Page 26 of Second Start: Family
“Reconnoitering for what?”
“Didn’t you hear?” Ellyn asked breezily. “We’re looking for a community project and someone — can’t remember who now — brought up the idea of making sure the schoolhouse is better winterized. And maybe some other updates or fixes.”
“But how—?” Kenzie started.
Vicky talked over her. “We won’t turn that down. Anything, everything is welcomed.”
“And Kiernan, my fiancé, will check out ways to improve your Internet access,” Bexley said. She added to all the Quick kids, “He’ll be thrilled to see you.”
“Wonderful.” Vicky beamed. “Let me show you around.”
“Hold on. We have another vehicle coming. And Matty Brennan’s the one who’ll know best what we need to order to complete the job.”
“Matty Brennan? From the Slash-C over past Knighton?”
“Uh-huh.”
Puzzlement sounded in Vicky’s voice. “That’s a distance from here.”
“Not so bad. We have people coming from Bardville, too. There’s their vehicle now.”
Vicky Otter’s brows rose, but Bexley was more interested in Kenzie’s reaction.
She turned away from the truck as it slid to a stop. “Vicky, you go in with them — you know what would be best to get done. I’ll stay out here with the kids. C’mon, girls, let’s move out of the way.”
Bexley immediately said, “I’ll stay out here with you. It’s going to be crowded in there as it is, and I won’t contribute much.”
*
Unfortunately for Bexley’s plans to do some digging, the bus hadn’t arrived until a short time ago, which meant the kids — especially Lizzie and Molly — stuck to them.
The bus’s dust trail had barely disappeared when the others streamed out of the building, with Ellyn still making notes, Vicky grinning widely, and the rest sharing ideas.
“If you get half of that done, I’ll be dancing on the desks,” Vicky said.
“That reminds me,” Ellyn said, “we need to cover up all the desks before we start.”
“Kenzie and I’ll take care of that. Don’t want to waste any of your time on things we can do.”
“Great. We’ll be back next weekend, with lots more hands. We’ll call you about the exact schedule,” Ellyn said.
They sorted back into the vehicles, waving as they pulled out.
“How’d it go inside?” Bexley asked.
“Good. They could use a whole lot more than we can do, but we’ll still make a difference next weekend,” Ellyn said.
“Vicky’s over the moon,” Kendra added. “But more important than that, what did you think of Kenzie, Bexley?”
“She’s nice. Very quiet. Reserved, even. Although it was a little hard to tell with the kids around. And the bus only left a couple minutes before you guys came back out, so … I think we’ll have to see them together. We have to make sure Hall Quick comes to help out with the project.”
Ellyn nodded. “I’ll get Eric to get Pauline to pressure Gramps to take care of the kids, so Hall has the time.”
“Great idea.”
“Well, at least two members of the family have fallen for her.” Ellyn said. “It’s clear Lizzie and Molly adore her. That’s a good start.”
“A very good start,” Bexley agreed.
