Capri glanced down at the paper, trying to ignore the way her pulse quickened slightly. “What’s this?” she asked, pointing to a section of the layout.
Jake followed her finger, his voice steady as he explained. “This is the kitchen. I know you mentioned keeping it mostly the same, but I was thinking we could add an island here. It would give you more counter space and improve the flow.”
She frowned, shaking her head. “I don’t need an island. It’s been fine without one.”
“I get that,” Jake said, his tone calm. “But adding an island would make the kitchen more functional. It’s a small change, but it could make cooking and entertaining easier. Plus, it wouldn’t take away from the cozy feel you want to keep.”
Capri huffed, crossing her arms tightly. “Seems like a waste of money to me. As I said before, money is no object. But I don’t like squandering any of the budget, either.”
Jake didn’t argue. Instead, he nodded thoughtfully. “We can stick with the current layout if you prefer. I just wanted to present the option. Sometimes it’s worth considering a little extra functionality.”
She didn’t respond, simply gesturing for him to continue. He took out another sheet, this one detailing the living area.
“If you open up this wall, it will create a more open concept and allow more light in,” he said, tapping the blueprint. “You’d still have distinct areas for living and dining, but with a better, and more modern, flow.”
Capri immediately shook her head. “Absolutely not. That existing wall makes the space feel cozy.”
Jake was unflappable. “I understand. But think about it this way—by opening it up, you’d make the space feel larger, more welcoming. We could add a partial divider or bookcase to keep some separation if that’s important to you, without losing the benefits of an open layout.”
Her annoyance flared again. “I like the space the way it is, Jake. This isn’t some fancy showroom.”
Jake leaned back slightly, giving her room to breathe. “I hear you. But cozy doesn’t have to mean closed off. It’s about balance. This change could make a big difference in how the space feels, especially in the long run.”
Surprisingly, Capri felt herself growing more frustrated with each suggestion. “What else?”
Jake pulled out another drawing, this one showing the exterior. “The front porch—right now, it’s functional, but I think we could enhance it a bit. Maybe extend it slightly, make it a more inviting entrance while still keeping the original character.”
Capri studied the sketch, her fingers tracing the outline of the porch. “I don’t want it to look too new. This place has history.”
Never mind she’d originally suggested bulldozing the entire cabin. She had a right to change her mind, and all these alterations seemed daunting and unnecessary.
Jake nodded, his voice soothing. “Absolutely. We’d use materials that match the original as closely as possible—weathered wood, traditional fixtures. It would keep all the charm it has now, just with a bit more usability and appeal. A place where you could sit, enjoy the view, maybe entertain.”
She couldn’t help but feel a small tug of interest, despite herself. “It better not stick out like a sore thumb.”
“It won’t,” Jake assured her, his eyes meeting hers with a sincerity that was hard to argue with. “I promise.”
They went over more details—the structural changes, necessary updates to plumbing, and even a new paint scheme. Each time, Capri found herself resisting, questioning his choices as if testing his tolerance for compromise. But Jake never wavered. He explained everything clearly, patiently, as if her objections were expected, maybe even welcomed.
By the time they finished, the sun was dipping low in the sky, casting the yard in golden light. Capri let out a long breath, feeling both exhausted and strangely content. Despite all her pushback, she knew in her gut that Jake’s suggestions made sense.
Capri couldn’t deny that Jake had a steady hand and a clear head, qualities she valued in anyone she worked with. He wasn’t easily rattled, and that quiet confidence spoke volumes. He didn’t push his ideas arrogantly; instead, he presented them logically, leaving room for discussion.
It was also clear he knew his craft, and though she wasn’t one to hand out respect easily, Jake had managed to earn a bit of hers through sheer competence and unwavering resolve.
“Fine,” she said finally, with a touch of resignation. “We’ll go with your plans—all of them. But if I don’t like something, I’ll be voicing it.”
Jake’s smile was genuine, a soft curve that made something in her chest tighten. “I wouldn’t expect anything less.”
As she watched him roll up the blueprints, ready to head out, Capri couldn’t shake the feeling that maybe, just maybe, she was starting to trust him. And that, more than anything, was what made her nervous.
18
Reva stood near the entrance of the Thunder Mountain Community Center, watching as the townspeople filled the space, their footsteps echoing off the polished wood floors. The wide windows along one wall offered a stunning view of the Teton Range, their jagged edges cutting sharply into the early evening sky.
Rows of chairs had been arranged in neat lines facing the front, where a small dais had been set up for the evening’s meeting. It was a simple space, but the high ceilings and exposed beams gave it a welcoming, open feel.
Reva made her way to the front where a small podium was already positioned with a microphone. She caught sight of Capri, Charlie Grace, and Lila sitting together near the middle, their heads close as they chatted quietly. The air was thick with anticipation, a mix of curiosity and unease about the recent earthquakes that had rattled the town.
