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Wilda was painting the trim around the window when Milo came to the doorway. “Hey.”

Wilda turned around with a start and put a hand to her heart. “Oh my gosh, you surprised me.”

“Sorry. I didn’t mean to sneak up on you.”

“It’s fine. It’s your house after all. How are you feeling?”

“I think I might live.” He took a few steps into the room. “This is looking great.”

She looked around the room. “I agree. I really like it.” She looked at the fireplace. “Do you still want to help with the fireplace?”

“Yes. Just maybe not today.”

She set her brush down and wiped her hands on a towel. “I didn’t wake you up, did I?”

“I didn’t know you were down here until I heard you humming to yourself.”

“Oh, that’s embarrassing. I’m slightly tone deaf.”

“I didn’t notice.” She looked beautiful with her hair pulled into a ponytail and wearing an oversized T-shirt with Williamson Construction written on it.

“Can I get you anything? Are you hungry? Do you need anything from town?”

“I’m fine. I think I might try some coffee and maybe a bagel.”

“Do you want some company?”

“Sure.”

“Good. I’m ready for a break.”

“How long have you been here?”

“A couple of hours.”

“Did Caleb go to school?”

“No, he’s with Mathias.”

They left the parlor and went to the kitchen. Milo started a pot of coffee, then picked up a bag of bagels from the grocery store bakery. “Would you like a bagel?”

“No thanks. They look pretty good, though.”

“They’re passable. We could really use an actual bakery in this town.”

“I’ve seen a sign on an empty building.”

“Yeah. It’s been closed for about five years. The building has been for sale, but no takers, I guess.” He sliced a bagel in half, then put it in the toaster. “I’m slightly obsessed with bagels.”

When the bagel popped up, he buttered it, then poured himself some coffee. “Coffee for you?”

“Sure. I’ll take a cup.” She was sitting at the table, and he put the cup in front of her.

“Cream or sugar?”

“Sugar, please.”

He set a jar of sugar on the table. “I’m not too fancy around here.”