Her Handyman Hero

He agreed, but he still had concerns. “Do you think that’ll happen? She says she’s having financial issues. I’m working for room and board.”

Jimmy Ray brushed the comment aside. “For now, but she’ll sort it out. I’m working for free. My version of a housewarming gift. I’m close with her family. Knew her since she was a baby and I want to see her succeed. She’s had it rough lately, and I admire her for taking on the little girl all alone. That child has given her a purpose that was lacking in her life.”

“I assume there’s no boyfriend in the picture?” The back of his neck suddenly burned. What was up with him?

“Are you fishing, Reid?” Jimmy chuckled. “She is a pretty lady. No, I don’t think she’s looking for any kind of relationship. After three failed attempts, I think she’s only focused on Lily.”

“She’s been married before?”

“No. Engaged. Three times. She called them all off.”

Jimmy went to work on the wall and Reid turned his attention to the window, locating the access pocket and starting the replacement of the inner workings. When the window slid up and down easily, he moved upstairs to work on the three windows up there. His thoughts were distracted by what Jimmy had shared. Why had Tori broken off three engagements? Was she that poor a judge of character? Or was she incapable of making a long-term commitment—and what might that mean in regard to Lily? Would she grow tired of being a parent and abandon his niece? Absurd. He refused to believe that. From what he’d seen, Tori was devoted to his niece, despite her own confession to feeling inadequate as a mother. Yet it did raise questions in his mind.