At first, James felt apprehensive.
What he was about to do, was a mammoth task indeed.
A few doubting questions crossed his mind, but he only had to look down at Raven to realise that it was worth it in the long run.
Jacqui, on her rare appearance at the workshop, wrinkled her nose in disgust.
She peeled back the tarpaulin and grimaced.
"What on earth possessed you to buy this?" she demanded, wiping her hands on her jacket.
"It's for Raven," he replied simply.
"Her?" she snorted derisively, "it's highly inappropriate for that child. She'll soon get sick of it and it'll stand in the corner, gathering dust for years to come."
She walked out of the door, her stinging words still hanging in the air.
James was tempted to flop down on the saggy settee, but Raven burst in, soon afterwards, squealing with glee.
"Look Daddy! Look!" she yelled, hopping up and down excitedly.
It was her first A+ report card and she was so happy, she'd been bursting to tell her Daddy.
He plucked the crumpled piece of paper from her hand and read it.
He gave her a squeeze and kissed the top of her head.
"Well done, my little princess," he said proudly, "I always knew you were a smart one. Just like your Daddy!"
Raven giggled at him, before wandering into the kitchen for milk and cookies.
After clearing her mess, she came back in to ask James to help her with a little bit of homework she was stuck on.
He obliged, glad of the distraction, whilst he was trying to figure out how to start this restoration.
Not once did she question him about the tarpaulin or what lay beneath it.
Instead, she ran up the stairs to play with her doll house.
Besides, she'd spent so much time, watching him turning out beautifully crafted toys, that she knew this was going to be something great.
In between building toys to order, James struggled valiantly with his project.
There were days when he'd throw his hands up in the air in sheer exasperation.
Others where he'd be up all night, just to make sure 'that little piece there' would fit in perfectly.
Some nights, he'd look up and see Raven's light was still on.
So he'd steal upstairs, tuck her in and give her a kiss goodnight, before switching the light off.
But the months flew past far too quickly for James and he almost gave up every hope of getting this project completed for Raven's birthday.
On top of that, he had Jacqui chirping in his ear, telling him it'd never work.
But the day of her birthday, James was overcome with joy, as the last coat of varnish had dried completely.
Bursting with happiness, he could hardly contain himself.
He almost stumbled as he rushed up the stairs.
Raven was fast asleep, her head and body turned towards him.
She looked so sweet in her slumber, it seemed a shame to wake her.
He pulled the cover over her shoulder and glanced down, startled at how much she physically resembled Jacqui.
Her black hair, cute button nose and when they were open, those startling deep blue eyes.
Raven moaned softly and rolled over.
His heart lurched as he saw how sweet and innocent she looked.
Suddenly, as if aware of someone else in the room, her eyes flew open and she stared straight at James.
"Hi Princess," he said, smiling warmly.
She flung her arms around his neck and kissed him.
"Hi Daddy," she replied, her voice sweet and tender.
"Guess what?"
She shook her head, her eyes still sleepy, but smiled all the same.
"It's your birthday in......"
He glanced at the clock.
"....five, four, three, two, one.....Happy Birthday!!"
She clapped her hands with excitement.
"And your birthday present is downstairs waiting for you. Just get yourself ready first, and you can have a look. Tell me what you think."
Raven nodded, rushing to the bathroom to wash up and get ready.
While she was getting ready, James waited at the bottom of the stairs.
Jacqui just happened to be passing.
"I don't know what you're all excited for," she said sharply, "it's only going to be a five minute wonder for her. And then what?"
James turned to her, scowling.
"Aww, come on Jacqui," he said shaking his head, "lighten up will you. It's your daughter's birthday. Can't you be happy for her just this once?"
She narrowed her eyes before wandering into the lounge and flopping down on the settee.
Raven skipped down the stairs, her face bright and beaming all over.
"Wait!" said James, stopping her, "let's do this properly."
He covered her eyes with his hands and slowly led her into the lounge.
Jacqui rolled her eyes as she watched them.
"Oh, please," she said, exasperated.
James threw her a dirty look.
After a few short steps, they stopped and James pulled his hands away.
"Happy Birthday Princess!" he said happily.
Raven could hardly suppress her joy.
It's what she'd always dreamed of.
Her very own piano.
She flung her arms around her father, thanking him profusely and kissing his cheek.
She walked up to the piano and lifted the lid, running her fingers along the keys and tracing out the rich carvings.
"Go on," James urged, "it won't bite you."
Raven smiled, pulled up the stool and began to play the most beautiful melodies she could remember.
James was over joyed.
Even Jacqui was slightly impressed.
But it was James who, having spent the most time with Raven, had seen this gift of music.
Right from the minute she first started playing on the tiny toy piano.
From now on, the house would be filled with music.
As for Jacqui.
Well
She had other plans.
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