Harry and Bruce were joined by Janet’s husband, Tom the next morning. With Harry’s truck and Tom’s van they managed to get the furniture in one trip. However, there was some assembly required when they carried it into Bertie’s house. But Tom was more than prepared, with more tools in his van than Harry thought possible. “Tools of the trade,” Tom said.
“You’re a carpenter?” Harry asked.
“Construction,” Tom replied, “but you never know what you’ll need when you’re on a job site. It pays to be prepared.”
While Tom and Bruce took care of the assembly, Harry helped put things where Bertie wanted them. During the process, Harry managed to tell Bertie the purpose of the stone circle. “I’ve heard of that group,” she said.
Janet arrived just before noon with soup and sandwiches for lunch, and they sat around Bertie’s new table. They all left shortly after lunch, promising to return for the housewarming party which the Library Board had organized for that evening.
The housewarming was a great success. Bertie was showered with gifts for her new home and there was enough food to feed an army. She was astonished at such a large turnout.
Things were starting to wind down when Harry told Bertie he was ready to call it a night. “It’s been a great evening.”
“I can’t believe this is real,” Bertie said. “Tomorrow I’m not going to do anything, just relax and enjoy the quiet… I finally have a home of my own… and I actually own it… I’m a home owner, Hogan, and… it’s a bit scary.”
Harry placed one finger under her chin, forcing her to look up at him. “Tears? This isn’t like you. Is something wrong?”
“Not at all.” She smiled through the tears. “I’m just so overwhelmed by so much kindness. People I didn’t even know, parents of kids I helped at the library, brought gifts. People have been in and out all week, helping clean, painting, unpacking… I feel so… so… humble. I didn’t know so many people cared.”
“Bertie, how many times did you go above and beyond your job description to help some kid in a jam with a school project? Point them in the right direction when doing research? Maybe even proofread a few written assignments? Or stay after hours so a kid could finish something due the next day? Some of those parents might have been working long hours. Others might not have had the skills needed to guide a child in a particular assignment. The education system changes from one generation to the next. But they knew what you did and tonight they had a chance to repay you. So yes, they care.”
“Wow!” she breathed. “When did you become so philosophical?”
He chuckled. “I’m not, but I was impressed at what I saw here tonight. It reminded me that there is still good in most people. And now I’m going home. It’s getting close to my bedtime.”
“Pleasant dreams, Hogan. I’m going to spend the rest of the weekend relaxing and just letting it all sink in, enjoying the fact that this house is really my home. I’ll see you Monday.”
He turned towards the door, stopped, and turned around. “We could go out for dinner tomorrow so you won’t even have to bother with cooking or cleaning up.”
She looked at him, hesitating… “You already gave me a Microwave. I can’t…” She fell silent when she saw him shaking his head.
“Remember that voucher Miss Pinkerton sent? I never got around to using it, which she reminded me of yesterday. And she did suggest that I share it with Miss ‘Blackstone’.”
“She never could get my name right.” Bertie laughed. “Monk’s, right? Okay, I’ll meet you there at seven.”
“Now you won’t even have to cook tomorrow.”
Bertie looked around her. “With all the leftovers, I probably won’t have to cook for at least a week.”
“Speaking of leftovers… I could take any leftover molasses-raisin buns off your hands,” he suggested with a grin.
“Go on, get out of here, Hogan,” she said, shaking her head. “If there are any, I’ll bring them over on Monday.”
He was still grinning as he started the truck. He was pretty sure that at least one tray had gone unnoticed… on the back corner of the counter… sitting underneath a loaf of bread… hiding behind several boxes of crackers…
