Chapter 12 - The Unbroken Thread
The screen door of the sunroom clicked open, and Thomas stepped inside, carrying a tray with two mugs of fresh coffee and a small glass of apple juice for Lily.
"Architect Vance," Thomas said with a warm, teasing grin as he set the tray down on the corner of the desk. "The contractor on the shelter project called. He said the foundation pour for the main hall was approved by the county inspectors this morning."
Rebecca looked up at her father, her eyes shining with pride. "That means we start framing next week."
"Next week," Thomas confirmed, pulling out a chair and sitting down beside her. He picked up his coffee mug, taking a slow sip as he looked over her blueprints. "Your design for the entry foyer is remarkable, Rebecca. The double-reinforced steel framing hidden inside the oak trim... it's brilliant."
Rebecca looked down at the blue drawing of the grand entryway she had designed for the shelter.
"Doors should protect the people inside, Papa," she said quietly, her tone firm and devoid of past trauma. "They should never be locked from the outside."
May you like
Thomas reached out and placed his hand over hers on the desk, his grip warm, solid, and comforting.
"They won't be," Thomas promised. "Not ever again."
