She grinned. “It’s Mom’s way of tempting me to stay.” It figured her uncle had heard of barns being turned into homes. “Some of my best memories are of spending time in here with you, figuring out how tractors work.” How many hours had she spent learning all about engines? About tires, wheels, and belts? She looked around the wide space, smelling motor oil and leather. Good smells that grounded her with the sense of home. Of family and of love. The middle of the structure was wide and two stories high, while one-story wings extended on either side. “What do you think?”

He looked down at her, his eyes twinkling. “You have money?”

“Mom and I both do. We’re partners in this venture.” She rubbed her hands together. “What’s the first step?”

“Making sure you have money.” His chuckle was deep. “Then we need to get plumbing out here. Good news is that you already have electricity.” He rubbed snow off his hair. “You’ll need an architect. Carl and I can definitely help with the labor, but you’re going to need a licensed architect to sign off on the plan I know you have. Tell me about it.”

She felt eight years old again and full of excitement. Carl was Blake and Deidre’s older brother, her “odd” uncle, and she adored him as well. “Okay. Double-door entrance into a vestibule with the kitchen on the left and a circular staircase to the right. Great room with fireplace and wide windows straight ahead. Beyond the kitchen, a guest room with bath and a powder room. To the right, past the entrance to the garage, a knitting room next to a small workout and yoga room.” She knitted little outfits for premature babies and had started a nonprofit that was doing well across the country. “I figure the knitting room would work for any artist or author who might rent the space if that’s what we do here.”

He looked at the dirt floor and weathered boards on the walls. “Exposed beams?”

“Everywhere. For the second floor, a large master bedroom, bathroom, and closet next to an office.” She could visualize it so clearly. “I’d like to keep the character of the barn with weathered wood, a stone fireplace, and the exposed beams. What do you think?” She held her breath.

He grinned. “I think it sounds awesome.”

“Good.” Relief calmed her nerves. “What architect do you like?”