Nila's Hope by Kathleen Friesen Read Free Book Online Page A

move the bed Daniel built? It’s in the shop, so I have to park outside, and it needs to be moved before they get home. But it’s solid wood. Really heavy.”
    In the dim light of the truck cab, Nila’s breath whooshed out in a breathy laugh. “Yes, I’d be happy to help. And you’re right, working with you guys has made me stronger. It feels good.”
    The rest of the drive out Highway 11 to Warman was quiet. Will glanced at Nila a few times, but she seemed lost in thought.
    He hoped she wasn’t sick after all. Maybe she was embarrassed about the wedding. If she wanted to pretend nothing happened, two could play that game. Probably better that way.
    By the time Will turned off the highway into town, the usually companionable silence felt stilted. He parked in front of an older bungalow, shut off the engine, and said a little too loudly, “Here we are. Ready to work?”
    Nila finally met his eyes. Her startled look melted into a smile. “You bet. I can’t wait to see how that bright red paint looks on the kitchen walls.”
    As they walked to the house, she said, “I’m glad we got the primer on last week. What else do we need to do today?”
    “The cabinets are getting installed tomorrow, so the main thing is getting the walls done. If you’ll cut in, I’ll use the roller. While the paint dries, we can work on the trim in the living room. I doubt two coats of the red will be enough, though, so it could be a long day. You OK with that?”
    They’d reached the front door, and Nila rang the doorbell. “Sounds good.”
    A hugely pregnant woman opened the door and beamed at them. “Good morning, you two. I’m so glad you’re here. Do you need anything before I go? Coffee? Breakfast?”
    Will chuckled. “Morning, Claire. No, thanks, we’re ready to work. By the time you get home this evening, your kitchen walls will be bright red instead of that dull primer.”
    “Wonderful! I can’t wait until it’s all done and I can cook upstairs again. Blake is getting a little tired of microwaved food. And of being my chauffeur, but he won’t let me drive alone anymore.”
    “How many more days until you start maternity leave? It’s next week, right?”
    “Yes, just nine more days. Do you think you’ll be done?” A little crease marred her forehead. “I’m so anxious to see the finished product. And getting it done before the baby arrives is a huge relief.”
    “It’s going to look great,” Nila spoke up. “I’m anxious to see it finished, too.” She glanced up at Will. “We’ll be done by next week, won’t we?”
    He nodded. “If not earlier.”
    “Great. Well, we’ve got to get to work. How were the roads?”
    “Good. Nice and clear, no drifting snow. See you later.”
    As their clients drove away, Will and Nila placed their tool belts onto the kitchen’s paper-covered floor and shrugged out of their outerwear and into their coveralls. Nila was zipping up her paint coveralls when Will looked at her.
    He froze. “Your hair. What did you do to your hair?”
    Nila blanched and touched her short cap of waves. “You don’t like it.”
    He stepped back and tilted his head. “Actually, I do. I like it a lot. I was just surprised. Looks good.” Made him want to touch the short waves. Find out if they were as soft as they looked. He shoved his hands into the pockets of his coveralls.
    Color returned to Nila’s cheeks. “Thanks. I like it, too.” She knelt beside the cans of paint. “Hopefully, it won’t be bright red at the end of the day. Do you see my hat anywhere?”
    Will chuckled, swooped up her painter’s cap from the far corner and plunked it onto her head. “Here you go. We don’t want to turn you into a redhead.”
    The combined kitchen-dining area wasn’t large, and a short time later, the first coat of paint was done.
    “Sure is bright.” Will wrapped the brushes and roller in plastic to keep them from drying out.
    “It is, but that’s what Claire wants. Does Jim expect to get