“Open a bookshop.”
She laughed. “Just like that?”
He carried the books inside.
Conversation over, I guess,she muttered to herself.
She went back to the car and realized that Halia had moved nearly everything into the house while she stood talking. Oops.
Sorry,she signed to her sister.
“Sorry?” Halia asked with a frown. “For what?”
“Leaving you to do all the work.”
“That’s a habit you need to leave behind.”
“What? Laziness?”
Halia rolled her eyes. “No. Apologizing for nothing.”
Laurie wasn’t sure what to say to that.
“I’ve gotta run.” Halia handed her the last couple of bags. “New family at Place of Refuge. I like to be there to help them settle in.”
OK, Laurie said.Thank you.
Halia gave her a friendly pat on the back and then climbed into her car and drove away.
Laurie walked back to the little cedar house. Kekoa was still there, frowning at the boxes they’d carried in.
“You don’t live here anymore,” she scolded. He just grinned at her.
“You’re going to need some bookshelves.”
“It’s fine. I’ll figure something out. It’s enough that they’re safe.”
He gave her an odd look, and her neck went hot with embarrassment.
She turned away and busied herself with unpacking some kitchen stuff.
“There’s not much room out here…” He trailed off and walked back into the bedroom.Herbedroom.
Laurie scowled and stomped her foot.
“…but I think I could build something that would attach to the bunk bed,” he continued when he walked back out.
She stared at him.
“Would that be okay?”
“You want… to build me a bookshelf?”
He shrugged. “Sure, why not?”
“Don’t you work?”
Kekoa chuckled. “Most of my work these days is making furniture. I’ve got time for one more piece. It’s not like some shelves will take long.”
