“The hardware store’s got a sale on gallon cans of dark oak stain,” Sarah said.

“I’ve still got two full cans out in the shop,” I said.

“Good,” Sarah said.

“Because there are three chairs out there waiting on varnish.”

At two in the afternoon, Mark and I hauled the heavy oak vanity table up the narrow back stairs.

The dark varnish had cured hard and smooth, leaving a faint scent of beeswax polish in the hall.

We set its four squared legs down on the floorboards next to the bedroom window.