Page 10 of Always Almost You

“I know,” Lauren said, stepping closer and straightening the collar of Kathy’s crisp white button-down. “But repurposing the office across from the master suite into a nursery raises some structural issues. If plumbing changes are going to happen, they need to happen now, before construction starts.”

“You know how much architects love it when designers suggest changes to their drawings,” Kathy said dryly.

“I’m well aware,” Lauren said. “But this will make the space far more functional.”

Pumpkin, who had been pacing at Kathy’s feet waiting for her customary greeting, abandoned her post and raced toward the front of the shop.

“We’ll let the client decide,” Lauren said. “I’ll start with the design options and bring up the structural changes at the end.”

Kathy nodded. “Perfect.”

They moved toward the front as Susan entered.

Pumpkin hopped onto the settee and stood at attention in her usual greeting spot.

“Hey, ladies,” Susan said brightly. “I’m so glad Pumpkin is working today. I brought something for her.” She crossed the room, stroked Pumpkin from ears to tail, and pulled a small plush duck from her purse. “May I?” she asked, turning to Lauren.

“Of course,” Lauren said. “That’s so thoughtful.”

Pumpkin accepted the toy with a gentle mouth, then dropped onto her belly on the settee. Her ears twitched as she bit down, producing a sharp squeak.

“I knew she’d like it,” Susan said.

The duck squeaked again. And again.

“And again,” Susan added, laughing. “I hope she doesn’t drive you crazy with that thing.”

“She’ll settle in a minute,” Lauren said. “Would you like to see what we’ve come up with for the nursery?”

“I can’t wait,” Susan said. “I’m more excited about this room than any other in the house.”

“Congratulations. Lauren and I are thrilled for you,” Kathy said warmly.

“Thank you,” Susan replied. “It’s a dream we thought would never come true.”

They gathered around the table, bending over drawings, paint chips, fabric swatches, and furniture images.

“It’s all beautiful,” Susan said. “I love everything you’ve picked.”

Kathy and Lauren glanced at each other. When Susan liked everything, narrowing choices could be a challenge.

“They’re consistent with your home’s palette,” Lauren said. “Which ones make you smile?”

Susan’s hand flew to the wallpaper featuring woodland animals. “This one,” she said. “I love the squirrels and foxes. And the duck with her ducklings is so sweet. The bunny and her baby are adorable.”

“That’s my favorite wallpaper too,” Lauren said. “If I were designing my nursery, that’s what I’d choose. It works beautifully now and will grow with the child.”

“Show me which paint chips and swatches go with it,” Susan said.

Kathy pulled the coordinating samples.

“These,” Susan said decisively. “I love the warm toast color for the walls, and the aquas, greens, corals, and soft pinks of this rug pull in the colors from the wallpaper. It works for a boy or a girl.” She looked up. “I know I’m putting pressure on you to move quickly. Thank you for pulling this together so fast.”

“It’s our pleasure,” Kathy said. “Though all the credit goes to Lauren. I’ve been out this week with sick kids.”

They turned their attention back to the samples and selected furniture, bedding, and light fixtures.

“I have one more thing to discuss,” Lauren said. “I know the architect completed the drawings, but I think we should make a few changes.”