Page 13 of Wood You Knot

Carpentry was in our blood, and we bonded over the projects we did. My brothers and I used to spend hours helping our grandpa build furniture as kids, and though Grandpa had long since passed on, we felt closer to him in those moments.

I’d decided I wanted to build on a bigger scale and had started my own construction business after going to trade school. It was an umbrella of Hutchinson Lumber, but I got all the contracts and used supplies and roofing tresses from the lumberyard.

Two of my buddies, Kaleb and Gus, worked with me, and we took on all sorts of projects around town, from historical reconstruction to framing and renovations. Preserving our town’s history while keeping it alive and thriving was important to me.

I climbed the stairs on the side of the garage, heading to the door. We’d built a small deck off the side of the garage, large enough for a barbecue and a bistro table and two chairs.

Since I’d just been in the backyard, I hadn’t bothered to lock up. I twisted the handle and walked into the open floor plan. A short hallway across the room led to the single bedroom and bathroom.

It was quiet, too quiet, especially after a lively afternoon. The silence tended to drive me mad with boredom. I put on the TV just for some background noise and crossed over to the refrigerator to grab a beer. Sunday nights were always bittersweet, the end of the weekend signalling the beginning of the busy workweek.

I loved my job and loved the distraction it provided during the week, but I’d be lying if I said there wasn’t something missing from my life.

Seeing Sage yesterday morning, still mused with sleep and wearing pyjamas, had made me long to wake up with her looking just like that in my arms. After spending the afternoon talking to her, it only made me want a million more just like that.

* * *

The next morning, I stopped off at Tout de Sweets for coffee before heading out to the lumberyard to pick up materials. As usual, the lineup was nearly out the door—the café and bakery’s popularity amongst townsfolk and tourists alike was unrivalled.

I didn’t mind the wait. I’d left early to make sure I had time for it. Expected it, even. What I wasn’t expecting was to run into the Hartley sisters again. It was a little too early for them to be out and about.

Coffees for myself and my dad in hand, I was just about to head for the door when Alice waved me over. “Good morning, Nix.”

Betty simpered. “I heard our newest residents stopped in for a playdate yesterday. How is Ms. Whitaker doing these days?”

“How’d you hear that?” I asked, surprised at how much these ladies were in the know. You couldn’t pass wind in this town without them knowing.“And she’s fine…I guess.”

“People talk,” Dorothy replied evasively with a wave of her hand.

“You know, I always thought you two looked sweet together,” Alice remarked, a mischievous glint in her eyes. I tried not to grin; I really didn’t want to add fuel to their fire—but it was futile. The grin came out full force.

I couldn’t even help myself. It had entertained me to the ends of the earth when the sisters had set their sights on Parker. Now they had their attention on me, only I found I didn’t mind. The Hartley sisters were a lot like my grandmother—I was used to her meddling in my love life.

“I used to say that. Remember the Summer Vibes Festival ten years ago? At least, I think it was ten years ago…” Dorothy frowned thoughtfully. “Anyway, the two of you partnered up to do the scavenger hunt.”

“Yeah, I remember that,” I replied. I’d come close to kissing Sage that day, but I’d chickened out at the last second. Back then, I had no game. I’ve since learned how to talk to girls, how to flirt, and how to seduce them. But at that point in my life, I was gangly and awkward.Plus, the beach was way too crowded for a first kiss.

“Now that she’s back in Hartwood Creek, for good this time, you should make your move before someone else snatches her up.”

“We’ll see.” The sisters weren’t wrong; a beautiful girl like Sage wouldn’t stay single for long, and I intended to make my move eventually. But for now, I had a to-do list a mile long, and I was already running late enough as it was.

“Don’t pressure the boy,” Dorothy scolded the other women. “I’m sure he’ll make a move in his own time.”

“Well, ladies, this was fun, but I better be going. Gotta pick up materials and get to the jobsite.” I lifted a hand, waving goodbye to the three meddlesome women, and continued on to the door, chuckling to myself.

The drive to the lumberyard didn’t take long. Before I knew it, I was pulling up to the steel gates.

The lumberyard had been in my family for generations, having been started in the 1850s by my great-great-grandfather. Since then, it’s been passed down from son to son. My father still ran it, and I didn’t see him relinquishing it anytime soon. He was probably dreading the day he had to decide which one of his four sons to pass it on to.

I parked out near the main building and climbed out of my truck, making my way into the office. I spotted my old man sitting at a desk, going over paperwork. “Hey, Dad,”I said, setting the coffee I’d brought him down on his desk.

He looked up and boomed, “Nix. It’s good to see ya. How was your weekend?”

“Can’t complain.” I shrugged, stepping back to lean against the doorway. “How was yours? What’d you and Mom get up to?”

“I took her on a little date to Springwood,” Dad answered, picking up his coffee. “We caught a movie and had dinner.”

I beamed at that. My parents had been married for thirty years now, and they were just as in love as they were the day they wed. “Sounds awesome. Glad you guys were able to get out for a bit.”

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