Construction

"Thanks so much for meeting us," Harper told Jackie, holding out a gloved hand as the woman came toward them on the sidewalk, carefully picking her way across the concrete in four-inch heels. Harper tried not to wince watching the woman dodge icy patches covered in rock salt. Who in their right mind would wear those heels on a day like this?

Jackie smiled brightly and gave a little wave as she looked up and saw Harper and her sisters waiting for her. "Brrrr, it's colder than a well digger's behind in January, idn't it?" Her mountain accent left no doubt she was a local despite her professional city-like outfit.

"It is," Brenna agreed, chaffing her hands together. "But we're still excited to see the properties."

The realtor's smile broadened. "Well, I just happened to turn the heat on last night so you can take your time and not freeze to death."

"That was really thoughtful, Jackie," Harper said, watching the woman fit a key into a heavy oak door that opened directly into a steep stai