Restoring His Heart

The man’s handshake was firm and steady, his smile and friendly tone took any condemnation out of the words. “I seem to have acquired a reputation overnight. Literally.”

“So you have. But because you’re working to make things right, the good folks of Dover will forgive you soon enough. Provided it’s finished in time for the big festival.”

“Jim, what are you up to today?” Laura walked past Adam to the fence, opening her arms to the man for a quick hug. Apparently they were close friends.

“I just got back from rounds at the hospital and thought I’d come by and see how things are going here.” He glanced over at Adam. “Mr. Holbrook looks like he will be a competent assistant for you.”

Laura looked askance at Adam. “He might make a good saw boy eventually. We’ll see.” She turned to Adam. “Jim is the associate pastor at our church.”

Adam took another look at the man. He guessed him to be in his late thirties. He had kind eyes and a gentle manner. He could easily see this man leading a flock of believers, but then, his exposure to men of the cloth was very limited. Barrett noticed his assessment and chuckled softly.

“My church is the big red one just past the corner over there.” He pointed northward. “If you ever need to talk, or if you need a friend, just call.”

“I appreciate the offer.” Adam grinned and glanced down at his ankle. “But I’m limited in my social interaction at the moment.”

“No problem, I’ll come to you.” He handed Adam his business card before turning to Laura. “You’ll let me know if I’m needed, won’t you?”

“Of course.”

He started to leave, then turned back. “Oh, I meant to ask you, how’s it going with the Keller building? Any luck? I understand the auction is coming up soon.”

Laura sighed. “I’m still working on a solution, but at the moment it’s not looking good. I’m praying something will turn up because I’m nearly out of ideas.”

“Don’t give up. I’m sure the Lord is working it out. We just can’t see it yet. Well, I’ll let you get back to work. I don’t want to be the cause of this gazebo not being ready for the festival.”

Adam watched the pastor walk away, then looked at his boss. The expression on her face was one of sadness and disappointment. Apparently the little gazebo wasn’t the only thing she was concerned with. He started to ask, then thought better of it. “Hey, what’s a saw boy?”

She glanced at him and smiled, tugging her hat more firmly onto her head. “You are. You’re going to get to cut all the wood on this project.”

Adam grinned in anticipation. “We’re talking power saws, whirring blades, danger, stuff like that?” Laura grimaced and shook her head, motioning him back to work.

“I was just wondering, how long do you think this job will take?” Adam asked.

“If all goes well and everything arrives on time, two to three weeks. What’s the matter, Holbrook? You bored already?”

“No, but I have someplace I need to be at the end of the month. I don’t suppose you could put in a good word for me with your uncle? Convince him that the quickest way to get this job done on time would be to hire another professional?”

Laura frowned. “I don’t suppose I could. What’s so important that you have to be there? Some sort of big celebrity party?”

He should have expected her to react that way. He doubted she’d be sympathetic to his dilemma anyhow. “Never mind. Forget it.”

Adam watched Laura return to the table saw. She was a hardworking, hands-on kind of woman. People were expecting her to restore what had been damaged. She’d find it hard to identify with a guy who never had to question where his next paycheck was coming from. But then, no one had ever expected anything from him. Until now.

* * *

Adam rubbed his protesting shoulders and stretched his back to ease the kink in his spine. He’d been working nonstop since the pastor’s visit and his body screamed for relief. Almost as much as his stomach craved food. Apparently, Laura stayed small because she never ate. He was beginning to wonder if he’d ever taste food again when he heard a familiar voice call out.

“Hey, y’all. I thought I’d treat you to lunch today.” Tom Durrant walked toward them across the courthouse park, a large pizza box in his hand. Laura went to meet him.

“Thanks, Dad. I hadn’t even thought about eating. Too much to do.”

“Hello, Adam. Is she working you too hard?”

“Nothing I can’t handle so far.” Adam brushed off his hands and joined them.

“How’s it going, Boo?”

“Fine. We should have the damaged section cleared away by tomorrow, then we can get a better idea of what we’re looking at.” She handed Adam the hot pizza box and turned to give her dad a warm hug. “Thank you, Daddy. You’re the best.”

Adam watched with interest as the two embraced. A moment ago Laura Durrant had been all business—determined, focused and self-assured. But she’d turned into a happy little girl when her father showed up. He found himself wondering what other sides there were to his boss.

“Well, I won’t keep you. Enjoy your lunch and I’ll see you both later at the house.”

Laura smiled over at Adam, her eyes bright. “Isn’t he just the sweetest? Someday I’m going to find a man just like him to marry.”

Adam saw the love and admiration in her expression, feeling sorry for the man who tried to live up to the image Laura had created. Even in the short time he’d known Tom Durrant, he knew he was a man worthy of admiration. But few men on the planet could measure up. Adam held out the pizza. “Where do you want to eat this?”

“Over here.” She walked to the truck, lowered the tailgate and hopped up on it, feet dangling. She held out her hands for the box.

Adam joined her, wiping his hands on his jeans. “I thought tailgating was for football games.”

“And construction sites. I have some hand sanitizer if you need it.”

There was a teasing glint in her eyes. “I’m good, thanks.” He took a slice and bit into it with gusto. He couldn’t remember when he’d last worked up an appetite like this. He glanced over at Laura. “So, I take it your family is close?”

“We are. My older brother, Matt, lives here in town with his two children. He teaches at the community college. He’s getting married next month to his high school sweetheart. His first wife died of cancer.”

“That’s tough.”

“It was, but then Shelby came back to Dover. She’d had some serious health issues and came here to stay with her grandmother while she recuperated. She had no idea Matt lived next door, but once they saw each other again, all the old feelings came back.”

“Just like that?”

“No, but they worked things out and now they’re getting married. My other brother, Ty, is a cop in Dallas. He’s single. He was shot recently and he’s still recuperating. We’re hoping he’ll be able to come home for Thanksgiving.”

“What about you? No one special? Like the pastor, maybe?”

“What? No!” Her cheeks turned pink. “He’s married. Besides, I don’t have time for a relationship. I’ve got too much work to do. Especially now.”

“So what’s this Keller building the pastor mentioned? Another restoration project?”

“In a way. See that old building on the corner opposite my dad’s store? That’s the Keller building. It used to be a pharmacy way back when. When I was a kid, it was a candy store. I’ve been trying to save it for three years, but nothing has worked out. It’s going up for auction in a few weeks and I’ve run out of options.”

“Is there something special about that building, like this gazebo?”

“If you mean is it part of the history of this town, then yes. Is it a landmark? Officially, no. Mr. Keller would never cooperate with getting it designated. He owned that whole block at one time. I’ve been unable to find funding or grants, anything that will keep it from being sold to some developer who will either tear it down and use it as a parking lot, or put up some kind of modern building that would destroy the charm of Dover.”

Adam tried to imagine the corner with a parking lot or a sleek office building. He might not like small towns, but he could fully understand her concern. And he admired her devotion. “What do you plan to do with it?”