Page 24 of Call It Home

Chase barked out a laugh. “Be grateful she didn’t make you write a paper on it or present a plan on how you’d do it better. She doesn’t like to lose. And you know going in you’ll lose at least one of the rounds.”

“We’ll get through it.”

“Just wanted to let you know that if you need someone to talk you down from the ceiling that Cam is eventually going to make you climb and redo while you’re up there, feel free to call me.”

There was a grin on his face, but his eyes were as sincere as I’d ever seen.

I straightened from the pole and reached out a hand, his immediately clasping mine. “Thanks.”

There was a squeal that sounded a lot like his sister, and we both looked over to see her scrambling through her large carry-on bag with panicked eyes before she triumphantly held up a folder with a smile.

I chuckled. “I might have to take you up on that.”

Chase nodded in Cam’s direction, a mixture of admiration and concern in his eyes. “She’s good at what she does. She has a keen eye. But so does everyone else who has been selected. The thing is, she’ll work herself into the ground trying to prove she’s best. Keep an eye on her for us, will you? Make sure she doesn’t get too hard on herself if things don’t go the way she thinks they should.”

He paused before continuing. “She tries to act tough. Always has. It’s part of the game when you’re a woman in this field. But deep down, she’s just as vulnerable as anyone else.” His tone shifted, becoming more pensive. “She always felt like she had to be a little beauty pageant queen like our mom to get her attention. What she really loved was being at our grandfather’s side at the office, learning how to create homes.”

His voice trailed off, and he shook his head as if trying to dispel the memories. “I just don’t want her to lose sight of what’s important, which is finding fulfillment in doing what she loves. The business will be fine.”

As Chase mentioned their mother, I noticed the subtle change in his tone. It was clear the relationship with their mother was complicated. Now that I thought about it, I didn’t recall hearing any of the Allens talk about her.

Yet it hadn’t stopped the rest of them from becoming a close-knit family. It was evident in the warm way they talked about their grandparents and father. I knew they adored their father before he was tragically killed in a plane accident.

“I can’t say we won’t work hard,” I replied, “but I’ll try to make sure she doesn’t overthink everything.”

Chase clapped me on the back. “Thanks. I appreciate it. Sounds like you already know how she works.”

I was relieved when he shifted topics. “Ever been to Colorado before?”

“Nope. Heard it’s pretty, though.” I didn’t admit I’d never traveled beyond Virginia or Tennessee. Which meant I’d never flown before, either.

“I think you’ll like it. Sounds like an amazing place y’all are headed. Some big money out there.”

The only big money I cared about was what I’d be pocketing by the time we came home. Cam had guaranteed me ten grand, regardless of the result. But if we won, I’d get the additional fifty, which was my half of the winnings. It would double what I had set aside for Trey.

“I don’t think we’ll be seeing much other than the inside of whatever home we’re working on.”

The rest of the party moved to where we were standing. “We should head to the gate,” Cam announced.

Her family surrounded her for more hugs and well-wishes. To my surprise, the girls came over and hugged me, too. “We can’t wait to see what you two create,” Emalee said softly as she gave me a quick peck on the cheek.

“So glad she has you there,” Bristol added as she wove her arm through Reid’s after giving me a tight squeeze. “I know you’re going to add so much to her designs. I hope you’re ready for the world to learn about Mac Caldwell’s creations.”

I felt a blush creep up my cheeks, making her chuckle.

The guys all shook my hand, reminding me to take care and to try not to work too hard.

I grabbed my backpack and followed Cam through security and on to the gate. On to an entirely new adventure, ready for whatever lay ahead.

Chapter10

Mac

I don’t knowif she sensed I’d never traveled by plane or not, but Cameron graciously offered to change seats so I could sit next to the window. She’d also generously purchased business class seats so that my long legs wouldn’t be cramped behind the seat in front of me.

I thought we might spend the flight talking about our plans for the chalet, but she pulled out an e-reader and read for a few minutes before she fell sound asleep.

On the other hand, my nerves were in overdrive. I listened intently to the attendant as she demonstrated the safety measures. Every unusual noise made me flinch, and I couldn’t stop looking out the window, amazed by the cloud formations. After an hour, I finally relaxed enough to eat the ridiculously small snack pack that was given out earlier.

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