I shake Timmy’s hand and do not correct Paul. If he needs me to be the woman of the house right now, I will be.
Paul flips to a new page in the plans. “Need your opinion. Settle something.”
Timmy gives me a patient smile. “We are discussing a second front entrance. One dedicated to the office. Keeps client foot traffic out of the main living areas.”
“Bitty,” Paul mutters like it is a medical condition. “And the women like her. I do not need them marching in here all hours messing with the flow.”
I swallow a laugh and glance at the plans.
“So,” he says. “What do you think.”
“I think it is your house,” I answer. “Whatever you want, Paul.”
He waves me off. “No. What doyouthink.”
I look at the gutted house, the blueprints, the temporary island. He is serious. He genuinely wants my opinion.
I tap the spot he is pointing at. “Okay. If you add a secondary entrance, it gives you flexibility. Especially when you get sick of people treating the front door like it’s meant to revolve.”
Timmy snorts.
“And if you ever have out-of-town guests, they can come and go without disturbing the house.”
Paul nods like that was exactly what he wanted to hear. “Perfect.” He points at Timmy. “We are adding it.”
Timmy makes a note. “Done.”
Then Paul looks down at Savannah. “Hey there, cutie. You miss me.” She kicks and coos.
“Yeah, I know. We are getting there, kiddo.” He looks back at me. “Another thing.”
“Yes,” I say slowly.
“You mind if I give him your number,” he asks, jerking his thumb at the GC. “When it comes to colors, appliances, finishings, decorating, everything Patsy used to do. I know nothing about that stuff.”
“You want me to pick… everything.”
“Not everything,” he says. “Just everything important.”
I laugh. “Paul, that is everything.”
He shrugs. “You have good taste. And you will not pick nonsense.”
“High praise,” I murmur.
Timmy clears his throat. “Electricians will be here tomorrow to start in the basement. HVAC following. We will work around them as fast as we can.”
I exhale, smiling despite myself. “Alright. You can give him my number.”
Paul grins. Full grin. “Good. Then we have a plan.”
I look around the gutted space again. The echoing rooms. The covered floors. The way this place feels like a new beginning for Paul to begin living again.
“It is going to be beautiful, Paul,” I whisper.
He nods once, staring at the plans. “Yeah, kid. It is.”
When Timmy heads out, I turn to Paul. “Share a ride back to Koa and Nalani’s.”
