straightened. Because after Shane’s death, she’d promised herself that she would always stand her ground and never again allow herself to be intimidated by another person. But instead of behaving rationally, she’d dug her heels in and made a snap decision before she’d even finished looking at the building.
A decision she was now second-guessing. Renovating the Congress Hotel would be a major undertaking for even the most experienced contractor, let alone a pregnant widow plagued with self-doubt. Never mind the fact that she’d be having a baby in four months, followed by weeks of recovery. Between now and then, there would be permits to obtain, crews to hire, furniture would need to be removed...and that was all before a hammer could be swung. Throw in Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s to slow things down, and they’d have barely begun by the time the baby arrived. How would she oversee things then?
Yet, in the nearly two hours since she and Lily had left Ouray, all they’d talked about was the wedding, a pleasure Kayla had been looking forward to for weeks. But the subject of the hotel was one she could no longer avoid. Not after opening her big mouth in front of Jude.
Kayla studied the woman in the driver’s seat, the one who’d offered her the opportunity of a lifetime. Lily had way too much faith in her. What if Kayla did something wrong? Cost her friend even more money? Or worse, let Lily down?
The vehicle slowed, and Kayla eyed the city limit sign. And to think, she used to be so bold. Approaching life and all it offered with such confidence. But thanks to her bad choices, that girl no longer existed.
She cleared her throat. “So...about the hotel project.”
Lily glanced her way, her expectant smile instantaneous. “Have you made a decision?”
“Um...have you thought this through, Lily? Like I said, it may be a month or more before anyone could even get started. By then we’ll be rolling into the holidays, and shortly after that the baby will be here.”
“Something I can hardly wait for.” Her green eyes fixed on the road ahead, Lily beamed like a proud aunt. And while they weren’t related by blood, Lily was the closest thing Kayla’s child would have to an aunt.
“You realize this baby’s arrival is likely to keep me away from the job site for several weeks while I recover, right? I mean, I might be able to pop in occasionally, but that’s it.”
Lily eased onto a side street, her brow furrowing. “You don’t want to do it, do you?”
“It’s not that I don’t want to. Any other time I’d kill for a job like this. I’d be working for you. Best boss ever. But I don’t want to disappoint you.”
Lily reached for Kayla’s hand. “Sweetie, I considered everything you mentioned before I asked you to be my contractor. It’s not like I have a deadline for this project. I just want to see the hotel brought back to life, because right now it’s a sad piece of Ouray’s history that’s slowly going away.”
Kayla couldn’t argue with that. Back when she and Jude used to walk the town, studying the older buildings, he’d told her that the Congress Hotel had been an integral part of Ouray. Built in the early 1890s, it survived the depression years of the silver crisis that struck in 1893, thrived during the Gold Rush later in the decade and carried Ouray into the twentieth century. Kayla didn’t want to see it vanish either. Not when it still had so much potential.
Lily pulled into a small parking lot, and Kayla glanced at the brick building in front of them as they came to a stop. Discussion of the hotel would have to wait. This appointment was about Lily and her special day.
“I can’t wait to see your dress.”
“Mine?” Her friend killed the engine. “You haven’t even seen yours yet.”
“No.” Kayla had simply sent her measurements. “But I trust your judgment.”
Lily reached for her door, then paused, looking at Kayla over her shoulder. “Just like I trust yours.”
While Kayla knew what her friend was saying, there was a lot of difference between a historic building and a bridesmaid dress.
Outside the vehicle, the sun touched her skin, warming her as the two made their way inside the shop. The owner, a well-dressed silver-haired woman Kayla guessed to be in her sixties, promptly greeted them.
“Lily, I’m so glad to see you again.” The woman enveloped Lily in a brief hug.
“Monique, this is Kayla, my matron of honor.”
Smiling, Monique clasped her hands against her ample chest. “Kayla, you are even more beautiful than Lily said you were.” Her gaze lowered. “And that little girl growing inside of you will be just as lovely as her mother.”
Kayla laid a hand atop her belly. “Oh, I don’t know what I’m having.”
The woman gasped, touching the tips of her fingers to her mouth. “I’m sorry, I’ve given it away.” She winked at Lily then, wagging a finger. “But I am never wrong.” With that, she turned and sashayed toward the U-shaped counter in the center of the space.
Kayla and Lily exchanged a look before Lily shrugged and followed Monique.
“Would either of you care for a snack before we get started?” Monique held out a silver tray adorned with hors d’oeuvres and miniature cupcakes.
Considering it was almost two and Kayla hadn’t had anything since breakfast, she helped herself to a finger sandwich while Lily went for a cupcake.
“If you ladies will excuse me for one moment.” Monique set the tray on the counter before disappearing into a back room.
Nibbling on her chicken salad sandwich, Kayla took in the array of dresses on display in the upscale shop. Princess gowns, strapless gowns, mermaid and sheath dresses. Some were covered in lace while others sparkled with jewels. Good thing she’d ditched her overalls for a pair of black yoga pants and a short-sleeved tunic top. Not exactly the height of fashion, but at least she didn’t look like a construction worker.
Sandwich devoured, she returned for a cupcake. She recalled the joy of choosing the perfect dress for her wedding. If only the memories of her marriage were as pleasurable. Shortly after Shane’s death, she’d opted to donate her gown to Goodwill, praying it might serve as a sweet remembrance for the next person who wore it.
“Come look at this, Kayla.”
She joined Lily in a far corner of the shop where numerous wedding photos adorned a brick wall.
“I love the rustic arbor in this photo.” Lily pointed.
“That is pretty.” Kayla eyed the simple squared arch made of cedar. “Is that what you’re planning to have?”
“No.” Her friend faced her. “All the planner had to offer was one that was painted white. I wanted something with character. You know, that has that rustic feel.”
Kayla nodded at the photograph. “Well, that would definitely do the trick.” And if they were back in Denver, she could easily create one just like it. But without her power tools or a place to do it...
“Oh, well.” Her friend shrugged. “There’s not much I can do about it now.” She inched closer, a twinkle in her green eyes. “So, I guess you’re having a girl.”
Kayla scanned the area to make sure Monique was no where in sight. “You don’t really believe her, do you?”
“She says she’s never wrong.”
“There’s a first time for everything.”
“True. But a little girl would be so much fun. Just think of all the cute—”
“Ladies, I have your dresses ready.” Monique waved them toward the dressing rooms.
Kayla waited as Lily slipped into her dress, helped her with the zipper, then stared at her friend. The simple ivory cap-sleeved satin sheath dress was as