Trust Coach to come up with ideas to benefit everyone. He was good at thinking outside the box. “Brilliant idea. My father would be very grateful for the extra money toward the repair fund and it would also make the kids feel as though they’ve had a hand in the restoration work. Make it a real town project where everyone is involved.”
Coach chuckled. “Right, I’ll get onto the food side of things and you let me know as soon as you nail down a date. Then I can send out a newsletter to parents and tell them what’s happening.” He hung up and Adam breathed a sigh of relief. At last he was making things right. He doubted he could live with seeing the disappointment in the kids’ eyes knowing it was his fault it was there.
The door opened and a couple walked in, holding hands. Adam stood up.
“Hello, welcome to Cherry Lake. I’m Adam Clement. What can I do to help you today?”
Later that night he ran into the grocery store, annoyed with himself for being late on the first night he was cooking dinner for Dakota. He gathered his supplies and then drove over to her house. He had a bottle of her favorite wine already and a small thank you gift because when he saw it, it reminded him of her.
The light shone from her workroom out onto the lawn as he pulled up in front of the house. Head bent over the table, she didn’t even move when he slammed his car door. Adam walked up the path and knocked on the door.
“Come in!”
He opened the door, stepped in and was immediately assaulted by a ball of black fluff. She danced around his legs as he made his way to the kitchen. “Just me.” He put down his supplies and picked up Tiny, headed to the workroom.
“I know.”
He ducked his head in the door and watched her for a moment.
“I can’t stop this. Rather delicate I’m afraid and if I try to come back to it later, the solder marks will show up more because the metal gets a chance to cool off. Then if I heat it up again, it leaves a bluer tinge that I try to avoid at all costs.”
Adam leaned on the doorframe. “I understand. I’m blown away by your skill, Dakota. I wish I had half as much talent as you do.”
“Ha! Says he who can bend a ball better than anyone else on US soil.”
A warm glow rippled over his skin. She must have checked up on him to know that. When they’d met, she didn’t even know who he was. For a reason he couldn’t fathom, it made him feel special. Normally he took that kind of praise in stride. After all, he’d earned it with the hours and hours of training he’d put in to get that good.
“I gather you would have also spent considerable time honing your craft. I’m sure you didn’t just wake up one day and know you could do it. Technique is a hard won accomplishment, no matter what the application.”
“Just listen to us. Talk about mutual admiration. Anyone would think we were the needy type.” She poked her tongue between her lips, held the soldering iron in what looked like an impossible angle and kept it there for a second before taking it away. “There. Done. You little stunner.” Dakota placed the iron on a heat mat and flicked off the switch. The angel in her hand was complete. She placed it back down on the table and sat back, stretching her arms over her head. “That one took a considerable amount of time. I really didn’t expect it to so I’m not exactly sure why it did.”
Adam stepped closer, crouched down and inspected the ornament. “If I was an expert, which I’m not, I’d say it has something to do with those gorgeous intricate wings she’s sporting. Very cool, Dakota. Seriously very cool indeed.”
“Thanks.” She slid down off her stool and bent over, touched her toes and stood up, a bubbly grin on her face. “I want wine and food please, then I have to go back to work to make icicles for someone.” She nudged him in the ribs. “What have you got planned for dinner, Adam?”
“Steak with whiskey sauce, baby potatoes and greens. And a bottle of your favorite wine. Sound okay?” He placed his hand on her back and walked out to the kitchen pushing her ahead of him.
“Ooh yes. I’ll light the fire while you pour me a glass. If I fall asleep, nudge me awake, okay?”
Was this her way of making him feel bad for dragging her into his problems? He hoped not but he could see the dark shadows under her eyes and he had to take some responsibility for adding to them. “I’m sorry I roped you into this when you have so much on your plate.”
She waved a hand at him. “Oh please, don’t be silly. I was joking. I’d do the same for any friend in need.” Was that a note of sarcasm in her voice? She knelt down in front of the fire and started to build a nest of paper and kindling while he opened the wine.
“Here you go.” Adam handed her a glass and she sat on her heels, took a sip and sighed in pleasure.
“This is so good. I needed a break, thanks for looking after me.”
“As you said, it’s what friends do.” He went back to the kitchen to prep his dinner.
When he returned to the
