Page 7

Journal

It’s official. Sarah is pregnant. Sure, we both knew she was right, she’s always right.

I couldn’t be happier. I’ve been bouncing off the walls since I found out.

There is so much to prepare for the baby’s arrival.

We still need to get a nursery set up in our quarters.

Initially, our quarters were going to wait until last to complete.

Since we are the owners of the B&B we could rough it for a while, but now that has all changed.

We need to be in good shape before March. It’s coming up fast.

Now this journal really does have a purpose and not just for a dumb fool such as myself to write his inner thoughts.

One day, my kid will read this. I will always hope for a boy, but no matter what I just want my baby to be healthy.

It sounds cliché, but now I know exactly how all those other parents-to-be must have felt in anticipation of their new arrival.

Ugh! There’s so much to do. My stomach just did a flip flop.

Why am I sitting here writing down my thoughts when I need to be hammering nails, painting rooms, laying down carpet, installing light fixtures?

Thank goodness for Brock and Sarah. She is willing to work until the doctor says it’s not safe to do so.

She is such a trooper. Brock has helped me pull all-nighters with the electrical and plumbing system installations.

I can’t remember the last time we spent this much time together since we were kids.

It’s been like old times. Bringing back lots of memories.

Stuff my brain had pushed away a long time ago.

The old log cabin that sat on the property was essentially torn down to make room for the huge B&B structure.

Our original plans were to have seven guest suites along with staff quarters, a lobby, large dining area, two fireplaces, and a chef’s kitchen.

After running the numbers and taking into account the fluctuations in bookings due to the seasonal weather changes, we decided there needed to be at least ten guest suites to make it work.

Maximizing our income during the good weather months was going to be key to survival through the harsh winters where no one in their right mind would come to this part of Alaska to visit.

Thankfully, the structure was taking shape and looking grand.

Even if I do say so myself. We cleared enough trees to allow for construction and equipment but wanted to keep the wooded look and feel to the property.

Majestic, is what Sarah called it. She said, if she sat down on the porch swing, closed her eyes and took a minute to relax, she would envision all the woodland creatures, elves, gnomes, and fairies flitting about.

Her smile at dinner last night when recalling how she felt about this place made me tear up.

I think magical is a good way to describe how I feel about this place, and we aren’t even done.

Otherwise, the weather has been great, warm and dry. I can’t remember the last time we had this long of a stretch without rain. Normally, I’d be a bit worried, but not having to deal with soggy two-by-fours and sheetrock has been a blessing.

It won’t be long before autumn is here and the weather starts to change.

We need to get the rest of the exterior done before winter hits or it could be a shit-show come spring.

The way we’ve got it planned out, if everything goes right, we should be ready to work on the interior by the time the first snow falls.

I’m keeping all my fingers and toes crossed in hopes of good fortune.