LITMIR.BIZ

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great seven years ago.”

      “And it’s been closed up for at least the last five, so I’m sure it’s even worse than you remember.”

      “Yet you bought it?”

      “Kayla, I have fallen in love with Ouray. It’s my home. And that hotel is a part of this town’s history. A history that needs to be preserved for future generations. I want to restore it to its former glory.”

      “You’re going to restore it?” While Kayla had no doubt that Lily could afford such a venture, she couldn’t quite picture her wealthy friend wielding a hammer, let alone refinishing floors.

      “Not me personally. I’m going to hire someone to do the work.”

      “Okay, so what does that have to do with me? You want me to help you find a general contractor?”

      “Sort of.” Looking rather sheepish, Lily sat down next to her. “I’d like you to be that contractor.”

      “Lily, a restoration like that could take months. Maybe years.”

      “I’m aware of that. And I know the baby is coming and everything, but you know historical renovations better than anyone. I mean, you’ve been doing them for years.”

      “Lily, I’ve never been a general contractor before.”

      “You didn’t have the title, but you certainly had all the duties. That’s why you always talked about starting your own business.” Lily lifted a shoulder. “Even contemplated doing it somewhere other than Denver.”

      Lily was the only person in this world Kayla would have shared that with.

      “This could give you that fresh start you’ve been looking for. An opportunity to view life from a different angle. I mean, just look at how Ouray has changed my life.”

      It all sounded wonderful. Too good to be true. But after seeing Jude...

      Kayla eyed her friend. “You’ve put a lot of thought into this, haven’t you?”

      The corners of Lily’s mouth lifted. “Been running this conversation through my head for weeks.”

      “Seriously? You have a wedding to plan and you’re dwelling on a conversation with me?”

      “I wouldn’t call it dwelling. More like carefully calculating so I’m sure to play up all the right points.”

      Where would she be if God hadn’t brought this woman into her life? She nudged Lily with her elbow. “Have I ever told you how much I love you?”

      “Sweetie, you’re the sister I never had.”

      “If that’s the case, then you’re the annoying sister.”

      “A distinction I will wear proudly.” Lily paused, her expression turning serious. “So, what do you say?”

      “Let me see the place first. After I put my feet up for a few and grab a snack.”

      “You do look a little tired.” Bottom lip pooched out, Lily reached for her hand. “And here I am, pushing you to do all sorts of stuff. I’m sorry.”

      Kayla set her free hand atop Lily’s. “You’re just excited, that’s all.”

      “Still, that doesn’t give me the right to be rude.” Her friend stood. “You take all the time you need. Though I should tell you that Carly just made an apple crisp that is to die for.”

      “Ah, that’s what I smelled downstairs. Made my stomach growl.”

      “That happens when you’re eating for two.” Lily moved toward the door. “I’ll see you in a bit.” She reached for the knob and started to pull it closed.

      “Lily?” Kayla rested her back against the plethora of pillows and stretched her legs out on the bed.

      “Yes?”

      She grabbed a throw pillow, hugging it against her chest. “Don’t expect me to give you an answer right away. I’ll have to think on this one awhile.”

      Lily grinned. “I know you will. And I’ll be praying that God will lead us both to the right decision.”

       Chapter Two

      Jude eased his truck into the parking spot next to Lily’s SUV, still trying to get Kayla out of his mind. Between last night’s conversation with his father and seeing her today, he was wound up tighter than a two-dollar watch.

      God, I sure wish I knew what You’re trying to teach me. Because whatever it was, he’d just as soon learn it and move on.

      This might be a good night to lock himself in his shop and sort through his thoughts while he turned some spindles. That always seemed to relax him.

      Killing the engine, he stared at the old Congress Hotel. The three-story wooden structure that had once been labeled “the finest on the Western Slope” seemed to be disintegrating before his eyes. The white paint was either peeling or completely gone, the open veranda on the second floor that extended over the sidewalk sagged and much of the trim appeared damaged by the elements and countless years of neglect. He hated to see it. Though its restoration would be a major undertaking for anyone.

      Noting that one of the two doors on the front of the building stood open, he climbed out, eager to learn what Lily was up to.

      Still wearing his uniform—a black tactical shirt and gray cargo pants—he continued across the sidewalk and up the concrete steps until he stood on the vintage wooden floors that graced the hotel’s lobby. With its tin ceiling and antique furnishings, it felt as though he’d stepped into another place in time.

      The sun had already dipped behind Twin Peaks along the town’s western edge, and the remaining daylight struggled to make its way through the hazy stained-glass-rimmed windows along the front.

      “Lily?” He glanced up the staircase to his left before continuing past the ornately carved registration desk. Hearing sounds coming from the dining room, he moved in that direction.

      “Lil—” The sight of Kayla standing on a ladder stopped him in his tracks and sent his mind racing back to their first meeting. They’d both been hired by a local contractor to help with the restoration of one of the largest Victorian homes in town. She’d been standing on a ladder that day, too. And he’d been smitten the first moment he saw her.

      Hauling his traitorous mind back to the present, he cleared his throat. “Do you think it’s wise for you to be up there in your condition?”

      She shot him an annoyed look before returning her focus to the peeling wallpaper. “Trust me, I was doing this long before I was in this condition.”

      “True, but your center of equilibrium is different now. What if you were to fall? What would your husband say?”

      Using what looked like a pocketknife, she carefully pried another sliver of paper away from the plaster. “I doubt he’d care.”

      Confused, he took a step closer and set a hand on the ladder, just in case. “Why do you say that?”

      She closed the knife, tucked it into the pocket of her jeans and stepped down. “Because he’s dead.”

      He stood there, blinking, feeling as though someone had just hit him with a left hook. Her husband was dead? He glanced at her swollen belly. Leaving Kayla to raise their child alone. “I—I’m sorry.”

      “Don’t be.” She collapsed the ladder and leaned it against the wall. “My baby and I are doing just fine.”

      “Sorry, I took so long.” Lily breezed into the room then, stirring up the stale air. “Jude, I’m glad you’re here.” She looked from him to her friend.

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