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Neil looked up at him. “Still thirteen hundred, but much more efficient. As you can see, I’ve added a rear entry garage. The original house didn’t have one. Families don’t want to unload groceries and children in the heat or rain.”
Paxton could agree with that. “Good thing there’s a big yard even with the driveway and garage added on.” Looking at his brother’s plans, he could picture what the place could be. Already ideas for plants once the house was built were swimming in his mind.
A car pulled into the driveway.
“Grace promised to bring lunch,” Owen said without looking up. “This way we won’t lose any time. There’s a lot to do and a crazy tight schedule.”
“The more the merrier.” Paxton chuckled. “Think she’s any good with a hammer?”
“She’s a lawyer.” Neil frowned.
“Hey, I’m a landscaper but I know how to use a drill and milk a cow. What’s your point?”
Shaking his head, Neil rolled his eyes and pointed to the salvaged walls. “Everything that couldn’t be saved is gone. All of this is remaining. Structurally the walls are fine.”
The sound of laughter and giggles filled the air as not one but two women climbed out of the car. Paxton stood a little straighter, recognizing both of them.
“Hey, guys. Look who I found coming out of the Cut n’ Curl as I was leaving the cafe. Remember Sandra Lynn?” Grace waved one of the bags she carried in Sandra’s direction.
Owen nodded. “Sandra, nice to see you.”
“Isn’t it great to have her back?” Grace looked happier than a kid at Christmas.
“You back for good?” Quinn asked with a smile and Paxton had to fight an absurd urge to tell his brother to back off.
Sandra smiled at everyone. “I am back for good. We moved in with my mother. For now.”
A sweet smile made it to her eyes, and Paxton couldn’t stop staring. First woman in ages to capture his attention for no good reason and she had to be married.
Grace hooked an arm around Sandra’s. “It’s been too long. It’ll be wonderful having my old friend back again. We have so much to catch up on.”
Neil turned to his brothers. “You have any questions?”
All the brothers shook their heads. After all, they knew how to read blueprints and there was nothing outstanding about any of the things on the drawings.
“Then I’m off.” Neil turned on his heel, and glanced at Sandra. “Welcome back.”
Owen spun about. “Let me catch a ride with you back to my truck. I’ve got some supplies I need to pick up.”
Grace glanced at her watch, her eyes widening. “Crud. I didn’t realize the time. I wish I could stick around, but I have a client appointment in ten minutes. I’m sorry I won’t be able to drop you back at your mom’s.”
“No problem, I can walk from here.”
Grace hurried away but turned at the last minute. “Hey, I have a great idea. Why don’t you come out to the ranch for dinner? We can really catch up. Aunt Eileen is dying to see you too.”
“I’d love to, but maybe another time. My car is still at the shop and Mom insists she doesn’t need a car living here in town.”
“No problem.” Grace looked to Paxton and Quinn standing side by side. “One of you guys can bring her out. Right?”
“Sure,” Paxton agreed a little too quickly, once again silently reminding himself that Sandra was a married woman.
“Bring David,” Grace added as she slid into the car. “There will be plenty of kids to play with. You can come any time.”
Sandra waved at Grace and then looked up at Paxton. “What time do you want me to come back to ride to the ranch?”
He shrugged. “We’re about to get started on some of the framing. But with only half a day, it won’t be a long day.”
Her gaze darted to the pages on the wooden table and then up at the open space.
