Winds of Fire

house. Thank you for letting us know about it before it went on the market. This year will be too late for me to garden by the time the landscaping is completed, but I can't wait until next spring to get Johanna over to help me with some ideas for the vegetable and flower gardens I intend to put in. There are some autumn plantings I might be able to do if Trey and Will have all the landscaping finished by then.”
“I know that Johanna will be happy to help you. So, how's the house remodeling coming along? Do you think it'll be finished by the wedding?”
She lifted her eyebrows. “Probably not. But since all of the major updates like the wiring and plumbing are done, Arlan and I should be able to live there while the rest of the remodeling is going on.” Her brow puckered. “I thought that maybe we'd bitten off a little more than we could chew, but then we decided we might as well remodel it the way we want it since we don't intend to ever live anywhere else. We love it!”
Frankie nodded. “Johanna and I had a lot of fun working together on every little detail to get our home just the way we both envisioned it.” She laughed. “And I still don't know if we'll ever be entirely finished. I'm glad you and Arlan decided to keep the house instead of tearing it down. It has a lot of character. If our place had had an old house on it then I probably would have kept it too.” She took a sip of coffee. “I love your plans. It's going to be quite a showplace when it's finished.”
Kate nodded enthusiastically. “Arlan and I had fun working out every aspect with the contractors of what we hoped the finished work would look like. Hopefully we'll restore it as close to its original look as possible, but, of course, with modern updates.” She smiled warmly. “And we're grateful for all the help you gave us about the many energy saving devices. We'd never heard of half the things you mentioned.”
“I'm glad to help. You'll see how much you'll save after the first winter.” Frankie stood holding her coffee cup up. “Would you like more coffee?”
“No, thanks.” Kate shook her blonde head. “I'm trying to cut down on my caffeine.”
Frankie's eyebrows shot up. “Is there something I don't know?” She glanced at Kate's stomach, and then looked at her with questioning eyes and a wide grin.
Kate laughed. “No, I'm not pregnant. If I were, you and Johanna would be the first to know. Well, after Arlan.”
“We better be. You know how we like to be kept in the loop,” Frankie teased. “Good luck with cutting down on the caffeine, though. I couldn't do it.” She sat back down. “I'm looking forward to meeting your family. They must be so excited.”
“They are.” Kate's eyes sparkled. “This will be the first time in years the entire family will all be together.” She bit her trembling bottom lip. “I want to thank you again...Johanna, too, for arranging the bridal shower so close to the wedding so my family can be here for both. You don't know what it means to me.”
“Hey, we're looking forward to a big celebration. Besides, as your matrons of honor, we are honored to do everything we can to make your wedding as perfect as we can.” Frankie saw the tears glistening in Kate's eyes.
Kate cleared her throat. “I don't know what I would do without you, Johanna, and George. George treats Arlan like a son.”
She nodded. “He's been with George for a long time. George tries to act gruff, but he's just a big teddy bear inside. I think you probably realized that a long time ago.”
“I have. In fact, I saw that side of him shortly after I became one of his deputies.”
“How's Arlan handling everything? He must be a wreck with the house, wedding and meeting your family.”
“Surprisingly well. The only thing he seems worried about is meeting my family.”
Frankie's eyes softened. “He'll finally have a family...a huge one to boot!”
“I know they're going to love him.”
“How could they not when they see how happy he's made you?”
Kate sighed. “I can't imagine life without him, Frankie. I never thought I could love anyone as much as I do Arlan.”
“I know the feeling. That's how I feel about Johanna.”
She sighed contentedly. “Speaking of Johanna, when are you going to have the big reveal? She's got to be going crazy wondering what's going on.”
“Oh, she is. But tomorrow the wait will be over—the great unveiling.”
“And when do the rest of us get to see it? I've tried to get Trey and Will to give some hints about what they've done, but they're both tight lipped.” She puckered her lips into a pout.
Frankie chuckled. “Actually, I was planning a get together for Saturday of next week. I hope you and Arlan can make it on such short notice.”
“Of course we'll be there. I can't wait,” Kate squealed. “Knowing you, Frankie, whatever you've transformed your backyard into is bound to be spectacular.”
She toyed with her coffee cup. “I did more than I originally planned, but Johanna is definitely worth it after all she's been through. I just want her to feel safe when she's out back. She doesn't talk about that night much anymore, so that could be a good sign, I suppose.”
“I agree. And coming back to work and getting back into her old routine will be the best medicine. It's going to be good seeing her back here in the office with you, Frankie.” Kate ran a hand through her hair. “I miss seeing her here. The office seems so empty without her. Do you know when she'll be able to return to work?”
“We're hoping the doctor gives the okay for Monday. It's been tough without her here.” She glanced at Johanna's empty desk. “I don't know what I would have done if