Page 69 of Just One Chance

"The chairs for the brewery. Rowan wanted rockers, Adirondack chairs, and picnic tables."

She ran a hand over the octagon picnic table. "This is beautiful."

"It's a simple design."

"Yeah, but you can't buy quality like this anymore. What you do is remarkable."

"I like to make things that last, that people will enjoy for a long time."

She hooked her arm through my elbow. "I think you're doing that."

"I'm planning to have rockers on hand to order and maybe even these picnic tables."

A line appeared between her eyebrows. "I can see you expanding in the future. You'll need a storage area for your items. Then someone to deliver or package and ship them."

"You're getting ahead of yourself." My heart rate picked up despite my reservations.

"Once you put yourself out there and showcase your work at the brewery and the inn, you're going to get calls for these things. You should be prepared."

I was excited and also a little scared. "What if I can't handle the production side? What if I take on too many orders?"

"You're going to be fine. You'll hire when you need to, and I'm sure your family will help in a pinch."

"It's all happening at once, and it feels scary sometimes. I'm doing something completely different from before." Things were easier when I wasn't creating a website or marketing online. I wasn't taking any risks, and I didn't have to worry about failing.

She hugged me. "You're going to be great."

When she was by my side, I felt supported, as if I could do anything. But soon she'd be gone, and I'd be on my own.

* * *

I was working on the trees that would go into the snow room and a surprise item or two that I hoped she was going to like. Once she said I should feel free to use my imagination, my creative juices really flowed.

It was fun to have full rein on what I was building. I wasn't sure she'd use them, and if not, they were a waste of time. It was a risk, but I couldn't help but think that I was inspired to create something for a reason.

Kennedy's enthusiasm had worn off on me, and I couldn't wait to see my creations in the snow room. It wasn't the furniture I'd envisioned, but the snow room would hold a prominent place on the website, and I was assured that my work would be credited. That's what I wanted all along. Some kind of validation for my business.

Not that I was relying on that anymore. I'd spent a lot of time on video calls with Gina to go over what I wanted featured on the website and how I wanted everything set up. I was so glad I decided to outsource that particular task. I didn't have the expertise, patience, or time to build a website.

Gina brought up things that I hadn't even thought about. She was obviously skilled in website design and marketing, and I could use all the help I could get.

I cleaned up the shop early because there were Valentine's events going on at the brewery and the inn. There was a special dinner at the restaurant, a dance at the inn in the atrium, and a themed tasting at the brewery with dessert.

I showered and dressed in a suit, not sure where I was going to end up for the night. I stopped at the inn first. The restaurant was fully booked, so none of us would see Malcolm. I stepped into the atrium where a band had started to play.

There was a chocolate fountain off to the side with fruit and other dipping options. Couples were dancing, and servers were walking around with glasses of champagne. I snagged one when a server went past, sipping it as I took in the space.

I was happy with how things were going. I was building my business and enjoying my time with Kennedy. I'd made peace with the idea that my work would be in the snow room and potentially the suites on the top floor. Life was good.

"Boone," Kennedy said as she stood next to me.

I turned slightly so that I could take her in. She wore a red cocktail dress with a plunging V-neck bodice. It nipped at the waist and flared over her hips.

"What do you think?" She twirled in a circle so that her ruffled skirt swung around her bare legs. Straps crossed over her shoulder blades but otherwise her back was bare. She wore strapped silver heels on her feet, and I wanted to pull her against my body so she could feel how she affected me.

"You're gorgeous."

Her cheeks flushed pink. "Thank you."