“So . . . I enclosed the area between the two existing buildings for the dining hall and added an exterior as well as an interior stairway.” From the old blueprints and a quick look at the ranch house, Bliss had drawn a new set of plans according to his specifications and the latest building codes. And the blueprints looked good.

Bliss Cawthorne, Katie’s other half-sister, was an interesting woman. Sophisticated and bright, with blond hair and blue eyes, she spoke and held herself well. Yet there was an earthiness to her, a down-home charm that was appealing.

Manicured nails slid across the pages as she explained how she’d created a large kitchen within a small amount of space, enclosed an area between the two buildings that would become an oversize dining room and dance hall when the tables were pushed aside, then incorporated three more bedrooms and accompanying baths on a second level. It would cost him every dime he owned. A big gamble. But then he’d been a gambler all his life.

“Looks good,” he admitted. Finally, a place of his own.

“I think it’ll work.”

“I appreciate you doing this so fast.” He’d only made the request ten days ago and even though Bliss was planning her wedding, she’d found the time, energy and imagination to draw up exactly what he had in mind.

“Had to get it done before the big day.” She smiled, showing off perfect white teeth that he suspected had once been braced. “It’s this weekend.”

“So I’ve heard,” he replied. “The talk of the town.”

“Bittersweet doesn’t have much to gossip about.” She rolled the plans into tubes and snapped them closed with rubber bands. “Well, except for my family. I guess we keep the rumor mill in business.” She blushed a little as she slapped the plans into his open palm. “If you’d like to come, it’s this Sunday at the church in the square and we’re having a reception afterward at the Reed Hotel just out of town.” She grinned up at him and seemed to sense his unease. “I know that this is sudden, but you are my client and Mason and I would love it if you’d attend.”

No way, José. “Thanks, but I don’t think I’ll make it.” He knew the invitation was just because she felt obligated to hand it out. Besides, he wasn’t interested.

“If you change your mind, the wedding’s at seven and the reception will probably last all night.”