At Wild Rose Cottage Read Online Free Page A

over one of the living room windows and decided nothing had changed. Besides, with both of her businesses doing well, she could afford the indulgence.
    At 8:00 a.m. she phoned Big Sky and the office manager promised to have the contract ready by the end of the day.
    When Emily arrived at Big Sky Construction the following morning, she found the office building to the right of the gate. It didn’t surprise her to see that it was built to last, but the nicely maintained flowerbeds were unexpected—Trent Hawkins seemed a no-frills kind of guy.
    The door opened as she walked toward it.
    The woman holding it ajar smiled at her. “Hello.”
    â€œHi, I’m Emily George. I’m here about the contract on my house.”
    â€œNice to meet you. I’m Alaina Hawkins, Big Sky’s office manager.”
    Trent’s sister . He and Alaina shared the same dark hair and green eyes, except Alaina projected far more warmth than her brother.
    Alaina took a sealed envelope from her desk and handed it to Emily. “Go ahead and take this home to read and digest. There are two copies. When you’re ready, sign each of them and initial the pages. I’ll make copies of both for your records after Trent signs.” The office manager grinned. “We’re kind of redundant at Big Sky.”
    â€œI’ll read it here if you don’t mind,” Emily replied. “I’m really anxious to get this going. Until the house is done, I’m only camping out. A little of that is okay, but...”
    â€œIt wears thin before long?” Alaina finished.
    â€œYou bet.”
    â€œYou’re welcome to read the paperwork here, but Trent has to approve any changes.”
    Sitting in the comfortable chair next to a small table, probably used for customer consults, Emily started reading the contract. She took a pad from her purse and jotted notes for reference. A few minutes later Alaina set a tray on the table; it held a steaming cup, with cream and sugar on the side.
    â€œI thought you could use some coffee,” she said.
    â€œDecaf?” Emily asked.
    â€œSorry, no.”
    â€œGood, because while reading the most boring literature in the world, I need my potions fully leaded.”
    Alaina laughed and went back to her desk.
    Emily stirred a generous amount of cream and sugar into her cup. The coffee surprised her with its quality—she’d halfway expected sludge.
    With a sigh she continued reading the legal-sounding language, though it wasn’t as complicated as some of the contracts she’d signed in Southern California. It was straightforward, providing protection for Big Sky and some for her, as well. That impressed her. She’d fought for similar protections in the past and had been prepared to do the same in Schuyler. But it wasn’t necessary. Everything her lawyer had said she needed was set out clearly.
    One other thing surprised her. Trent had already signed the paperwork.
    After two hours and three cups of coffee, Emily put her signature on the final page of each contract and carefully initialed the others.
    â€œYou can make the copies now,” she said, handing the sheaf of paper across the desk, along with a deposit check. “Trent already signed.”
    The office manager’s eyes opened in obvious surprise. “Wow, that’s a first, but I guess he knows you’re anxious to get started.”
    Alaina made copies and put them into a manila envelope, along with one of the originals.
    Emily’s toes tingled. Before long she was actually going to see Wild Rose Cottage turning back into a home.
    â€œThanks for the coffee,” she said.
    â€œMy pleasure.”
    As Emily opened the door of her car outside, a voice startled her.
    â€œGood morning, Ms. George.”
    She wheeled and saw Trent Hawkins gazing at her with a sharp, inscrutable expression.
    â€œIt’s Emily,” she reminded him, no longer sure she favored informality.