Chapter22
Maverick
The patio was finished.Next, I needed to install the fountain and the four-seasons room.Eve had approved the fireplace.She'd said it was going to look amazing, and she couldn't say no.
The fountain was going to be a little more elaborate than what Belle had drawn.It was something I'd been thinking about for a while.
Recently, she'd framed her drawings of storybook characters and hung them on the walls.Most were known characters from popular movies and stories, but one was just a little girl.Belle had done a series of them and hung them together.They reminded me of what she might have looked like when she was younger.
The collection inspired me to put a matching little girl in the fountain, clutching flowers and holding a watering can.Water would flow from the watering can, and she'd wear a dress and a flower crown in her hair.
I was building the statue in my workshop at home so that it could be a surprise.It was a gamble because she hadn't ordered anything specific.I hoped she liked it.If not, I could remove it.But I hoped she'd love it as much as I did.
I'd taken a picture of her drawing and kept it on my phone so I could recreate the design.I couldn't help but think of a little girl with dark hair and blue eyes like Belle.Would she get lost in books and play endless games of imagination?
I hadn't answered Belle when she asked me about kids.I'd told her that I hadn't thought family life was meant for me.But my outlook had changed, and it was all because of Belle.Before I could tell her any of that, I needed to get this project done.
The patio would be finished in time for spring, and the four-seasons room would be done in advance of cooler weather.
It was unseasonably warm for April in Colorado.But winter weather wasn't done yet.
Belle stepped outside."I can't believe you're almost done."
"I'll build the fountain next."I gestured where it would go.
"Can I order the chairs and tables now?"
There was no reason why she couldn't get the patio ready for the warmer weather."You want me to put you in touch with the landscaper?You'll probably want flowers and bushes to give it the garden feel you're going for."
"That would be perfect.I can't wait to see people out here in the summer, reading and sipping their coffees."
I had a feeling there would be kids playing in the fountain too.I wanted to do something that Belle would appreciate, but in the back of my mind, I was aware that a unique design would increase attention to the project.The more elaborate, the more likely it was that it would be picked up by a magazine.Not that it was my goal, but it was a possibility.
Attention to my work was usually a goal.The more people who saw it, the more customers I had clamoring to work with me.It was hard to let go of that internal drive that I'd always had when it came to my business.
I was looking for ways to increase our reputation and our customer base.But I'd thought of her when I created the design for the fountain.It was based on Belle's drawings, and I wanted to surprise her with something special.It wasn't entirely selfish, but I worried how she'd react.
I hoped she didn't see it as shameless self-promotion when I wanted to do something nice for her.
"It's going to look great when everything's done.When do you think that will be?"
"While I'm working on installing the fountain, the crew will start the addition.We'll finish leveling it and setting the foundation.The fireplace and the walls will be next.You still want it to be all glass?You could put shades in to counter the sun if it's at a bad angle."
"The more sun the better," Belle said as we moved over to the area where we'd staked the four-seasons room.
It would be a large space, perfect for meetings or gatherings."Have you ever thought about hosting birthday parties?I'd imagine a little girl like you would love a party at a bookstore.It could be character themed or whatever the kids would want."
Belle stilled."That's a great idea.I hadn't thought about that.And it would bring in extra money."
"I just thought of it."I had a feeling the fountain with the little girl statue was going to draw more kids to the outdoor space.It would be the perfect backdrop for pictures.When the guilt crept in that I was being selfish, I brushed it off.
Belle wrapped her arms around my waist and hugged me.For the most part, we'd avoided public displays of affection around my crew.Usually, I was in work mode and wasn't tempted to kiss her when we talked business.
It must have been gratitude for my idea that prompted the hug.The door to the back patio opened.
"I should have put up a sign to say that the back is still off-limits while construction is going on.We can fence off this area to deter any curious people."
"That would be great."She looked up at me, her arms still wrapped around my middle, and I brushed a strand of hair out of her face.
