Essie had a spectacular BS detector, and right now it was almost audibly pinging.

“Renee told me about her pie shop idea,” Sadie confessed. “And I want to help.”

“Smart girl.” Essie gestured toward the heavy front door. “Smart Renee, too. Why don’t you both come on in for a tour? I’d love to show someone with your design background around the place. There’s oodles of potential.”

Sadie nodded, cheeks pinking from Essie’s straightforward compliments. Scooping Lincoln into her arms, she followed Essie inside, her heels echoing briskly against the hardwood floors. Sadie could hardly keep up, and she was wearing a pair of Pumas with her signature yoga pants and oversized sweatshirt ensemble.

The first thing that stood out was the abundance of natural light.

She’d expected the mill to be dark and maybe a little damp and cold. But it was quite the opposite.

“Wow.” She did a little spin and made Lincoln giggle. “Just…wow.”

An entire wall was lined with floor-to-ceiling windows, allowing sunlight to pour into the space. Even better, the windowed wall was on the side of the mill that faced the river. It boasted a fantastic view of burbling rapids, rustling beeches, and stony banks. The wooden ceiling beams were exposed, making the height of the space all the more impressive while also imparting a more modern, industrial feel.

“How long was the space used as a mill?” Sadie was amazed at the positive energy radiating throughout the building. “I don’t really know much about the history. It hasn’t been operational since I’ve been alive.”

“It’s something special, isn’t it? The new owner is an investor who lives in Manhattan, but he grew up rurally and appreciates the place’s character and potential. I’m determined to find him the perfect tenants.” Essie stood silent briefly, lost in her own thoughts. “But it was an operating mill until the 1960s. There are a few books that reference it in the library. You should check them out. They’re worth a look for the old photos alone.”

Sadie nodded, knowing she would.

“These are the original floors and beams. The windows were added by the mill’s next tenant, a restaurant that had a very brief stint here. Probably only a few years at most. I bet your parents came here for a date or two. It was called the Miller’s Wife. Ring a bell?”

Sadie frowned, shaking her head. “Vaguely.”

“I forget how young you are.” Essie winked.

Ouch. While Essie had likely meant it as a compliment regarding Sadie’s maturity, she couldn’t help but wonder if she’d said it because she thought Sadie looked old. It didn’t help that Essie, who must be twenty years Sadie’s senior, had clearer skin, brighter eyes, and a better figure.