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They sat in silence, although Connor knew Emma wouldn’t be able to sit for more than a few minutes. He’d never met someone who always seemed in motion, with a to-do list that rivaled a rolling social media feed.
“Jace mentioned you’d be here to prep for the nature trail,” she said.
“Once it’s marked out, we can start laying the trails and bringing in the shrubs and foliage to complement what’s already here.”
“It’s going to be a great addition to this area. I hope it brings the pelicans back.”
Pelican Bay had gotten its name because of a specific breed of pelican that inhabited this part of the island as far back as a hundred years ago. During a severe storm, a boat had gotten caught in the rocks and would have sunk if it hadn’t been for the pelicans who guided the boat to the inlet of the island. The story of the rescue drew the attention of a developer, who built on the island and named it Pelican Bay. It had once been the home of many pelicans who stayed near the lighthouse and were believed to help guide boats through the inlet.
Connor remembered a few on this part of the island. He’d heard that after Hurricane Samantha, they hadn’t been seen again.
“Hope so,” he said.
“I received a call from our local scout troop. They’ve helped maintain this area throughout the years as part of their service projects. I thought they could help with building out the trail, or maybe build birdhouses you could hang along the trail,” she said.
Connor was up for the free labor, but kids?
“How many are you talking about, and how old?” he asked
“About ten kids between thirteen and fifteen.”
“Would there be any adults here with them?”
Emma laughed. “Of course. Their troop leader and a few parents would be here to help give them direction. It wouldn’t all be on you.”
“I guess it should be fine. Birdhouses, you’re thinking?”
“Yes, and they can also dig holes for the plants or whatever else you need.”
“Will I need to get supplies for the birdhouses?”
“The scout leader will take care of that. We’ll need you or someone to provide direction for what you want them to do.”
“How soon are you wanting to do this?”
“Is a day in the next couple of weeks too soon? Maybe in the midafternoon, when it’s not as hot?”
“Should be fine. Give me a couple of days to figure out the timing.”
They both stood.
“Perfect. Thanks, Connor. I need to get back to work. Why don’t you come by for dinner tonight? We can barbecue, plus I made clam chowder.”
Even though he’d just eaten, his mouth watered at the thought of Emma’s clam chowder.
“Two of my favorites. Thanks.”
He appreciated how often Emma included him at family dinners. With his own mom in Florida and Jace living at Emma’s, Connor had a lot of time on his hands.
They climbed off the rocks and walked side by side toward the lighthouse.
“Come by around seven,” Emma called, and waved as she headed to the parking lot.
Connor disposed of his trash and laid out the diagram of the area on a picnic table. After studying it, he returned to his truck and removed marking paint, wooden stakes, string, and a shovel. He spent an hour marking out the trail with stakes and string, making adjustments along the way.
Outdoor landscaping was his favorite part of a project. Whenever he and Jace flipped houses, Connor had always been in charge of putting together a design with the right combination of trees, shrubs, and flowers to make an enticing curb appeal. Trying different combinations and styles gave him a creative outlet he found relaxed him. Good thing, since it drove his brother crazy, which meant Connor got full creative control as long as he stuck to their budget.
After finishing all he could for the day and making notes for changes he wanted to tweak in the design, he stored his gear in the truck. It was midafternoon, and he didn’t have any pressing business. He could catch up with Jason at one of their other properties, but he didn’t feel like it.
