The bathroom was stuck in the eighties with brass fixtures, a mirrored wall with vanity lights, and a soaker tub surrounded by wood paneling.
Ford whistled."You weren't kidding when you said it was dated."
I grimaced."I don't think the previous owners did any renovations."
His brow furrowed."We could run into significant issues when we rip things out."
I nodded."That's why we want to start on them now.I can show you one of the vacant guest rooms, so you can get an idea of the square footage."
"That would be good to see."
I led the way out of my bathroom.When I locked the door, he said, "You always wanted to run a bed-and-breakfast."
I smiled, pleased that he remembered."When my parents passed away, we finally had the money to buy something."
"I was sorry to hear about your parents.I know you were close to them."
"Thank you.Although it's weird that we're only living our dream because they died."I moved down the hall to a vacant room, unlocking the door and pushing it open."This is a good example of the size and scope of the guest baths."
He took measurements and notes on a yellow pad, then tucked the pencil behind his ear."If you get to me the number of bathrooms you'd like renovated, I can work up an estimate for you.We can do the building in sections."
He gestured at the floor and then the walls."You could use new carpet too and a fresh coat of paint."
I blew out a breath."Can you give us an estimate for everything?"
"Have you thought about updating the decor?"
"I thought it would be neat to have paintings of the mountains and the town in the rooms."I just didn't know who could provide those on a large scale at an affordable price.
"We don't handle interior design and contract out for the carpet."
I figured as much."That's fine."
"I can get you the estimate in a few days.Then you can decide if you want to see me every day."
I had thought he was still in the military, and I could carefully avoid him whenever he was home on leave.Now he appeared to be home for good.The idea of seeing him every day was difficult.
We made our way downstairs, with him checking the lighting and testing the railings."The electrical probably has to be updated, along with these bannisters.They're loose."
The list was only getting longer."Write everything up, and we'll have to figure out a game plan."
"Are you planning to get more estimates?"
I shook my head."We want to work with someone local, and that's Sterling."
"I appreciate you giving us your business."
He was so formal and stiff.Maybe that was the military training.Or the fact that it was awkward to be in the same room again.
Eve walked in the front door, a gust of cold air following her.She took off her knit cap."The contractor said he'd be by this morning."
I waved a hand at Ford."He's already here."
She lifted her gaze, seeing Ford for the first time.
He offered his hand to her."Ford Sterling."
Eve tipped her head to the side."I didn't realize you were home and working for your family's business."
