Page 65 of McColl
“You’re…? Really?” Drew whooped with joy. “Yes. Yes, of course! That’s the best news I’ve heard in—ever. When’s the wedding? Soon?” He rushed to shake Reginald’s hand and kiss Lauren’s cheek. “Congratulations! I’m truly happy for both of you.”
His anxious glance darted between the two of them. “Are you having the wedding here? That means Julia will come. Of course, she’ll come. She’s your family,” he laughed self-consciously.
Reginald slipped his arm around Lauren, pulling her close. “Today is no’ too soon for me, but Lauren has a book tae finish. And, she tells me, arrangements tae make.”
“And, so do you, Reginald,” Phoebe interjected. “You’ve got a barn to convert into a furniture-making shop. That should keep you out of Lauren’s hair while she finishes her book. And you’ve got inventory to produce. I’ve still got the names of some one-of-a-kind furniture dealers, from when Crayton was dabbling with the idea. As soon as you have some pieces ready, send me pictures and I’ll make the proper introductions.”
Reginald’s chest swelled with love for the woman who seemed to ken his needs even before he did. “I’ve been workin’ on one piece I’d like tae show ye. ’Tis just up here, in the shed.”
“Already?” Phoebe beamed. “That’s wonderful. You’ll be in business before you know it.”
“The three of ye go ahead, tae the porch,” Reginald instructed as they approached the shed. “I’ll bring it there.”
Lauren slipped her arm inside Phoebe’s. “Good idea. I don’t know about you, but I wouldn’t mind sitting after that walk.”
“I’ll second that,” Drew said, taking Phoebe’s other arm. “Especially if it included something cool to drink?”
“Are you going to come clear to New York to continue mooching lemonade from me?” Phoebe laughed.
“Of course. And if you can get Julia to serve it, I may even move in with you.”
“You’re always welcome, but I’ll be very surprised if she doesn’t spend a good deal of time here.”
Reginald listened to their chatter as he uncovered the finished rocker. He prayed his carving skills were strong enough to seamlessly complete Crayton’s design the way he’d intended. He sighed, happy Phoebe would have both of their love supporting her, as she rocked.
When he set the rocker in front of Phoebe, she gasped with surprise and uttered a sound of admiration. “Reginald, it’s exquisite. Any dealer would be proud to show this.” She stood and walked around it. Touched it. “So beautiful. See how cleverly the arms curve in a little? Like a hug?”
With a puzzled look, she smoothed her hand over the intricate carving on the back. Tears gathered in her eyes. “But I…” She raised her glistening eyes to Reginald. “I recognize that thistle design. That’s Crayton’s signature design. How could you have known about it?”
“Because’tisCrayton’s. All the parts were there. But the back was only half carved. I only finished it for him.For ye.”
“Oh. My.” Phoebe’s tears flowed freely as she came to Reginald and motioned him down to her, so she could kiss his cheek. “You brought Crayton back to me. I’ll feel his arms around me every time I sit in it.” She gave him a hug of his own. “Thank you, son,” she whispered.
Lauren joined him, slipping her arms around his waist, as Drew helped Phoebe settle into the chair. “I love you, Reginald McColl.”
’Twas his turn for tears as he gazed at his family.
After all these years, he’d finally found home.
THE END
