Read Love by Design (Crystal Falls Book 1) for Free Online Page A

Bungalow, and found Lydia already waiting on the sidewalk in a retro psychedelic caftan and sunglasses that were even bigger than the cat-eye glasses she’d worn the day before. Lydia stuck out like a sore thumb on the small downtown street. It was refreshing, seeing someone with style in Crystal Falls where every other person seemed to be wearing jeans or cowboy boots. When the ski crowds came in for the winter the town took on a couture sheen but during the summer when it was mostly locals. Crystal Falls was more of a haven for ranchers than fashionistas. She felt a little less out of place with her mauve stilettos and black crepe dress. It was something Noah had teased her about often, that she had a backwoods personality but a city girl sense of style.
    “Isn’t this a quaint little area?” Lydia asked, motioning toward the small shops, restaurants and bars that lined the sidewalks of Main Street when Lily joined her on the sidewalk.
    “It’s got its charm. Come on in, I think you’re going to like this place.”
    Walking into The Bungalow was like walking into a candy store for Lily. Near the windows several display areas were arranged in room setups with the most interesting furniture she’d ever seen. Everything from antique hutches to Tudor chairs bunched together in ways that got her creative juices flowing. It was always hard for her to walk out of The Bungalow without buying anything, but she often consoled herself with the thought that someday her business would earn her enough that she could design her own home and fill it with fine things.
    The back half of the store was wall to wall samples, everything from curtain fabric and wallpaper to upholstery material and paint swatches.
    “Lily, what a pleasure,” the owner Francis called out. “I’ve been waiting for you to visit.”
    “I know, I’ve been so busy lately. Haven’t had the time to come in. Francis, this is Lydia. She’s working on a remodel with me and we’re here today to spend money.” Lily forced herself not to clap her hands in excitement. She was giddy with the thought.
    “Francis, pleasure.” Lydia took the older woman’s hand in both of hers warmly.
    Francis had owned The Bungalow for as long as Lily had lived in Crystal Falls. She was a small woman but Lily knew from experience that she was also incredibly strong. She’d seen Francis move couches by herself without any effort at all. Francis was a ball of energy, constantly flying around the store, talking as fast as she moved, keeping everyone gasping for breath behind her.
    Francis brought them chairs and set them up at one of her work tables. She stacked piles of samples in front of them and left them alone. Lily was thankful she’d stopped for a large coffee - she knew it was going to be a long day of decisions. But she was looking forward to it. It was just this kind of thing that she lived for.
     
    After several hours and what felt like hundreds of decisions, Lily thought they were finally close to the finish line. She was surprised when she turned to look out the front windows and found the sun sinking low in the sky. They’d been at it most of the day, and Lily had hardly noticed the time passing.
    “I’m parched. What do you say we knock off and find ourselves a celebratory martini?”
    Lily stretched, feeling her back ache in a very satisfying way. “Sounds good to me.”
    Lily finalized the order for the furniture and drapes they’d decided on while Lydia packed up her things.
    “That’s it for now, Francis. I’ll let you know if I need anything else. And thanks again for all your help.” Francis had been one of her favorite vendors to work with at Blackwood and she was thrilled when Francis had agreed to keep working with her once she started Daly Design.
    Lydia gave Francis a two-cheeked goodbye kiss, making her blush. “Now don’t go forgetting me, darling.”
    “Oh, I don’t think that’s possible,” Francis replied.
    Lily waved goodbye and