Kinsley looked through the expanse of windows, watching as Shep held her daughter's hand. Maya looked up at him, and the sight had my heart clenching. He was sweet with the little girl, even if she wasn't his. I wondered if his interest in Kinsley went beyond just design.
Shep came back inside by himself. "Hayden offered to watch Maya for us while I show you around."
Outside, Hayden and Maya were playing with a ball that Shep must have had on the patio.
Marshall nodded. "I can show Hayden around later. They seemed to be having fun."
"I told Hayden not to let Maya in the water."
Kinsley's shoulders lowered. "Okay."
Shep led us around the house, telling us which features were original to the house. It turned out that most of the furniture had been here for generations.
Marshall and Shep shared memories of coming here as kids, worried about breaking the delicate vases and other items that sat on the tables.
"The pool was the only place where we could be ourselves. Remember how we'd jump off the brick wall into the pool?" Shep asked Marshall.
Marshall nodded. "I thought Mom was going to have a heart attack."
"I wouldn't want Maya doing that. So I get it now. Not that I'm a parent or anything." Shep led us into another bedroom with a four-poster bed. This one had dark, heavy-looking furniture. The comforter was a light blue, and the wallpaper was gold and blue.
"This room is actually gorgeous. I wouldn't change a thing in here." Kinsley opened the blinds, letting in the light. "The bedrooms are in good condition. I'd focus on the bathrooms and the kitchen."
"That's what I'm in the process of demoing."
"Pick one room, and finish the demo. Then move onto the next," Marshall suggested.
Shep shrugged sheepishly. "You know how it is? I get a call or have to go into work, and I lose track of what I was doing."
"I can write out a plan of action for you if you'd like," Kinsley suggested carefully, as if she was afraid of offending him.
Shep stuffed his hands into the pockets of his worn jeans. "Why not?"
Marshall exchanged a look with me that made me think him accepting help wasn't usual.
I hoped it helped him. "Your home is beautiful. I'm sure your grandmother would be happy to know you're taking care of it."
Shep smiled softly. "Grams was the best. We had a lot of great memories here, and I want everyone to enjoy it again. I can see huge parties outside on the pool deck and dinners in the dining room for the holidays."
"So you'll want to open up as much of the space as possible downstairs. But I wouldn't touch the formal living room or dining room. Keep the historical elements in those."
Shep threw his arm over her shoulders. "I told you you'd be able to help me. I need you, Kins."
The surprised expression on her face told me she wasn't used to the easy affection.
She finally sighed. "Fine. I'll help you."
He pulled his arm from around her shoulders and pumped his fist. "Yes. We can finally get this renovation job moving forward."
Kinsley sighed. "You know my time is limited because I have Maya."
"You can bring her with you. I'll be happy with any help you can give me," Shep said.
A smile tugged at Kinsley's lips. "I hope I'm not going to regret it."
"You'll see. This is going to be a great partnership."
Hayden appeared with Maya. "She says she's hungry."
