Page 48 of Love Like Ours

“He’s been an invaluable helper,” Max joked as he approached. “He’s chased all the mice out of my barn while I finished moving the last of the furniture.”

“Glad he could help you out,” Palmer said, standing up and dusting himself off after Loki found a stick to chew a few feet away. Then he shook Max’s hand. “Thanks for looking after him.”

“Sure thing.” Max nodded. “How’s the head?”

He reached up and gently touched the area. “I have decided to grow a new head out of the side of this one,” he joked. “I’ll have my insurance haul my truck from your drive today.”

Max nodded. “No rush. Are you sure you’re up to much?”

“I’m good. I just got the all clear from Dr. Stevens.” He smiled. “And Sophia has been taking very good care of me.”

“Good to hear it.” Max glanced at Sophia and for a split second, and Palmer wondered if the man still had feelings for her. There was no doubt in his mind where Sophia’s feelings were. Not after the kisses and the night they’d shared. “Well, I’d better get back to work. I’m excited that your guys are going to start demo Monday,” Max said to him.

He smiled. “Now that we’ve finished hashing out all the major details, we’re ready to go.”

“Where will you start with all this?” Sophia asked, motioning to the lighthouse.

“We always start with the bones. Foundation, structural security, electric, and plumbing. The basics. Since Max is going to be living here during it all, we’ll start in the rooms he’ll live in first. He’ll have to temporarily shift to other rooms until we’re done with his spaces.”

“You’re still going to stay here through it all?” Sophia asked Max. “You’re sure?”

Max nodded. “I’ll be lending a hand where I can.” He shrugged. “Besides, I’m thinking of filming a lot of it. Palmer and his brother agreed to the project ahead of time.”

“Oh?” Sophia turned to him. “Going to become a star?”

He laughed. “Not if I can help it.”

“I could use your help, Sophia, if you’re up to it?” Max asked.

Her eyebrows shot up. “I…” She looked between them.

“No pressure,” Max added with a slight frown. “I know how busy you must be with your sister-in-law almost ready to give birth.”

“I’ll think about it,” she said finally.

Max nodded. “If you ever need a dog sitter again, you know where I’ll be.” Max bent down and pet Loki. “I didn’t think I’d enjoy a dog so much. My mom and sisters are cat people,” he said with a chuckle.

“They have plenty of dogs needing adoption over at Carrie’s Sanctuary,” Palmer suggested. “I got Loki there.”

“I may look into it once we get closer to finishing this project.” He stood and waved his hand towards the lighthouse. “I’m glad you’re feeling better.” He shook his hand. “See you on Monday.”

After leaving there with Loki, they took the dog on a short walk on the beach. Short because Palmer was unexpectedly winded and a little light-headed.

“I really need to call my insurance company.” He yawned.

“How about after you rest?” Sophia suggested, nudging him onto his sofa.

“Only if you join me. Join us,” he corrected after Loki jumped up on the sofa and snuggled with him.

She sat down next to him, lifting her feet along with his onto the large ottoman, and then pulled a throw blanket over them.

He was tired, and the moment he settled back, he was out. When he woke, the sun had shifted in the sky towards early evening and both the dog and Sophia were missing.

He stood up and heard happy barking and guessed Sophia had taken Loki out for a bathroom break. When the pair stepped inside, he realized he’d been wrong. They had obviously walked to the grocery store since Sophia was carrying bags of food.

“Oh, you’re awake,” she said happily as she set the bags down. She hung her coat on the hook and placed her shoes by his in the entryway. “We decided to get some fresh things and pre-made meals for dinner.” She started to unload the food. “You still have time. Why don’t you try to contact your insurance company?” she suggested, glancing over her shoulder.

He wiped his hands over his eyes and grabbed his phone. “Thankfully, they have a twenty-four-hour call center.” He punched their contact on his phone.

While he relayed his information, Sophia worked behind him in the kitchen quietly. By the time he got off the phone, his house smelled better than it ever had when he’d cooked.

He walked over just as she was plating two servings of grilled salmon with rice and large slices of honey-soaked carrots.

“This looks and smells amazing,” he said as she poured them each a glass of iced tea.

“I live off the pre-made meals at the store. All you have to do is heat them up. Sounds like your insurance call worked out.”

He nodded and sat down next to her. “They’ll tow the truck in the morning and haul it to a shop in Edgeview. They’ll have a rental delivered to me by nine. It won’t be a truck, but at least I won’t have to walk everywhere.”

The first bite he took melted in his mouth and he let out a low groan.

Sophia chuckled. “I’ll take that as a compliment.” She grinned and took her own bite.