Texas Daddy. Jolene Navarro

To match it can take time. The wood floor might be tricky too. We really won’t know how much damage we’re dealing with until we remove the tiles. I’ll have to get an asbestos report.”

      Bergmann toed a corner of a floor tile. “Can’t we just put some of that laminate wood flooring over the tile?”

      Adrian tried to suppress a shudder, at least enough that Mr. Bergmann wouldn’t be offended. That was the problem working on someone else’s building. To hide the magnificence of the aged beauty was a true injustice to the original craftsmanship. Putting fake wood on the floor and burying the truth even deeper was so wrong.

      “Daddy, if we’re gonna do this I think we need to do it right. You know the wood under this flooring is irreplaceable. They can’t cut that type of wood planks anymore.” Her gaze darted to Adrian, and she took a deep breath before turning back to her dad. “I remember you and Mom talking about this. She’d want to see the floors restored. Do you remember that?”

      “Yes, but I didn’t think you did.”

      She nodded. “I do. I think we let Adrian strip the old tiles away and at least see what we have underneath. If there is too much damage to the old wood, then we can talk other options.” She glanced back at Adrian. “What do you think?”

      “I think it’s a good place to start. If it’s possible, I would love the opportunity to save the original wood.”

      “Okay, get an estimate to me, and we’ll go from there. I’m putting Nikki in charge.”

      “Me? Why? I’m not staying.” She crossed her arms.

      “You’ll stay until you’re healed and this room is repaired. I trust you. Of all my girls, you’re the most practical. I’ve always been able to count on you to get the job done right. The only reason I’m finally going ahead with this is because you’re here. You leave, and I call it off.” He turned to Adrian. “You have a problem answering to a woman?”

      “No, sir.”

      “Good. Then whenever you’re here, she’ll be here. She knows construction.”

      Adrian lifted his hat and ran his fingers through his hair. He had no problem working with women. He’d done it several times before. What he feared was working with Nikki, and not being able to keep it all business.