The mill was huge—it had enough space for at least five shops and oh, maybe one of those trendy shared working spaces for freelancers. Chickadee Studios and Castaway Yarn were both bursting at the seams. She wouldn’t be surprised if the two shops would want the space.

Best of all would be the pie shop, the heart of the new Old Red Mill.

Her fingers itched for a sketchbook and pencil as the design ideas came fast and furious. She would keep all of the Old Red Mill’s original details intact—that was important—and add modern touches where appropriate. The space should feel creative, innovative, and slightly industrial, yet warm, inviting, and cozy—and through it all the scent of Renee’s addictive pies wafting in the air.

That rich brown-sugar scent.

It was the same sweet way her grandma had always smelled, of love, comfort, and safety.

Oh God—what if they named the pie shop “Hester’s”?

“Do you like this place?” Sadie asked Lincoln, as two-year-olds are known for their honesty. “Is it cool?”

“Yes!” Lincoln exclaimed. “We go to park now? Swings?”

“I like the way you think,” Sadie said with a grin. “And yes, buddy. I promise we’ll head to the park next.”

Gosh, maybe the Old Red Mill could even have some sort of play area and indoor jungle gym. It would be a perfect spot for parents to take their children on rainy days, or when the weather turned cold. Plus, how many times did Lincoln grow impatient and cranky during errands? Busy parents could take a short play break between their stops at the shops.

Sadie held Lincoln’s hand as they walked out to meet with Essie once more.

She was finishing up her phone call and jotting something down in the sleek, black planner she always carried.

“I have another bit of exciting info,” Essie said. “That was Mayor Peterson calling to let me know the city council approved funding for a riverwalk during last night’s meeting.”

“Yeah?” Sadie was only half listening. She was mostly watching Lincoln, who had started playing with a pile of rocks. Knowing her luck, he would break one of Essie’s car windows. “Well, that sounds nice.”

“Girl.” Essie arched a brow. “Have you been following the riverwalk news?”

“Honestly, no.” She shrugged. “I’m a little out of the loop on local news.”

“The boardwalk trail is going to go right past the Old Red Mill.” She beamed. “Can you imagine the extra business it will bring? People will be able to stroll from the harbor to Main Street to here, no problemo.”

Sadie gave a low whistle. “This certainly feels like kismet, all right.”

“Mommy?” Lincoln tugged on the hem of her sweatshirt. “Mommy, we go swing now! Peas?”