As the years passed, James continued to make toys for Stephen Tinker, improving as time went on.
Raven was the perfect 'quality controller', happily testing out every toy he'd completed.
A firm favourite of hers was a jack-in-the-box, which she hugged lovingly, whenever the little man popped out and jiggled in front of her.
In fact, the two of them were virtually inseparable.
But Raven's seventh birthday was soon approaching and she was speedily losing interest in fire trucks and building blocks.
It was James himself that had to test out the latest batch order.
A consignment of Kites.
It was by sheer accident that James discovered Raven's true talents.
Whilst out shopping for a pretty party dress for Raven, they were caught in a nasty downpour and were forced to take refuge in a nearby antiques shop.
It was dark and gloomy, accentuated by the dark, heavy clouds outside.
It also smelled of mothballs and dust.
Raven wrinkled her little nose as she peered into cracked glass domes.
And sneezed when she closed the dusty old book she'd been looking at.
She wasn't too keen on this shop at all.
Nor did she like the grouchy old man with white hair and a big fluffy moustache, either.
She clung to her Daddy's trousers, feeling a lot safer.
As long as she had her Daddy by her side, she always felt safe.
She knew he'd protect her.
They ventured further into the shop, where James pulled up a heavy tarpaulin.
And gave a gasp.
Hidden underneath, was the most beautiful antique he'd ever seen.
"How much for this?" he asked, pulling the tarp a bit more.
The old man eased himself stiffly from his stool and hobbled towards them, his joints in obvious pain. Most likely from arthritis, judging by his gnarled old hands.
"I was going to throw that out," he said, his gravelly voice sounding like nails on a chalkboard, "it's in dire need of restoration."
"I'll do it," offered James, "how much?"
The old man eyed James carefully, measuring him up and down.
"You've got to be totally dedicated for this little beauty, because restoration on this level can become very expensive indeed."
James grinned, ruffling Raven's hair.
"I'll take it."
The old man nodded wisely, looking down at Raven.
"Your dad's got a good eye for a bargain," he remarked, "and one for a pretty lady too."
James took out his cheque book and wrote down the price that was offered.
Luckily, the commission he was getting from making toys, more than covered house costs.
And with Jacqui's new job, they were financially secure.
By the time they got home, much to the relief of Raven, the rain had stopped, the sun was peeking through the clouds and the pavement was beginning to dry up.
Raven took hold of her father's hand and pulled it slightly, looking up at him.
"Daddy," she said, quizzically, "what did that man mean when he said about you having an eye for a pretty lady?"
James chuckled, ruffling her hair.
"It's a figure of speech my dear," he explained, "besides, what I bought today, was probably built specifically for a lady."
"Like me?" Raven asked brightly.
"Like you."
He bent down as she wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed his cheek.
"I love you Daddy." she whispered.
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