She sipped the coffee, needing a jolt of caffeine. She hadn’t had nightmares last night, but, even so, she hadn’t gotten much sleep. She hadn’t wanted Grandfather to be alone, so she’d slept on Chaska and Naomi’s sofa. The sofa wasn’t uncomfortable, but it wasn’t her bed. With so much to do and so few hands to help, she’d gotten up extra early, getting the guest room ready for Naomi’s parents, doing her rounds at the clinic, and loading up her Subaru with provisions for the day.
Everything seemed to be going well. Jason had told her the cabins would all be watertight by this evening, just as Naomi had hoped. Winona prayed he was right.
She folded her arms on the table, rested her head, and closed her eyes. That’s all she needed—just a few minutes of rest before the coffee kicked in.
Just a few minutes…
“Winona?”
She gasped, springing to her feet on a burst of adrenaline and knocking over her chair with a clatter.
Jason reached across the table, caught her by the arm to steady her. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to scare you.”
Heart thrumming, she tried to get her bearings. “I … I must have fallen asleep.”
He released her, concern on his face. “Are you okay?”
Way to embarrass yourself—again.
“I’m fine.” She righted the chair. “Sorry.”
“Don’t apologize. I came to tell you that we’re done. All of the rough-framing is complete, and the cabins are wrapped and dried in.”
“Already?” How long had she been asleep?
“Come see.”
She slipped on her jacket and followed him outdoors. Even from the Mess Hall’s porch, she could see them—ten cabins with walls and roofs covered in house wrap. “You said you would finish, and you did. I’m so grateful, Jason—to all of you. Naomi is going to be so happy.”
Team members and volunteers alike gathered around the cookfire, drinking coffee, warming themselves, smiles on their faces. Grandfather was with them, sitting close to the fire, talking with Megs.
Winona made her way toward them, stopping first to get the Knockers coupons out of her vehicle. She climbed on top of a picnic bench near Grandpa, the crowd of about thirty falling quiet. “You did it.Pilamayaye. Thank you. I can’t believe how much you accomplished this weekend. I know that if Naomi were here, she would be amazed, too. We are all deeply grateful for your help. What you’ve done will enable us to operate next summer and make a difference in the lives of Lakota children.”
She held up the Knockers coupons, explained that they were good for a free meal. Then she invited anyone who was leaving right away to make sandwiches for the road using leftovers in the fridge. Anyone who wanted to camp here for another night and drive home in the morning was welcome to do that, as well. “Thank you all again.”
She snapped a photo with her cell phone to show Naomi, then hopped down to the ground. She shook each volunteer’s hand, thanked them, and gave them their coupons. The out-of-town volunteers began taking down their tents and packing their gear into their vehicles, while Team members gave her hugs and headed back into town. Within an hour, everyone had gone except Zach and Jason.
Jason approached, carrying several long boards. “Where do you want the scrap lumber and the extra sheathing?”
“I think everything should go in the garage, along with all the tools and the leftover house wrap.”
The oversized, steel garage at the north end of the property had been built to hold the school bus Naomi planned to buy next spring. For now, it served as a tool shed.
While Zach, Jason, and Grandpa cleaned up the area around the cabins, Winona packed up the leftover food, washed the remaining dishes, and wiped down the kitchen. By the time she had finished, Zach and Jason were packing their gear in the back of Zach’s SUV.
“Are you heading home?” She fought to ignore a stab of disappointment.
It’s not like you and Jason hit it off.
No, they hadn’t. She’d blundered into him, and then she’d freaked the heck out when he’d woken her. Besides, Kat had said he was taken.
Zach shook his head. “I thought Chiago should experience Knockers at least once in his lifetime. There’s no place else like it.”
“So, we’ll see you tonight then.” Her disappointment ebbed. “I’m going to drive Grandpa home so he can have a nap and then check on the animals at the sanctuary. I’ve got a golden eagle who’s always hungry.”
“Do you mind if we tag along?” Jason asked. “I’d love to see an eagle up close—that is, if you don’t mind.”
Winona’s spirits lifted. “I don’t mind at all.”