Page 16 of Paradise West
“You should go in assuming it will all be bad,” Art counseled, giving them both a grave look. “Most importantly, the main house is listed in the national historic registry. So one thing for you to understand—and I know you’re aware of this Jack—is that because these are historical structures, certain considerations must be made with materials and, in some cases, even the method used for the restoration.”
Charli tilted her head and narrowed her eyes. “What do you mean by the method used?”
“With some of the renovations,” Jack explained, “we’ll have to use special equipment that won’t disturb the original architecture.” He met her gaze, and after ensuring she was following, continued. “We also have to use the same or very similar materials, such as paint or roofing, as what was originally used in that time period.”
Charli looked up at Art. “We have to use the same type of materials used in 1925? How can we possibly do that?”
Art pursed his lips. “For three of the buildings, you’ll only have to go back to 1925.” He hesitated for a moment. “But for the main house, you’ll have to usematerials used in the 1850s. It’s a challenge, but Jack’s a pro at that.”
“The restrictions go so far as specifying not just paint type, but colors as well, so we’ll have to be exact,” Jack added, then pinned Art with his gaze. “At the reading yesterday, you mentioned documents about the house going to the society?”
Art grinned. “Yes, I did.” He folded his arms across his chest. “I only skimmed through the material, but I think I remember reading something about the structural details for the main house. I’m sure those would help.”
Jack grunted. “I’ll see what Hazel can pull together for me.” He looked up at the ceiling and released a long breath, creating a mental checklist for how they’d begin. “What happens if we don’t complete the restoration within two years?” He gave Art a side-eye glance. “Will the property go to the city?”
The corner of Art’s mouth ticked up in a lopsided grin. “Dottie didn’t specify that. Her worry was that one of you wouldn’t want to be involved for whatever reason. But she believed that once you both teamed up and got started on the restoration, you’d be as unstoppable as a whirlwind.”
Jack rubbed his hands together, excitement zinging through him. “She wasn’t wrong about that—well, forme anyway. I’ve been itching to get my hands on this place for years. I’ll just have to clear my schedule to focus on it.”
He glanced at Charli, knowing that his desperation had to show in his gaze. “But I guess our success all depends on what you plan to do.”
Charli’s eyes widened and she stepped back, looking like a deer in headlights. “What do you mean?”
Jack suddenly hated the idea of her leaving the island. He kept his voice calm despite his inner turmoil and asked, “How long do you think you can stay here?”
“Oh, that,” she replied, visibly relaxing, and then chuckled. “I’m not going anywhere any time soon.” She pursed her lips. “In fact, I think I can say I’ll be staying for the foreseeable future,” she added with a grin that lit up her face.
Well, that’s the best news I’ve heard all day! Now, how on earth am I going to keep this goddess here permanently?
The urge to pull her in for a kiss was nearly overwhelming and Jack took a deep breath and swallowed awkwardly, feeling like a boulder was lodged in his throat. He looked back down at the table, working to keep his expression under control. “Good...that’s good,” he answered, trying to soundnonchalant. “It’ll certainly make it easier for us to both be here.”
Charli’s lips twisted to the side. “The chickens,” she murmured.
Jack’s brows lifted and he tilted his head toward her. “What?”
“How will all this construction affect the chickens? Will they leave?”
“Ah!” Jack grinned. “Don’t worry about them. George and his ladies are fairly flexible. They usually come and go as they please but should stay away from the noise and commotion unless it’s feeding time. We’ll set up a hut back toward the pool and then we’ll relocate it to the garden once we get to that section.” He pointed to a spot on the old map that highlighted the bean-shaped pool.
Charli reached out and put a hand on his arm. It was as if she had electricity moving through her fingers onto his skin. “You do need to know that I don’t know much about renovation, much less restoration, okay? I’ll be learning as we go, so you’ll need to be patient with me.”
Jack smiled and put his hand over hers, holding it in place. “That won’t be a problem, Charli.”
They stood like that for a moment, staring into each other’s eyes. Art cleared his throat, the sound was loud in the room and they jumped apartawkwardly. Jack glanced over at the old lawyer and narrowed his eyes at the mischievous gleam he read in Art’s eyes.
“That’s wonderful news, Charli,” Art said. “I know this is a big change for you, but your aunt would be so happy to know that you’re embracing her vision.”
“Well, I don’t know if I’d go as far as embracing it,” she answered with a small smile. “But my current circumstances will allow for an extended stay.”
Art shrugged. “I’m willing to bet that your extended stay will extend even further.” He waved his hand in the air. “But enough about that. If you’ll take a look at this assessment from 1955, you’ll notice some major changes in the compound from 1925. It was still a resort at that time but had declined significantly from its previous glory.” He tapped the document. “Dottie and her partner bought it not long after this.”
Charli drew back as if Art had slapped her. “Her partner? I didn’t know she had a partner. Was she a lesbian?”
Art shook his head. “No, she wasn’t. I’m referring to Richard, her long-time boyfriend.” He paused for a moment and smiled nostalgically. “Dottie was a very strong-willed and independent woman. She refused to get married, which was unheard of at the time, so theylived together. He always wanted to marry her, but she never budged on that.”
Charli stared at Art, a hand on her chest. “She never told me about him.”
“I’d only heard rumors of him,” Jack piped in. He looked to Art. “He was an industrial heir from someplace up north in New England, right?”
