Page 22 of Reclaimed Dreams
Chapter7
23 years ago
“Good, now use the hammer.” Dom grinned as Gabe picked up the hammer Dom had given him last Christmas—over Jo’s protests on behalf of her walls—from the messy pile of tools in his bucket. He’d told her he’d give the boy something appropriate to use it on, and the idea for the tree house was born. When Gabe began driving nails with a quick and sure three taps each, Dom just sat back like the proud papa he was and watched.
Together, he and Gabe had drawn up plans and framed out the whole tree house. Frankie had demanded a role, and Dom watched as she worked the block of sandpaper he’d given her over the scrap hardwood floors he’d installed. At four, she was already showing signs of inheriting his stubbornness, and she might as well learn how to channel that energy for good. Sofia had gone with Jo to pick out paint colors they could all agree on, and little Enzo was practicing his knot skills making the rope ladder and spreading tan bark around the base of the tree.
This tree house was a testament to what the Valenti Family could build together, and it warmed Dom’s heart. Sitting in the corner, watching his firstborn wield a hammer like it was a natural extension of his arm, Dom began to dream.
Someday, he’d pass Valenti Brothers down to his children and his nephew, Tony’s boy, Seth. The cousins would take the stable foundation he and Tony had laid and build to even greater heights. And Gabe, the oldest and most like him of all the kids, would be at the helm.
“You know, some day you’re going to be one of the brothers in Valenti Brothers. You’re learning so many skills today that you’ll use forever.”
“I’m gonna build houses, just like you, Dad.”
“That’s the plan.”
“Only mine are going to have kick-butt slides that go from the second floor to a pool and trapdoors and secret rooms…”
“They can have whatever your client pays for, but we still aren’t putting in a pool or a waterslide. Nice try.”
Gabe hunched his shoulders into a pout and hammered hard enough to bend the nail.
“Do you remember what to do?” Dom asked gently.
“Yeah, I’m not a baby like Frankie.” Gabe’s lips pressed into a sullen line as he turned the hammer around to remove it before tossing the bent nail out the window and starting another.
“Hey, watch it!” Enzo yelled from below.
“I’m not a baby!” Frankie argued from her spot in the corner.
“Baby, baby bay-beeee,” Gabe taunted.
Frankie threw the wooden sanding block at Gabe’s head with the speed and accuracy of a child who’d been forced to sit through too many little league games, and screamed at a decibel and pitch reserved for maligned four-year-old sisters. “I’M NOT A BABY!”
“Ow, Frankie that hurt. Fine. You’re not a baby.”
Pacified, she crawled into Gabe’s lap for a hug, which her big brother automatically gave. Dom’s heart swelled in his chest to see the bonds forming so clearly between his children.
“Dad! We’re back with the paint!” Sofia yelled from below.
“Hey, don’t drag the ladder through my wood chips. I just got them level!” Enzo protested.
Did four kids under eight create an unholy amount of noise and chaos? Yes.
Did they fill his heart to bursting, this wild crew of misfits he was raising? Also yes.
“Come on, Frankie. Let’s go paint.” Gabe was already sliding her out of his lap and heading for the stairs, hammering up the plywood walls forgotten.
“No, I’m gonna stay and help Daddy.” She picked up the hammer Gabe had dropped in his haste, and went to the wall. With one even swing, she sank the nail Gabe had left hanging. “Another!” Frankie giggled and bounced, delighted with herself.
Dom started another nail for her and smiled.
A house by Valenti was built to last.
2 years ago
Dom crossed the parking lot toward Enzo as he tucked his phone in his pocket. He grinned and waved to get his attention, since that boy looked lost in thought.
