“It’s a beautiful building, but it will take a lot of work to modernize it.”
“We’re keeping as much of the character as we can. Apart from a few new fixtures and fittings, replacing the porch, and removing a couple of walls, most of the work is cosmetic. Do you want to have a look inside?”
Peter nodded. He hadn’t planned on going farther than the sidewalk, but he was intrigued by Penny and Katie’s description of the cottages. Even though they were abandoned and falling apart, both sisters shared a vision of creating a row of successful small businesses and comfortable family homes.
As he stepped onto the porch, he watched where he placed his feet. “When did you start working on them?”
Penny handed him a hardhat from a box beside the front door. “I’ve had the keys since before Christmas, but I only started working on them yesterday. The construction team starts work on January 20. Watch out for the spiders and cockroaches.”
Peter was surprised at how excited Penny was. “What is it about these houses that makes you want to remodel them?”
“They’re part of the history of Sapphire Bay. Before it was a tourist town, these cottages were owned by the company that operated the steamboats out of Polson. They built them as vacation homes for their employees. Over the years, they’ve been used for lots of different things, but no one really knew what to do with them. When they were given to the county, they drew up plans to redevelop the properties, but that never happened.” She stepped into the hallway and gazed up at the pressed tin ceiling. “With a lot of hard work, we can transform the cottages into homes and businesses that will change people’s lives. I’ve worked on new multi-story residential developments and commercial buildings, but nothing is better than taking an old building and bringing it back to life.”
Placing the hardhat on his head, Peter studied Penny’s face. “I couldn’t agree with you more. Did Wyatt tell you why I’m here?”
“You’re planning a secret book launch for Katie. That’s a really nice thing to do.”
“I asked Barbara if you’d organized anything. When she said you haven’t, I thought I’d do one.”
“After she gets over the shock, Katie will love it. She was so disappointed when none of the publishing houses bought her books. Have you read any of her stories?”
“Not yet.”
“When you do, you’ll see why we’ve been so surprised that no one wants to publish them. She’s such a good writer, but she struggles to see how wonderful her stories are.” Penny stepped into another room. “This is the original front parlor. The fireplace is my favorite feature in this room.”
The black fireplace, thick with cobwebs and dirt, was almost as impressive as the wide cracks in the wall above it. “Are you sure it’s safe to be in here? It looks as though the chimney isn’t very stable.”
“The construction crew will stabilize everything when they arrive. Out of the eight properties, only two have chimneys that don’t need any work. But don’t worry, it’s perfectly safe.”
Peter wasn’t so sure. Taking a cautious step backward, he looked at the room’s other features. If you ignored the peeling walls and a smell that was a cross between raw sewerage and decay, it had potential. “Will this be one of the small businesses or a residential home?”
“This cottage and the next three will be businesses because they’re the closest to Main Street. The other four will be rented as homes. Come and look at the rest of the cottage. It’s bigger than it looks from the street.”
By the time Peter had seen the rest of the building, he could see why Penny had worked hard to obtain approval for the redevelopment. With two large front rooms, a kitchen, a bathroom, and two more rooms that could become office and storage space, it would be perfect for a small business owner.
“Do the other buildings have identical layouts?”
“Right down to the same fireplaces and awful bathrooms. The last cottage is the only one that doesn’t reek of sewerage.” Penny smiled. “I noticed you’re breathing through your mouth and not your nose. It’s disgusting, isn’t it?”
“A little.” That was about the nicest thing he could say about the smell.
“Now I know why Katie likes you. You’re diplomatic without being a pushover. Let’s go outside while you tell me about the surprise book launch. If you need help with anything, let me know.”
Peter was happy to step into the fresh air—even if it felt as though snow wasn’t far away. With a relieved sigh, he left his hardhat in the basket and pulled out the spreadsheet he’d worked on last night.
As soon as she saw it, Penny sighed. “You’re diplomatic and organized. Where did Katie find you?”
“In the general store by the display of tinsel.” He laughed at the gleam in her eyes. “As strange as it sounds, I’m only organized because I have to be.”
“Aren’t we all? Even though Katie might look as though she lives her life spontaneously, she’s as organized as the rest of us. She has to be to look after the guests at the inn, write books, and volunteer at the church. You’d be a perfect match.”
A rush of heat hit his face. He’d thought the same thing a few times, but their future was so shaky that thinking beyond the next few months was hopeless. “You wouldn’t be playing matchmaker by any chance, would you?”
“Who me?” she said in mock surprise. “I wouldn’t dream of interfering in my sister’s life.”
That might be true, but he had a suspicion she wouldn’t think twice about meddling in his.
* * *
