Page 21 of Call It Home

“Seriously, I think you have good insight. The only thing I would add is to be aware of keeping with the natural materials that blend with the surroundings and remember how long it takes to put up some of those things, like stone and brick. If I’m the only one working, that’s going to take up almost all my time. When I watched an episode, it looked like there was help, but I don’t know how it works.”

Her head swiveled back to me. “You watched the show?”

I rolled one shoulder. “Figured I better understand what you’ve gotten me into.”

She closed the laptop. “Seriously, Mac. I know you didn’t have to do this, but I’m glad you did. Tonight proved we can actually work together.”

I nodded. She was right. Maybe it wouldn’t be too bad.

We spent another hour going over tentative schedules, how everything worked as far as supplies and contract help, and what kind of tools would be made available to us.

By the time I left, my head was practically exploding with all the additional information. To my surprise, I really enjoyed her company.

And when I walked into my house, for the first time, it felt a little too quiet.

Chapter8

Cam

“I can’t believewe’re not going to see you for the next two months.” Em blinked hard, as if she were trying to hold back tears.

I reached for Olivia and nuzzled my head into her soft fine hair. “I can’t imagine how much she’ll grow while I’m gone. But this little nugget is going to keep you so busy the time will pass in a flash.”

“You’re probably right.” But her smile was still a little wobbly.

I looked around the farmhouse at Sterling Creek Farm, Chase’s home. All of our friends and family were gathered here before Mac and I left the next day.

It was hard to believe three months had passed since I’d talked him into partnering with me. In that time, we’d gotten together a few more times to talk about things we’d learned from the producers as we got closer to the event, but I’d kept it to short meetings at the end of the workday in my office. Having him in my house had been almost too personal. Too easy to blur the lines between working together and seeing him as something more. There’d always been some kind of chemistry between us, some kind of friction that warmed places in me that had no business noticing him. I’d needed to recreate a mental boundary before we spent so much time working together.

Bristol hip checked me as she joined us. “You ready? All packed?”

“Yep. Just the usual last-minute things to throw into my suitcase in the morning.” I’d already mailed some of my favorite color palette cards and other design tools I knew I might want.

“You know you’re not getting off the hook with wedding planning, right?” she challenged. “I mean, some people will go to any lengths to get out of helping.”

That finally drew a laugh from Em. “Don’t worry. I’ve already got lists, and she’s got her own color of things to do as soon after she comes home.”

Em was known for her color-coded lists. And for this occasion, it seemed I’d gotten my own assigned color.

I let out a long, laborious sigh. “Damn. And here I thought I was going to get a pass on my only sister’s wedding.” I nudged her. I made a joke of it, but I was actually feeling a little sad I wouldn’t be there for parts of it. “You know, we can still talk on the phone and video chat. Like when you pick out your dress. I want lots of pictures.”

Bristol pulled me in for a hug. “I promise. We’re keeping it small, so it’s not like we’re planning some major event. You go and knock everyone’s socks off. I just know you’re going to win.”

I squeezed her back. This was harder than I thought it was going to be.

I looked over at Mac. He was chatting and laughing with Chase and a couple of other guys from Sterling Construction. He actually seemed more relaxed about going than I thought possible. Then again, it didn’t seem as if he had as many people to leave behind. I’d learned he only saw his brother twice a month, so that only meant about three to four missed visits. Still, I sensed they were close, and although he didn’t say anything, I imagined that was a long time for him.

My family had gone to the extreme with decorating. There were green and gold balloons, the colors of Sterling Construction’s logo. There was a banner wishing us good luck. And there were even cutouts of each of us photoshopped in front of a winner’s banner. There was all kinds of food, although now that we were down to the last minute, I was feeling too spun up to eat much.

The night flew by in a blur of well-wishes and goodbyes. I was enjoying the moment of calm before the craziness of what was to come once we landed in Colorado. Eventually, it was just me, my family, and Mac.

I was gearing up to say goodbye to the most important people to me when Chase cleared his throat and brandished a bottle of champagne, clinking on it with a fork to gain attention. “Gather ‘round, people. Now that it’s just us, I brought out the good stuff.”

He popped the cork, filled some glasses, and passed them out. “Here’s to Cam and her new adventure. I know you’ll do well, sis. On behalf of all of us, we’re so proud of you and know you’re going to do great and knock the other competitor’s socks off.”

I beamed at him, feeling a little teary-eyed myself. Leaving my family was going to be hard. But unlike Mac, at least my family was here to see me off.

Chase switched his attention to Mac with a sly grin. “And here’s to the man who must like to live dangerously and is willing to go through it with her.”

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