Page 69 of All My Heart

He explained the proper placement of the nails every eight inches along the perimeter of the panels. I felt pretty good when Axel nodded his head in encouragement. Then he took the other screwdriver and started on the other side of the kitchen.

When we were done with the surface, we dry-fit the tiles. This required a lot of measuring. Apparently, it was best to start at the center when you laid the tiles to avoid a lot of partial tiles on the edges. It wasn't aesthetically pleasing.

I soaked up the instructions, eager to learn everything about the process. I hoped I'd be able to retain the information for my next project.

I'd been so scared to start a job like this, but now it felt doable. There was information out there for me to do it myself, or I could hire someone if I got in a bind. I could figure it out.

Once the tiles were dry fitted, we stopped to eat sandwiches, then got right back to it. This work was so much more satisfying than answering emails or preparing estimates.

I could see that we were building something beautiful here that would last for a long time.

Axel showed me how to spread the mortar with the margin trowel and deposit it on the cement board.

“Hold it at a forty-five-degree angle and spread it across the surface until it covers an area that extends beyond the perimeter of the tile.”

When I followed his initial instructions, he added, “Then switch to the notched side.” He gestured at the area with his hand. “To regulate the amount deposited on the surface.”

I quickly got the hang of it, and Axel was able to move to another area of the floor and work. With Teddy helping, it went quickly. As much as I wanted to do the work with just Axel, it was nice to have him here.

When we were done, we stopped to stretch our backs and grab a snack. Then we were back at it, determined to finish the floor today.

“You want to collapse any ridges in the mortar and fill in the gaps. You can lift a tile to check that the back has full coverage. If it's not covered, you can back butter the tiles by adding mortar to the tile itself before placing it.”

We used the spacers to maintain consistent spacing while we worked.

Axel watched my progress for a bit before moving to another area to lay more tile.

After the tile was laid, Teddy used the level to check our work. Then we used a rubber mallet to fix any issues. We’d have to wait for it to dry before we grouted it.

When we finished, we stepped into the living room to study our progress.

“I love the stone. It came out perfect.” I couldn't wait to see how it shined with the cabinets and appliances installed.

“It was a good choice. I like how you kept the cabin feel,” Teddy said.

I nodded. “It's updated but rustic.”

“I couldn't have done the design without Luna. She was the mastermind.”

My face flushed at Axel's compliment.

“Maybe you can help me with my house once it's dried out. It flooded, and I'll need to replace most of the flooring. They're doing the roof first.”

“I can help with the design. But I'm not sure I'll be here to install it.” I hated thinking about when I'd need to leave. I was having so much fun here with Axel and now Teddy.

“I could use any help I can get. I don't know what to order. It was like that when I moved in, but now the floor is unsalvageable.”

“I'd be happy to help.” Was this my first real customer I acquired on my own?

We grabbed beers and sat on the porch, even though it was late.

I was sore and tired, but I'd never felt more accomplished.

“When are you coming over to see the family again?” Teddy asked Axel.

“Maybe this weekend. I invited Luna to see the farm.”

Teddy's eyes widened. “You want to see it?”

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