Righting a Wrong (A Ripple Effect Romance Novella) by Rachael Anderson

shed.
    “I’m getting rid of it. The concrete pad on the side of the house is a way better location for a shed. It will be easier access for you too.”
    He didn’t look pacified. “What about this space? What’s it going to become? A garden to grow all those fresh fruits and veggies you’ve been trying to shove down my throat lately?”
    “No, it’s going to be a water feature. Your garden will go over there, where it’s sunnier.”
    “A water what?”
    “Feature,” Cambri said. “It will be like having a little stream of your very own.”
    Her father’s eyes widened and his frown deepened. “I don’t want some frou-frou waterfall back here. I’m not an old woman!”
    “I said stream, not waterfall, and I know you’re not an old woman. You’re a cantankerous old man. Now stop being so resistant to change and go finish your show. I’ve got this.”
    Glowering, her father stalked toward the house, muttering about how that’s what he got for giving a woman the go-ahead to make a few improvements. “She’s just like her mother,” he grumbled.
    “Thanks,” Cambri said under her breath, feeling a connection to her mom that she hadn’t experience in awhile. With a satisfied smile, she finished tearing down what was left of the shed. Several wheelbarrow loads later, the majority of the gravel was transported to the back of her father’s truck, revealing a completely clean ten-by-ten space for Cambri to work with. She smiled at the prospect of what it would become.
    “Wow, someone’s been busy.”
    At the sound of Jace’s voice, Cambri spun around, feeling suddenly self-conscious. Her hand flew up to tuck a few stray locks of hair behind her ear. She could only imagine how filthy and horrible she looked, though she wondered why she cared. She never used to before. “What are you doing here?”
    His cocked his head toward the house. “Your dad called. Said I needed to get over here right away and put a stop to all your girly plans. He wants a few shrubs added to the front yard and that’s it.”
    Cambri suddenly felt like dropping the sledgehammer on her father’s big toe. All day long, she’d been working hard to create something more functional and beautiful for her father. But could he find at least one thing to appreciate about her plans or discuss it with her in a mature, adult way? Even ask to see her quickly drawn out plans or offer any sort of compromise? No. Instead, he calls on loyal Jace to talk some sense into his daughter.
    Maybe it was her exhaustion, but Cambri’s blood started to simmer. “A few shrubs?” she said, her voice escalating with every word. “He wants a few shrubs, and that’s it?”
    Jace eyed her with a wary expression. “I’m just the messenger.”
    “Great. Then you can give my dad this message: Tell him it’s either a water feature and a new shed, or a yard full of the frilliest, most colorful perennials I can find!”
    Jace’s lips lifted into a smile. “That’s very mature of you.”
    Cambri chose to ignore the fact that she’d just accused her father of the same thing. “He started it!” she said, jabbing a finger toward the house. When she saw her father peeking through the slats in the kitchen window, she threw down her work gloves and stormed toward the house. The slats immediately fell closed, and the click of the back door lock sounded.
    She froze. Unbelievable. He’d actually locked her out.
    Cambri continued forward, ready to pound on the back door until her father let her in, but a strong arm caught her around the waist, easily stopping her progress. “Let me go!” she said, squirming to free herself from Jace’s grip.
    “Calm down, Cam,” he breathed into her ear, sending shivers down her spine. “What are you going to do, break down the door?”
    Hmm … not such a bad idea. Cambri twisted her head around. “Where did that sledgehammer go?”
    Jace chuckled, pulling her against him. “What did that door ever do to you?” More