Page 24 of A Family Affair: The Plan
“I’m glad you see that. Nobody would want to be cleaning up mud and who knows what from the floor.” She shook her head, let out a laugh. “That would be such a pain.”
“Especially since I would be the one doing the cleanup.”
“Would you be doing the cooking as well?” Her lips twitched when she asked, “Or will your mother be stopping by to provide meals? Maybe Mimi will offer?”
“Now there’s an idea. Maybe I can hang a sign-up sheet and see who volunteers. Bet I could get a few meals out of that.”
She slid him a glance and their gazes locked. “I’ll bet you could, and I’ll bet the volunteers would extend far beyond your mother and Mimi.”
There was no denying the sizzle between them. “You think so?”
The eye roll and the smile gave him his answer before she spoke. “You know so.”
That comment made him laugh and tease her. “Wouldyoulike to sign up for a meal? I know you’re a good cook and agreatbaker.”
“I could send you a care package.”
“Ah, a care package. I haven’t received one of those since vet school. I still remember the chocolate chip cookies and bags of cough drops because my mother said you could never have enough cough drops. And I think she added toothpaste.” He raised a brow, added, “My mother is very maternal andconcerned. After what they paid in braces, they werenotgoing to see these teeth ruined.”
When Hope laughed, her whole face lit up. He liked that she gave a full-on laugh, not the calculated sound that many women used to appear as if they were amused. Celeste and her friends were like that. They could never quite let themselves one hundred percent relax and enjoy a situation. But it seemed like Hope had finally found a way to be comfortable around him, less reserved. Maybe more her real self? “If you decide to send me a care package, you can skip the toothpaste, but if you have any extra dental floss? I’ll take that since I always run out.”
She smiled, her hazel eyes bright. “Noted.”
They turned back to the plans and talked about the lighting, the windows, the countertops, even the depth of the sink. Another hour had passed and they hadn’t even made it outside yet. “How about a lunch break? I’m getting hungry and Sal’s makes great subs.”
“Sure.” She opened the bag, peeked inside. “What kind of subs?”
“Ham and turkey with provolone, tomato, peppers, spinach, Italian seasonings and olive oil. It’s really good.” He pulled out the subs, set them next to the plans. “Do you eat chips?” He removed more food from the bag, added, “And we have chocolate chunk cookies.”
“I’ll have a few chips, and I won’t say no to a chocolate chunk cookie.” She rolled up the plans and set them on the edge of the table. “These are too important to stain with olive oil and chocolate chunk cookie crumbs. What would the builder say?”
“Pete would grouse about it and then he’d start nosing around, asking what I was doing, and with whom… Then he’d want to know about you…”
“And you could tell him I’m the one who suggested navy and dark stain for the railing.”
As they ate their subs and shared a bag of chips—Hope might have said she only wanted afewchips but she’d eaten most of them—they talked about color schemes, textures, fabrics, and wood stains. He’d insisted the choices had tosimplifynot complicate his life. No extra or special care. Hope made him see that choices could still be about function and practicality while bringing out what he liked and what he could relate to in a way that “spoke to him”.
Okay, usually when someone said “pick something that speaks to you” that required a lot of work and introspection, but Hope encouraged him to select what felt right and not to overthink it. That was an interesting comment from a woman who spent so much time considering her hairstyle and shoe choice, though she didn’t seem like that woman today. The sweatshirt, jeans and boots, and the braid minus jewelry and minimal makeup made her more natural. Too damned attractive. He pushed aside thoughts of her attractiveness and focused on her comments regarding function and practicality.
“I like leather, I’m not much into plaid, and as you already know, navy’s my favorite color.”
She nodded, picked up another chip. “Could you see adding a touch of navy in the kitchen? Maybe with a cream, or some sort of pattern?”
“Maybe. I’d have to see it.” He shot her a glance, asked the question he hoped he wouldn’t regret. “If you’re still around, do you think you could help me out on some of those choices? Pete said I can start picking colors, hardware, tile, and that sort of thing, but I don’t have the eye or the talent to do it. Sure, he can set me up with somebody, but… if you’re around, I wouldn’t mind some guidance.” He shrugged, reached for his water. “What do I know about blending style along with old and new and matching it all up?”
“I’d love to—” the faintest pink crept to her cheeks “—as long as I’m still here.”
“Yeah, right. Any idea how long you plan to stay? Is it a firm thirty days or are you going to see how it goes and add on accordingly?” He did not want to acknowledge how much he hoped she’d choose the latter, and when she did, he breathed a long sigh. Of relief? Happiness? Who knew?
“There’s a lot to consider and I’ve realized thirty days isn’t long enough to formulate an opinion.” She hesitated a second before continuing. “I think the best course of action is to be open and adjust accordingly.”
“I agree.” Later, he would realize that those few words were about a lot more than extending her stay in Magdalena. They were about him and Hope, and where they were headed.
12
Hope had heard all about how Lily Desantro was known as the Angel of Magdalena. According to some, the young woman had a keen sense of people and situations, and while she never straight-out offered opinions, she did provide observations, ones which often turned out to be true. In the short time she’d been here, Hope had met a lot people: Cash and Tess Casherdon, Ben and Gina Reed, even Nate and Christine Desantro. Christine had been gracious and welcoming, a real sophisticate who shared stories of the joy she’d found in Magdalena.I’d never been to a place like this where the people are truly generous and kindhearted. If you can model Mimi Pendergrass? The woman is one-of-a-kind solid goodness. And if you can find a way to use the Heart Sent as a template? Oh, but every guest who visits the bed-and-breakfasts you build, will have a truly special experience.
Christine’s husband was not as forthcoming or excited about Hope’s presence in Magdalena. In fact, the mountain man had a few things to say.This town has opened up and shown you trust. Do not lose that or take advantage of it. His frown turned into an almost smile.Enjoy your stay.
