Page 40 of Island Protector

“I thought it was about time you had your own tool set,” he told Bryce.

“You mean it?” There was such awe in that little voice.

“I do.” Miles ruffled his hair. “It’s all yours.”

“Thank you! Thank you!” Bryce threw his arms around Miles and held tight for a big hug.

They opened the box together. The set included a child-size worktable, a wooden hammer, some dowels and pegs, a screwdriver and plastic screws with pre-drilled holes to make it easier for little hands to succeed. A project book provided directions with pictures supported by text, so even if he couldn’t read yet, he should be able to figure a few things out on his own.

“There’s a couple projects you can get started on right away,” Miles said, paging to the first one. “What do youthink?”

Bryce held the hammer reverently. “Will they help with the boat?”

“Eventually. I figured with some practice here, you’ll be ready when I need a hand with the finishing touches.”

“This looks like a birdhouse,” Bryce said, peering at the project book.

“Because it is.” Miles patted his shoulder. “Can you find all the materials in that second box?”

Bryce agreed, but he looked crestfallen. “Bird houses don’t go on boats,” he whispered.

“No.” The boy’s disappointment struck Miles right in the chest. He scrambled for a solution. “They can go on the dock,” he suggested. “Or we could mount it right here in the shed.” Miles crouched down once more, giving Bryce’s shoulder a squeeze. “It’s like sight words,” he explained. “The important thing is the skill you learn while you make the birdhouse. The basic skills will help you with the next project and the next and then you’ll be ready to help with the boat.”

“Okay.” Getting excited again, Bryce started rooting through the project supply box.

Miles stood back, leaving him to it.

“I appreciate how good you are with him,” Molly murmured. “He needs good role models.”

Miles stayed as cool as possible “Plenty of those to be found around this town,” he deferred.

“True.” She stuck her hands in her pockets.

Maybe he was projecting, but he hoped she was fighting the same battle, wanting to touch him as much as he wanted to touch her. She resisted, so he did too.

With Bryce immersed in the tool set and thoroughly distracted, he steered her another step away. “How are you feeling really?” It had only been a couple of days.

“Much better. I did the driving today.”

“All good?”

“A little nervous on the inside,” she confessed. “I’m so happy to not be as light-sensitive and so far, no headache.” She lifted her crossed fingers, then tucked her hand out of sight again.

“That’s great.”

“I think so.” She grinned. “Dr. Sanders reminded me to just be aware and take it easy. Nina won’t let me come back to work until next week.”

“Probably for the best, but I’m sure it’s frustrating.”

“Yes.” Molly stepped closer to him. “And she’s insisting on paying me. I should be there to help with the Valentine’s orders. She brought Hailey in to help and now she’s still shorthanded.”

He was sympathetic to her situation, but it was the perfect opening. One he had been looking for for some time now, so he went for it. “Molly, I’d really like to take you out. I’d like us to do something special.” Her eyes went wide and he worried he was scaring her off. But if he didn’t push a little, they’d never make any progress. “The Inn has a special Valentine dinner event. Will you join me?”

Her shoulders slumped. Crap. Was Valentine’s Day just a collection of bad memories for her? Plenty of people had emotional scars and hang ups. As a florist, Molly might have actual scars from thorns or her florist knife.

“Nina got the contract for the florals. The designs will be beautiful. But I can’t go.”

“Would it help to know you’re my first?”

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