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Which one was the real one?

She couldn’t spend much time thinking about their mysterious neighbor. She had to focus on selling the bakery. And that began by meeting with Mia Franklin and seeing what needed to be done so they could fetch a higher price.

Chapter Four

Asher owed it to Hetty to make nice with her granddaughter.

Even though she didn’t know him very well, Sadie didn’t seem to care for him, if her attitude from yesterday was anything to go by.

Somehow, they’d gotten off on the wrong foot, but he didn’t have time to lose sleep over it. Truth was, he wasn’t that crazy about her either. But he’d act like an adult and put his feelings aside regarding the bossy brunette and focus on what needed to be done to help Hetty.

It was better that way.

He preferred his solitude and his privacy.

Removing the branch and repairing Hetty’s porch railing was going to take more time than Asher had expected. He’d looked closer and realized the rotting wood needed to be replaced. In fact, the railing all the way around the porch needed to be replaced rather than repaired.

He adjusted his grip on the pry bar and wedged it under the top rail. He gave it small but steady smacks with the mallet and loosened it from the damaged balusters—the vertical slats that supported the top and bottom railings. He knocked the balusters as well. With the condition of the deteriorated wood, he didn’tneed to smack them that hard. He removed the broken railing and tossed it on the pile behind him.

Swiping an arm across his sweaty forehead, he dropped the mallet on the ground and studied the remaining pieces. Was it more for function or aesthetic? Hetty’s answer would determine the direction he took for repairs.

He rounded the porch and took the steps two at a time. The front door opened, and Sadie stood in the doorway. Her dark hair fell in loose waves around her face and hung down her back. Her blue eyes connected with his, then she lowered them to the tray in her hands. She held the door open with her left shoulder. He grabbed the door and held it for her. Stepping onto the porch, she flashed him a brief smile, then set the tray on the small round table between the vintage wicker furniture.

Turning to him, she wiped her hands on her cuffed denim shorts, which, once again, showcased what nice legs she had, then pointed to the tray. “Gran thought you’d need some lemonade. She added peanut butter chocolate chip cookies she’d made before her surgery too.”

He glanced at the small table. One glass. She wasn’t planning to join him. Fine by him. “Thanks. I appreciate her thoughtfulness. Is she busy? I have a few questions about the railing.”

Sadie glanced at the gaping hole along the side of the porch, then returned her attention to him. “Actually, she just went to rest for a bit. She’s been getting tired much quicker since her surgery.”

He nodded, and Sadie turned toward the house.

“Wait.” He didn’t mean for his word to come out so sharply.

Sadie spun around and wiped her hands on the edge of her light-blue T-shirt. “What?”

Asher jerked his head toward the railing. “Mind giving me your opinion about something?”

She eyed him. A bit warily, perhaps. Crossed her arms over her chest, then shrugged. “Sure. What’s up?”

Asher strode across the porch, jumped down, and headed to the pile of balusters he’d removed. He picked up one and pointed the jagged end toward her. “These are rotted, which is why the branch created so much damage.”

Sadie crossed the porch and knelt on the floor. She ran a finger over the bottom railing where the balusters had been. “I’m not surprised, considering how long ago the porch was built.”

“When was that?”

Sadie looked off in the distance as she gnawed on her bottom lip. “I was eight, I think, when my dad and grandpa built it, so about twenty years ago. Dad was on leave, and he and Grandpa Hank surprised my grandma with the porch of her dreams. Gran wanted a peaceful place where she could sit with some shade but still enjoy being outside.”

“Leave? Your dad was in the military?”

“Still is. He’s a general in the Air Force, stationed at Hickam on Oahu.”

“Gorgeous island.”

“You’ve been there, I take it?”

“Several times. I to—traveled there with some friends.” He needed to watch his words. “How about you?”

“I went a couple of years ago after he and Mom arrived on base. I plan to visit in the next month or so once Gran is moving around on her own.”