Page 13 of One Hundred Merry Memories

“I’ve eaten worse. Have you ever had an MRE?”

She sat and opened the box to find ample servings of eggs, bacon, potatoes, and toast. “Army food?”

“It’s a stretch calling it that,” he said.

She was excited to discover that he’d brought extra butter and jam. This meal was a piece of heaven. “You’re the best roommate a girl could have.”

He positioned himself opposite her, the wooden chair groaning as he settled into it with his large body.

“How was your first night inside?”

She thought about it and smiled. “It went well. I thought the raccoon was back, but he didn’t show his face. The heater works, but the fireplace is a mess. The hot water is good, and the bath was like a spa experience.”

“I’ve never been to a spa.”

“You should try it.”

He laughed. “I might have to. I’m learning how to enjoy things once again. I’ve spent most of the last dozen years in unpleasant places. Being here is paradise.”

“I bet that was hard.” She couldn’t imagine the things he’d faced as a soldier.

“It’s over, and this is just beginning.”

“For both of us.”

The early morning chill didn’t seem so bad anymore, replaced by the glow of shared laughter and conversation. As she watched Jackson, the sunlight catching in his hair, Amanda sensed a connection. Something about his easygoing nature and his unexpected kindness was drawing her in.

They finished their breakfast in silence. When she put her fork down, Jackson said, “Alright, let’s get to work.”

“Let me change.” She looked down at her robe and realized she hadn’t thought about her looks. “I’m surprised I didn’t scare you away. I must look a fright.”

He gazed at her for a moment. “You look amazing.”

A strange flutter filled her chest, a feeling of excitement she hadn’t experienced in a long time.

He lowered his head. “Sorry, I meant you look fine. You weren’t expecting me at the crack of dawn.” Red rose from his neck to his cheeks showing his embarrassment at complimenting her.

Not wanting to prolong it any longer, she said, “I’ll be right out.” She hurried into her bedroom, where Catsby lounged on her pillow. She threw on jeans and a T-shirt and slipped into her Nikes. With a quick brush of her hair and teeth, and a splash of water on her face, she was ready.

“Let’s do this, Jackson.” The day was beginning, and she was prepared to take on the repairs, one laughter-filled moment at a time.

As Jackson outlined the day’s tasks, Amanda eagerly followed along. He spoke about fixing the cabin with such passion and care that it was impossible not to be swept up in his enthusiasm. She saw her new home through his eyes—not as a rundown disaster but as a place with history and potential—a place that could be beautiful again.

She listened intently as he guided her, his voice filled with authority. He outlined the task ahead of her—repairing the flue—step-by-step like a seasoned soldier, determined to ensure she understood every nuance of the job.

By the time they finished, the morning had given way to the afternoon. They stood side by side, admiring their handiwork. The flue was clean and functional, and a small fire crackled cheerfully in the fireplace, filling the room with a warm glow.

Watching the flickering flames, Amanda realized that this was more than a home repair project. It was about building a new life, and she wasn’t alone in that. From the little she gathered from Jackson, he was also recreating himself, and they had become a part of each other’s journey.

“Are you hungry? I can take you into town and introduce you to your neighbors.”

Much more needed to get done, but even Rome wasn’t built in a day, and the people who made it had to eat. “I think that’s a solid idea, but since you bought breakfast, lunch is on me.”

“Sounds like a plan.” He tapped his leg, and Gunner ran to his side. “Can you stay here and be a good boy?” Gunner barked. Jackson pointed to the corner, and Gunner walked to it and curled into a ball. “I’ll meet you in the truck.”

After she gathered her bag and ensured the fireplace screen was in place, she walked to the door and looked over her shoulder at Gunner. “Don’t eat my cat.”

CHAPTERSIX

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