Page 114 of Mr. B

Glossy epoxy coated the cedar planking on the hull, highlighting the wood's contrasting light and dark tones. Cassandra ran her hand over the surface. “This is beautiful. It’s not what I pictured at all. You’re a master craftsman.”

“More of a learn as you go perfectionist. It’s taken me two years to get to this point.”

“It’s wonderful.”

“I’m starting the deck. It’ll probably take me a couple more years. Although I am getting faster than when I started out.”

“You’ve done it all yourself?”

“I occasionally have a brother or two helping with the sanding, but yeah. I’ve done the majority of it by myself. All hand tools. I cut every damn board with a handsaw.”

“I’m very impressed. Where are you going to take it for its maiden voyage?”

“I’d love to spend a couple of weeks on Coeur d’Alene Lake.”

“It’s so beautiful there.”

“Will you come with me?”

“Of course.” She put her arms around his neck. “I’ll go anywhere with you.”

“Now I’m very motivated to get the damn thing finished.”

“I’m not going anywhere. I can wait.”

He pulled her close and kissed her. “It’d make for a pretty cool honeymoon.”

She pulled back and looked at him. “I believe it would.”

Chapter twenty-eight

“A very small, four-legged human.”

Milo played three chords in succession, then nodded at Bailey. “Okay, your turn.”

She took a breath and held it, then played the chords perfectly. “I did it!” She looked at Cassandra. “Did you hear that?”

“It’s great, honey.”

Milo set his guitar down. “Having such a strong background in music makes a big difference. You’ll be playing like a pro in no time.”

She sucked on the end of her index finger. “Is it always going to hurt?”

“No. Your fingers will toughen up. But take it easy at first and give them time to get there.”

“It’s so hard to stop.”

“Can I hear you play the piano? Wes says you’re amazing.”

“I don’t know about amazing.”

Cassandra looked at Milo. “She’s definitely amazing.”

Baily set her guitar down and moved to the piano. She took a moment to calm herself, then began playing.

Milo and Cassandra listened in awe until the end. Then he stood and clapped. “Wow.”

Cassandra smiled. “Right?”