Page 97 of Now and Then

“I’m glad you approve.” I pull the comforter over the bed. “Let’s hope a certain cowboy doesn’t take one look and ask for his money back.”

Navy barks a laugh. “And you say I’m the clueless one? Sutton, that man would sleep in a dumpster if it meant being next to you.”

For the rest of the afternoon, we hang pictures, move furniture (and move it again), and organize Hunter’s meager belongings. It’s nearing four o’clock when my phone rings. Greer’s name flashes across the screen. She was annoyed that she had to work today instead of helping us. I know she loves teaching, but sometimes she sounds a bit restless. Like maybe she might take the leap and consider becoming business partners with Navy at Ground Up.

“Okay, let me see,” Greer says as soon as I answer.

“No hello? Hi? How are you?” I laugh.

Navy crowds in next to me, barely visible on the screen. “What’s all that on your face?” she blurts out.

Greer releases a breath so loud her lips make a vibrating noise. She wipes green goop off her cheek and inspects it on her fingers. “Let’s just say, having to teach second graders the week of Halloween should be illegal. Now, stop asking about me and show me the room.”

Navy snatches the phone out of my hand and takes Greer on a virtual tour of the master suite. I sit on one of two navy lounge chairs I placed in front of the picturesque window. It’s one of my favorite places in the house because there’s a perfect view of the property. The fields of wildflowers have since turned to shades of orange and yellow, but even the expanse of gray landscape, mountains in the distance, still takes my breath away.

From the corner of my eye, I see a car coming down the road, creating a small dust cloud. My heart skips a beat. Is Hunter home early from work? I had hoped to get the room done and disappear before he got here. I watch the cloud get closer and closer, and, to my relief, it’s Easton.

“I’ll be right back,” I call out to Navy, who’s not paying an ounce of attention to me.

I step onto the porch as he approaches. “Hey, Easton.”

“Just wanted to check in one last time before I head out,” he says. “How’s it going?”

For the next few minutes, we talk shop. Easton’s been an amazing mentor during this process. I wish he’d stay on until we complete the house, but I know he’s got other jobs to get back to. I couldn’t be more grateful to have someone like him in my corner as I tackle this new dream of mine. Who knew getting turned down for the police department gig would actually turn into something good?

“Not going to lie, Easton,” I say, “it’s been nice having an expert walk me through this remodel. Wish you could stick around longer.”

Easton glances down at his feet. “Turns out, I might not be gone for too long.”

My eyes widen. “Are you thinking of moving to Suncrest?”

He nods and shoves his hand in his pocket. “There’s a high possibility that I’ll be back next year. And not just for the department gig.”

“Well, don’t be a stranger when you get back. You know you’re always welcome with us.”

“That means a lot, Sutton.”

Easton’s driving down the road when Navy peaks out the front door. “Who was that?”

“My contractor, Easton.”

“Huh, his voice sounded familiar. Have I met him?”

“How would I know?” I shrug. “He was supposed to come to the Halloween party but never showed up. I’m sure he’s probably been to Ground Up a handful of times.”

“Yeah, maybe.” Her voice is soft, contemplative. “You need anything else or can I head out? I’ve got a date later.”

I push past her and step into the foyer. “What is up with you not telling us about these dates?”

She snatches her purse and escapes out the front door. “I’ll tell you girls when there’s something to tell. Right now, it’s been pretty abysmal. In fact, I’m certain dating as a grown-ass woman, with a kid to boot, is like trying to vacation in the seventh circle of hell.”

“It can’t be that bad,” I say, leaning against the doorframe. A strong wind whips along the porch, trees bending and swaying.

“Trust me,” she hollers. “It is. Be glad you’ve already found your man.”

Heat crawls up my spine. Once Navy’s car disappears out of sight, I return to the master suite to check my phone. I haven’t heard from Hunter since his earlier text. Sure enough, there’s nothing new, so I shoot off a quick message.

Me: Master bedroom is all done.