Page 84 of Mail Order Splash

“Kellan filled us in and forwarded the files to read. Sawyer will be here in a few minutes with a blueprint of what we’re proposing.”

“I really wanted Kleine in on that. We can’t take over like we usually do.” I frowned.

“Plans can be revised. We all saw your notes and put in our two cents. It’ll be fine.” Asher sat on the edge of a chair. “I can’t wait to see the place. I love befores and afters.”

“Sure, we can go after the meeting. You have to meet the dolphins.”

I need a minute with Kleine to tell her about the plans. I don’t want her surprised during the meeting.

Chapter Twenty-One

KLEINE

This isn’t “a” suit, it’s ”A” suit. It’s Chanel! These people are so out of my league.

“Hey, Kleine, are you dressed?” Dalton tapped on the door.

“I’m dressed, come on in.” I turned from the mirror I’d been staring at. “What do you think?”

“It works for this meeting. I liked the sweats better. You may have turned me into a sweats kind of guy, though the next pair might be black.”

“Black with bling?” I teased. “Dalton, this is Chanel. I could have worn a suit from Macy’s.”

“You won’t wear Macy while married into the Hawthorne family. The women are very involved in fashion. Might as well buckle-in and enjoy it.”

“I’ll continue to try. Why did you come in here?”

He filled me in on the conversation that took place with the family, then broke the news of the completed plans being presented today.

“I see, and we have to use those plans?”

“No, plans can be revised, over and over, you’re not hemmed in. But, Sawyer and Asher are darn good architects.”

“Have you seen it? Can I see it?”

“Sawyer isn’t here yet. Try to trust him a little. He’s fair, he’ll listen, and generally has fantastic ideas.” I rubbed my neck. “I know Kellan didn’t leave a good impression on you, but Sawyer isn’t him. Most of the family isn’t like him. Well, maybe Parker. He’s our serious one.”

“Okay, Dalton,” I put my hand out for his, “you’re rambling. I’m fine. I trust you so I’ll trust your family. I can see they aren’t out to hurt me and, if they would drop everything to fly here for this, it means they care.”

“Good to hear, and Kellan will come around.”

“He already has. He orchestrated all of this from a plane. Does he ever sleep?”

“No, we’ve wondered if he’s part robot at times.” He let out a heavy sigh. “I hear Sawyer out there, let’s go look at what he’s got. Don’t panic; it can be changed.”

“I understand.” I opened the door. “After you, Triton.”

Sawyer was as nice as the rest of the. Each of them was attractive in their own way, yet you saw the family resemblance. Having a family, even one that sometimes argued, was one thing I hadn’t had in years. Sawyer was soft-spoken and took the time to show me every detail.

“I didn’t have the privilege of speaking with you beforehand so I could hear your vision of the place, but we will get to that after today.”

“Honestly, it’s as if you read my mind. I’m dumbfounded that you would save the legacy yet make it fresh and new. These gardens have been a dream of mine.”

“I cheated a little. The old plan was accessible, then I looked at your website. There were a lot of photos from when it was operating.” He pointed to the outside holding area. “I suspect we will need engineering to look all of it over, especially this area, but nothing is out of reach.”

“I look forward to seeing this more to really look at all the details you put in.” I looked behind us to see Dalton pacing. “I love it. You’re all so talented.”

“Wait ‘til you meet Parker. He’s on another level.” Asher ran his hand over the top of his head, signally way over us.

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