”
Taking his notebook out of his backpack, Steve opened it to the first page. “The guys from the tiny home project will assess the structural integrity of the attic when Eden’s at work tomorrow morning. I have a key to her house, so we’ll be okay. Worst-case scenario is that we’ll have to reinforce the floor and roof. After that’s done, we’ll add a window or two for natural light. If I can organize enough labor, we’ll add a dormer window. Then it’s just a matter of insulating everything and adding drywall.”
Owen sighed. “My head’s spinning just thinking about all the work that needs to be done. What about the interior?”
“I’ll send you the photos from Eden’s display board. I was hoping you’d come with me to the general store to choose the paint.”
“Consider it done. We might as well grab the brushes and drop cloths we’ll need while we’re there. What about bookcases?”
Steve picked up his phone. “Richard’s making them exactly like the ones Eden found on the Internet. He had some leftover timber from another project, so it worked out perfectly.”
Owen ran his hands around the back of his neck. “So, apart from you, me, the tiny homes construction crew, and Richard, does anyone else know about your surprise?”
“Only Daniella,” Steve told his friend. “She’s giving Eden a lift to the airport so we can start straightaway. She’s also offered to supply us with all the food and drink we’ll need, even if we have to work around the clock. I just want to make sure the library’s perfect for Eden.”
Rex, sensing the excitement, wagged his tail and trotted over to Steve, nudging his leg. Steve bent down to scratch behind his little buddy’s ears. “Even Rex is excited about this.”
Owen laughed. “Looks like we have the whole team on board.”
They spent the next half hour making lists of the materials they’d need and setting a timeline for the remodel. Having so many people working in a small space meant there was bound to be issues. If they could make sure everyone wasn’t there at the same time, it’d be better.
As they wrapped up their planning session, Owen stretched his arms above his head. “We’ve got a lot of work ahead of us, but it’ll be worth it.”
Steve frowned. “I hope so. I have no idea what I’ll do if Eden doesn’t want to marry me.”
Owen put his arm around Steve’s shoulders. “You’ll grab your running gear and we’ll hit the trail for a few hours. If that doesn’t make you feel better, you can come home with me and drown your sorrows in too much takeout and some of the red wine I bought last weekend.”
Steve sighed. “I’ll make that plan B.”
Owen chuckled. “It might have to be plan Z. I’ve got a feeling we’ll have a few more issues than either of us expects.”
As long as they didn’t include Eden wanting to remain single, Steve didn’t care how flexible they had to be.
Chapter24
Eden yawned as she stepped off the plane in Boston. The last few days had been a whirlwind of working extra hours, getting her living room ready for plastering, and spending time with Steve. He’d been acting a little strangely over the last few days, but she put that down to being on a tight deadline for the sculpture he was making.
At least she wouldn’t have to wait for her luggage. She’d arrived with an overstuffed carry-on and her laptop bag. On the plane, she’d read a few articles about how to plaster drywall. As long as she got the consistency of the plaster right, it looked as easy as icing a cake. At least she hoped it was.
As she made her way to the airport exit, her heart fluttered with excitement. She hadn’t seen her parents in a while, and she missed them more than she realized. As she rounded the corner, she spotted her mom and dad standing near the entrance, their faces lighting up as they saw her.
“Eden!” Her mom, Margaret, hurried over and enveloped her in a warm hug. “It’s so good to see you, sweetheart.”
Her dad, Robert, followed closely behind, pulling her into a tight embrace. “Welcome home, kiddo. How was your flight?”
Eden smiled, feeling a rush of warmth. “It was good. A bit long, but I caught up on some reading.”
“That’s a good use of the time,” her dad said as he took her carry-on. “Your sisters and their families are coming over for dinner tonight.”
Eden’s face lit up. “That sounds wonderful. I can’t wait to see everyone.”
“The grandkids have been asking about you non-stop,” her mom added. “Gabby and Tash baked a cake, and Danny added some candy to the frosting. If Adam was a little older, he would have been helping them.”
Eden smiled, imagining her nieces and nephews working together in the kitchen. “I can’t wait to see them. How are Jessie and Katelyn doing?”
