“You’re kidding? This was a home for unwed mothers?”
“Scandalous, huh? You see, my grandmother’s older sister got pregnant before marriage and was ostracized by her family. That experience affected Nonna Olivia. So when she heard of girls in the community who were in the same position, she let them stay with her until things died down. When he was alive, my grandfather supported her, but after he died, she made it her mission.”
“That’s amazing. She must have been a strong woman.”
“She was, and the neighbors hated her. She was an immigrant. Strike one. She spoke her mind. Strike two. And she protected girls the rest of society condemned. That’s three strikes. But she persevered, sharing what she had with others, and she ended her life sharing herself with me.”
“So she never considered selling the place? Downsizing?”
“No. She could have sold out. There were certainly many developers who tried to pry the house out of her hands over the years, but she wanted it to remain in the family. I’ve had a couple of real estate agents solicit me as well. There’s no way I’d ever sell this place, not if I don’t have to. I want to honor her memory and bring this building back to life in my own way.”
Michael realized he was holding his breath listening to her. When she finished her tale, he exhaled. He wished she’d tell him more. These were the sorts of stories that inspired him to do his greatest work. “How did a nice Italian girl with a nonna end up with Daniels as a surname?”
“You can thank some nameless immigration officer for that.”
“Come again?”
“When my paternal grandparents immigrated to Canada, they were persuaded to anglicize their name. Originally, their surname was Daniele. The immigration officer took one look at it on paper and suggested they change it to something more easily pronounced. The Daniels family was born. The name stuck, I guess, but it’s okay. I know exactly where I came from and I’m proud of my heritage.”
“This isn’t just about soup for you.”
“No, it’s not just about soup. I want this to be part of my family’s legacy.” She paused, lost in thought. “Oh, and by the way, Nonna Olivia would be over the moon at me being onHandymen. She only caught a few episodes before she died, but she loved the show. She even had a favorite handyman.”
“Let me guess? Nick?”
She sucked air in through her teeth. “Yeah. I’m sorry.”
“No worries.” Michael laughed. “He’s everyone’s favorite.”
Emily gave him a funny look. “Not everyone.” As soon as she uttered the words, she turned and disappeared into the foyer.
He followed her there, wondering if he heard her wrong. His stomach issued a happy rumble at what he perceived as a compliment, but he dismissed the flash of curiosity he’d glimpsed in her eyes.
She was just being polite.
He caught her perfume as a breeze blew in from an open window. Emily Daniels smelled good, so good he wanted to follow her around like a hound sniffing out a juicy bone. Not that she wore an overwhelming scent like Lacey’s heavy musk. A light rosy fragrance, it made him want to breathe deep. It made him want to guess where she’d applied it. On her neck, perhaps? Or those slender wrists? Maybe even somewhere in that spectacular cleavage.
Okay, you need to stop fantasizing about a woman who’s about to get married.
Trent Andrews was one lucky bastard.
Michael put his hand on the wall that divided the compact foyer and the more expansive living space and shook his head to clear away the sexual imagery littering his brain. “So you’re still on board with this wall coming down?”
“Absolutely. Like you said in your initial email, it’ll open up the main floor and make it more welcoming. Right now, it looks like a house. It needs to be more open-concept, like a store.”
“Good. I like to double check. You’d be surprised how many people change their minds once the sledgehammers arrive.”
“I have total faith in your plan, Michael. I only have one request.”
“Okay.”
“Can I help take the wall down?”
“I wouldn’t have it any other way. Besides, a good demolition can be therapeutic. I recommend it.” He led the way back into the front room and indicated the space near the side window. “The windows are in excellent condition.”
“My grandmother had them all replaced right before she died, and she was particular about her contractors.”
“Smart lady.” He grinned. “We won’t touch anything that doesn’t need fixing, but we’ll brighten everything up.” He pointed to one corner. “Of course, your counter will go there to make use of the natural light and we’ll install new light fixtures. What did you think of the links I sent? Did you prefer the Blenheim or the Darcy?”
