The Carpenter's Daughter by Jennifer Rodewald Page B

He was supposed to come, but he’s tied up with work this week. I came in his place.”
    Mack listened, but I had the distinct impression he wasn’t thrilled. His eyes shifted to a spot behind me, and I knew the look he was communicating to Jesse. The I don’t have time to babysit look.
    “She could easily replace me.” Jesse’s voice took on a hard quality, and the air tensed.
    I glanced back, finding the teasing light in his green eyes had darkened.
    I knew when two guys were about to have a stout disagreement. Between my dad and uncle Dan, I’d seen it all my life.
    Mack crossed his arms. Jesse scowled.
    I wanted to sink into the dirt . “I don’t mind doing whatever needs done.”
    “What have you been doing, Sarah?” Jesse crossed his arms.
    I stepped back. “Sweeping the back rooms.”
    Jesse shook his head, frowning at Mack. “Talent and skill shouldn’t be wasted, especially when Homes needs them both.” He didn’t wait for a response, but strode back to the house and mounted the ladder. Leaving me to deal with the big guy.
    Thanks. Next time I’ll do my own talking.
    Well, probably not. I’d had my chance when I’d arrived, hadn’t I?
    “Dan’s daughter, huh?” The big guy turned his glare from Jesse to me.
    I swallowed. “No, niece.”
    “Why’d he send you?”
    “Like I said, he’s on a job and he couldn’t get away—” I tucked my clammy hands behind me, hoping he didn’t notice that they shook.
    “I need a carpenter—a framer. Not a girl.”
    A girl? That was nice—a step up from butch. “I’ve worked with my dad my whole life, sir. Framing is my specialty, but I can do anything you need.”
    “Your dad?” Mack spit toward the dirt at our feet. “I thought you said Dan was your uncle.”
    “Right. He and my dad work together. Sharpe Contracting.”
    He grunted, which sounded more like a growl. “You familiar with the codes?”
    “Yes, sir.”
    I could feel his doubt like a cold bucket of water dumped over my head. This had gone on long enough. I wasn’t sure who exactly I was as a woman, but I knew I was pretty dang good with a set of building plans and a hammer. Gumption nearly loosed my tongue, but before it came unhinged, Mack stepped toward the house.
    “Come with me.”
    I pushed my shoulders back. I’d run a crew before, for heaven’s sake. Why had I been cowering as if I didn’t know the differences between a common nail and a finishing tack? Setting my stride to match his, I determined to keep up.
    “Ed.” Mack spoke to the guy I’d seen earlier, the one I couldn’t decide whether or not was a master. “Our framer’s here. This is Sarah Sharpe. Show her where you’re at, and run the changes by her.”
    Ed, who had turned and given me a once-over, raised his eyebrows. Mack didn’t respond before he walked away, leaving me stuck with yet another skeptical hurdle. I pushed panic back down my throat. Whatever I was not—which was sure to be a long list—I was a capable carpenter. If only I could remember that fact when these boys glared at me like I’d spattered paint on their new truck.
    Forcing my hand forward, I made myself speak. “Ed? It’s nice to meet you.”
    One eyebrow tipped up as he took my hand. Another weak grip. “Sharpe, is it?”
    I squeezed. “Yes, sir.”
    “And you’re a carpenter?”
    “Yes, sir.”
    He dropped his flimsy hold. “Huh. Desperate times…”
    Really? I ground my teeth. “What are we starting on after lunch?”
    He held me with a cool gaze. With an enormous amount of determination, I maintained one of my own.
    “The kitchen.” He pointed in the general direction of that room. “The owners want it a bit different. A little more open. Shouldn’t be a problem.”
    That was speculative. Moving walls wasn’t like rearranging furniture. “Let’s have a look.”
    Ed’s cool stare turned to an outright glare. “Fine.”
    Clenching my fists so that no one would see my hands tremble, I followed him. He pointed