Page 48 of Chasing Sparks

When I realized this book existed, I had to grab a copy for you.

Good bones, Ori, just like I told you. Take a peek at her former grandeur and tell me she isn’t worth every second and cent.

XOXO

Ash

I cut the twine, a smile stretching across my face as I hold up the book. It’s from a local printer, and they spared no expense with the embossed leather cover and gold leafing. But it’s the title that catches my attention.

“The Grand Dames of the Catskills,”I murmur, thumbing through the pages. Thanks to digital advances, photos once available only in black and white are now vibrant, showcasing the historic mansions that dot these mountains.

Then, I see them. Pages 45 to 61 contain photographs of my house—the one currently in a state of upheaval and disarray—captured in all her former glory.

Lavish gardens enclose the courtyards, where a fountain sprays water into the air. Soft lighting illuminates every corner, beckoning exploration. Each room sits adorned with rich wood paneling, polished floors that gleam like glass, and frescoed ceilings depicting Celtic mythology.

She’s stunning. Absolutely stunning.

“Wow,” Mina breathes, peering over my shoulder. “Is that your house?”

“Well, it was at one time.”

“It will be again. How are the carriage house renovations coming along? When can you move in?”

All good questions, but ones I don’t have solid answers for yet. Ash and Braden have finished demoing the interior, but between their other obligations, progress has stalled. With thespeakeasy opening in a couple of months, Ash needs to focus his energy there, even though I know he feels like he’s letting me down.

Ash swears that once things calm down, he’ll focus on finishing the two-bedroom apartment, but there are only so many hours in a day—and he’s just one guy.

Plus, it’s barely crept above freezing for weeks, and space heaters aren’t exactly cutting it.

“Ash is stretched a bit thin lately, so not much is happening right now,” I admit. “I’m interviewing a few contractors who specialize in this type of restoration. That way, Ash can stay involved, but he doesn’t have to do all the heavy lifting. It’s a big project.”

“That’s an understatement,” Mina chuckles. “The place is enormous. The carriage house is twice the size of my mom’s home. You could fit ten of her houses inside the main dwelling.”

“So much space,” I murmur, tracing a photo of the once-magnificent gardens. “I can’t believe I own this place.”

Mina leans against the counter, flipping through a few pages. “Just think, soon you’ll have your dream home. I think your dad would be happy knowing that.”

Anger flares in my chest at the mention of my father. Mina is only trying to help, to soothe the wounds still festering in my soul from his absence.

But forgiveness feels impossible—now more than ever.

“I know you hate him, Ori, but whether he gave you the money out of guilt or love doesn’t matter as much as the fact that you were in his thoughts before he passed. I choose to believe he left that money as an apology, hoping you’d do something fabulous with it. And you have.”

“You’re right,” I admit, though my tone is hesitant. “Although I don’t know if she’s my dream home. She’s a bit of a nightmare right now.”

Mina waves away my concern. “Once you find the right contractor, you’ll be amazed at how quickly the renovations happen.”

“Let’s hope so. For now, I’m happy with these photos of her in her former glory.”

“She’s magnificent. Where did you find that book?”

“I didn’t. Ash did. He’s been telling me from the start that the house has good bones and all she needs is a little love. These photos certainly prove his point.”

“Proves my other theory, too.”

“Which is what?”

Mina shrugs, a sly smile tugging at her lips. “That you’re not the only one in love.”

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