Page 162 of Faultlines

OCCUPANCY PERMIT

Claire

I finish loading the dishwasher as the back door opens, and I recognize the confident rhythm of Ethan’s footsteps. We’ve been living together again for almost four months.

“Hey, baby,” he says. I feel the soft weight of his chin settle on my head. “How did the meeting with Daniel go today?”

“It went really well. If things stay on schedule, we should break ground on Cedar House this fall.”

His eyebrows lift. “That’s incredible.”

The corners of my mouth lift before I can stop it. “I know. It still doesn’t feel real.”

“You’ve been talking about opening a boys’ home for... what, two years?”

“About that.”

“And it’s finally happening.”

“If the construction bids stay where they’re projected.” I laugh softly. “I’ve learned not to celebrate too early.”

“You should celebrate a little.”

“I’ve spent too much time watching projects fall apart at the last minute.”

“Well, from what you’ve told me, Daniel seems pretty committed.”

“He is.” I reach for a glass and fill it with water. “He thinks the community needs it just as much as Juniper House. He already has architects sketching preliminary concepts.”

His ears perk up. “Architects?”

“Mm-hmm.”

“Who’s doing the design?”

“I don’t know yet. Daniel said they’re interviewing several firms.”

He nods slowly. “Have you thought about asking Bennett-Cross to submit a proposal?”

I pause, surprised by the question. “Not really.”

“Why not?”

I meet his eyes. “Because I don’t want anyone to think I’m giving my husband’s firm special treatment.”

A faint smile tugs at the corner of his mouth. “I can appreciate that.”

“I’ve worked too hard to build credibility.”

He nods again, thoughtful. “Well... if Daniel asks for recommendations, I’d love the opportunity to compete.”

“I’ll mention that you’re interested but that’s all.”

“That’s all I’d want.”

The empty parcel Daniel showed me still fresh in my mind. “So, Cedar House.” I let the name sit between us. “If we can build it on the location I like best, those boys won’t have to lose their schools, their counselors⁠—”

“I’ve always admired that about you, Claire.”