But there’s an odd tension in the air. Something that’s making Troy tap his fingers on the steering wheel.
“You’re nervous,” I realize suddenly.
Troy’s hands tighten slightly on the steering wheel. “I’m not nervous.”
“You’re driving exactly five miles under the speed limit.” I gasp dramatically. “Oh my God. You are nervous.”
“I’m turning this truck around.”
I laugh so hard I nearly snort. Yep, I’m definitely the kind of woman Troy has needed all along. If you checked the tag on my shirt, it would say “Girlfriend Material”.
By the time we pull up beside the cabin, curiosity is eating me alive.
“You gonna tell me what’s going on?”
Troy reaches for my hand instead, leading me around the side of the cabin toward the trees behind it.
At first, I don’t understand what I’m seeing.
Then my breath catches. The old storage shed is gone.
Well—not gone exactly. But it’s transformed.
Soft golden light glows through new windows framed by flower boxes overflowing with summer blooms. The weathered wood has been repainted a creamy sage green, and a small porch swing now hangs beneath the overhang.
It looks like something out of a dream.
“Troy…”
My voice comes out barely above a whisper.
He watches me carefully while I step closer.
Closer.
And then I see the sign hanging above the door.
TAKE UP SPACE.
My eyes instantly burn.
“Oh my God.”
Inside is even more breath-taking.
Bookshelves line the walls from floor to ceiling. A giant window seat overlooks the mountains. There’s a cozy reading chair tucked beside a small fireplace, soft blankets folded neatly nearby.
And in the center of it all sits a beautiful wooden desk facing the windows.
Waiting.
For me.
“Troy,” I whisper again, tears fully gathering now. “You did all this?”
His hand rubs awkwardly at the back of his neck.
“Figured the old shed deserved a better life than storing fishing gear.”