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Every year the Builder’s Awards are held at our city’s oldest and most prestigious country club. It isn’t until we pull through the iron gates and up a paved hill the grounds that we can truly see the view, and it’s stunning. The property is lined with lush pine trees. The early evening air has a calmness to it that I’ve always felt is brought on by the coolness. “Have you ever been here before, Dad?” Trevor asks from the backseat where he and Jenna are both dressed in freshly pressed outfits.

“Actually, I did some work on the member’s rec room many years back,” he tells the kids as we continue to drive through the grounds.

We pull into the parking lot, and I immediately see Ruby and Steve. Slamming my door, I approach them, puzzled as to why they’re here. “Hey.” I glance at them both before leaning into a hug, “What are you guys doing here?” I ask kissing Ruby’s check. “Neither of you are involved in the construction field.”

Their gazes land on Heath behind me. When they don’t answer me, I turn back to my husband.

“I’m up for an award this year.” He shrugs.

“What?” I screech. “Why didn’t you tell me? When did you find out?”

“Come on kids, let’s go find our table,” Ruby says, ushering both of the kids and Steve up towards the main building.

“It’s not a big deal, Whit,” he says as he shoves his hands in his pockets.

“What do you mean it’s not a big deal? This is huge Heath. This can make your career. You can have a solid reputation in the community and in your field if you win this award tonight–”

“Yeah, and then what? Have more jobs booked to the point where I can’t handle the load? I don’t need the recognition, Whit. I don’t need all the hoopla and my name in lights to prove my worth.”

I sigh, rubbing my temples. “I’m not saying that you do.” I drop my hands and regard my husband. “But this is about everyone else recognizing that your work is good. You’ve never been average when it comes to building beautiful things. Your work has always been spectacular, I’ve told you for years. You’re fantastic in your craft, and if you win, everyone else will know, too.”

“Can we just go in?” He points his hand in the direction that Ruby walked towards a few minutes before.

I don’t move from my spot. “Why don’t you want to be rewarded for all your hard work?”

“I don’t want or need the extra headaches, that’s why. I’m satisfied with my life and how everything’s going. I don’t need anything else. What else do you want me to say?” He puts his hands on the small of my back, guiding me towards the crowd that’s entering the building.

As soon aswe enter the building, Heath’s demeanor changes. I feel him physically relax as we approach his colleagues and competitors until he spots a man walking towards us.

“Look at the man of the hour,” the gentleman says as he pats Heath on the shoulder. “Word around town is that you’re a shoo-in for top honors tonight.”

“I’m not sure if I’m a shoo-in. There are far better craftsmen out there.”

“Yes, but the builder’s union is the one who makes the decision aren’t they?” He lifts an eyebrow, and I get a feeling that he isn’t happy with the possibility that Heath may win.

“It doesn’t matter either way,” Heath defends. “I do what I do because that’s who I am. I’m not doing it to be rewarded. When we start to do things for recognition, we tend to lose our drive and our passion, and that’s a place I don’t ever want to be.”

The man eyesmy husband before turning to me. “You must be proud of your husband, Mrs. James.”

I stand tall. “I am. Heath has worked in this industry for a long time. He’s paid his dues, and he’s the best man for the honor.”

“If you’ll excuse us,” Heath says, cutting our conversation short and ushering me farther into the building. “I didn’t need you to defend me, Whit. He’s an ass and someone who I bid against on a normal basis. He isn’t worth your energy.”

“Yes, but you are,” I bite back, but stop myself from saying anything more before I start another argument. “Just go and mingle. I’m going to find Ruby and the kids.”

When I search the room, I see the kids are at a table texting and snapping away. Ruby isn’t that far away, so I make my way over to her. She hands me a glass of champagne.

“Hey, doll.” She gives me a sympathetic smile. “Sorry about earlier.”

“How did I not know, Ruby?” I fight back the tears as my mind wanders to places I don’t want it to go. “Why doesn’t he tell me anything?”

“I’m not sure, Whitney. That’s not my question to answer. Steve mentioned that his name was in the most recent trade magazine—you know the one that features all the trades in construction?”

“No, I didn’t know about that. Heath must have it sent to the office and not the house.” I take a sip of the glass, maybe a little faster than I should because before I know it, the glass is empty and I’m reaching for another as a waiter passes us.

“Well, I’m sorry that you had to find out that way.” She takes a step back and regards my outfit. “Good thing you’re looking smokin’ tonight.”

I chose a deep-purple wrap dress for tonight. The material hugs my curves and thankfully conceals the areas that I don’t want to advertise. It has a plunging neckline, and thanks to my overly expensive bra, my forty-year-old breasts look tight and perky.