Page 32 of We're One

“I appreciate it. I’m excited to see how it’s coming along,” I tell her.

“It should open in a few more months. We want it to be perfect before the grand opening,” Sasha says.

Callan came to Seaville because his box sent him there. He wanted to build a resort and Sasha absolutely didn’t want it. In the end they compromised, and both are in love with the final plans. I have to say I’m quite impressed. It’s a smaller resort, very fitting to the town, and most everyone is happy about it.

“I can’t wait to see everyone and this fabulous resort that’s been the talk of the town. I can’t believe I didn’t make the connection of you working on it,” Nikki says.

“I know. I don’t like the media buzz around it, so I stay out of the spotlight. Of course, there are those who are calling me a gold digger, and all of that. But I don’t care. I know who I am,” Sasha says with a shrug.

“And I know who you are,” Callan says before he leans in and kisses her.

“When are you getting married?” Sia asks.

“In three months. It’s taking forever. Callan wanted to elope, but Aunt Eileen would have none of that. We’re getting married at the resort right before the grand opening. We’ll be the first wedding there. It’s perfect,” Sasha says.

“It’s taking too long,” Callan grumbles. This makes all of us laugh.

“Afraid she’ll wake up and leave your sorry ass?” I ask.

Callan glares at me. I smirk at him. “I’d never leave this man. He’s mine forever now,” Sasha assures Callan, which makes him beam. It’s so strange to see how much both of my brothers have changed in the past two years, finding the women they love. It makes me want the same, makes me wonder if I’ve been wrong about the possibility of true love. I look over at Sia who’s now refusing to look at me.

“Your cooking vlogs are wonderful, Nikki. What are your next plans?” Sasha asks, taking the conversation away from weddings. I see the relief on Sia’s face.

Nikki beams at her. “I’ve been working a lot on my vlog, and I love how the videos are turning out. I want to do more in different locations, traveling all over to do shows on the beach, in the desert, and maybe even in other countries, showing different methods of cooking. I’m compiling a lot of recipes for my first cookbook. I hope it does well because it’s my passion and I want to do it for the rest of my life.”

“That’s wonderful. Anytime you want to jump on the jet with us, you’re more than welcome to come. We travel a lot for Callan’s resorts,” Sasha says.

“You’re more than welcome,” Callan adds, leaning back and looking totally relaxed.

“Really?” Nikki asks in shock.

“It’s not a fake invite. I’ll send you our schedule for the next few months. You should both join us,” she says, looking at both women. “What’s your favorite thing to cook?”

“I like to do a bit of everything,” Nikki says, her enthusiasm coming through loud and clear. “I really should focus on healthy meals, but I use too much butter and cream for that,” she adds with a laugh. “I’m trying to do less complicated recipes as a lot of people want a thirty minute or less meal. I might think it’s wonderful to be in the kitchen for three hours straight, but a lot of women have jobs, school events, and so much more so they want delicious and fast.”

“I’ll have to try some of your recipes,” Sasha says. “I’m not the best in the kitchen but I do enjoy following a good recipe.”

“I’ll send you an advanced copy of my cookbook,” Nikki promises her.

“Yahoo, then I’ll brag to everyone that I have a first edition,” she says with a laugh. She turns to Sia. “What about you? What are your end goals for your fabulous design business?” I want to hear this answer too.

Sia’s eyes light up. “My ultimate goal is to work around the world on designs, so it lines up with Nikki. We can travel together and do what we love. I want to learn as much as I possibly can and incorporate world designs all across the States. Imagine the inspiration I’ll get from different cultures to incorporate into my work. That would be my dream come true.”

“I think that’s wonderful. You two really will have to travel with us. You get a comfy ride and can grow your businesses, and I get lots of girl time. I love this man of mine, but there’s nothing as relaxing as friend time,” Sasha says. “You’ve always had a great eye for design, even when we were in elementary school and you were rearranging the classroom,” she adds with a laugh.

I sit back and listen to their conversation, absorbing every detail about Sia and her hopes and dreams and memories. I want to know everything about her, want to help make her dreams come true. If she wants to travel the world, I want to be the one at her side when she does it. I can feel the warmth and affection in her voice as she talks about what she loves. Now I’m even more eager to win her affection again. With these women in our lives, I can see our family unit growing stronger and closer. This makes me want it even more with Sia. Man, I have changed a lot in the past couple of years. I don’t hate it.

The girls chat away while we have breakfast, and before I know it, the jet’s descending. It doesn’t take long before we’re on the ground and the door opens. The girls quickly jump up, eager to be home. Callan and I follow them from the jet.

“We’re going to the café. You boys entertain yourselves for a while,” Sasha says as she jumps into one of the two vehicles waiting for us at the airport. I’m a bit disappointed as they rush away from us.

Callan laughs next to me. “You’ll be with her soon enough,” he says. “Sasha wanted girl time so she had two vehicles sent here.”

“This is the weekend I’m going to convince her we’re supposed to be together,” I tell Callan.

He laughs. “How are you going to convince her?”

I shrug. “I’m not sure yet, but being here will have to trigger old memories.”

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