Page 15 of All Because I Found You

“What should I do with these bags?”

“That’s your problem.”

“You know, in high school, even though you never gave me the time of day, you did seem much nicer than you are now.”

“Your point?”

She let out a growl that was both sexy and slightly frightening. “You’re impossible. For the ten grand I’m getting you for the venue, you’d think you’d be a tad bit nicer.”

“Ten grand?” Each word came out on a choke as the sum sunk in. “Are you crazy?”

“No. This is a prime location on the east end of Long Island. Do you have any idea how much venues are going for right now? My client thinks it’s an absolute bargain, because it is. And quite honestly, once I’m done sprucing this place up and getting it venue ready, you’ll see that this can be a very lucrative business for you.”

“The wedding business?” he scoffed. “No.”

“Is that your favorite word?”

He went to say no and stopped himself. “This is a one-time thing.”

“I don’t think you should be so quick to kibosh the idea. This barn needs very little maintenance, and I would bring all the supplies in and remove them. You could charge a base fee, and I could sway clients here and take a cut.”

“So this is about making you more money.”

“Of course I would take something. I’m a small business and need all the help I can get, but it’s more than that. This location is picturesque, and people would absolutely die to have the rustic charm that they travel north to New England to get. You don’t have to give me an answer now.”

“I already did.”

She waved her hand at him as if swatting his words away. “After I’m finished, and you can see it in all its glory, you can decide.”

He didn’t need the income. To be honest, he made more than enough money through the farm stand and their contracts with the local restaurants and other businesses. And as someone who really didn’t go anywhere, he had more money than he’d ever be able to spend in a lifetime, sitting in the bank. “My answer isn’t going to change.”

She winked, her long lashes brushing the apple of her cheek, and a knowing smirk quirked her lip. “We’ll see about that.”

Chapter 6

It was a scorching hot July day, and Raelyn’s mind kept drifting to the beach chair in her car. She wanted to say screw responsibilities and head to the beach for a little R&R, but she couldn’t do that. Not when the days were flying off the calendar and what she had deemed Morgan Bay’s wedding of the century was fast approaching.

Instead of making a left toward the beach, she continued onto Main Street and, surprisingly, found parking a few spots away from her destination. She put the car in park, grabbed her bag and planner, and headed to the local florist.

Isla Garrick, a friend, and one of the family members who helped run the small business, glanced up from a centerpiece she was focused on. Her blonde hair was pulled back into a loose ponytail, and a few strands fell around her face. A friendly smile bloomed on her face, and she gave Raelyn a wave. “Hey, I’ve been waiting for you.” Isla popped a sprig of eucalyptus into the centerpiece and straightened.

“That’s gorgeous.” Raelyn pointed at the stunning arrangement. Isla was a whiz at balancing colors and placement, which was why Raelyn always came to her for her floral needs.

“Thank you. It’s for the fundraiser this weekend. We donated the centerpieces that will be raffled off at the end. Hopefully, we can help raise some money to help those who were affected by the hurricane.”

Raelyn had already bought her ticket, and since she didn’t have much to donate, she sponsored an ad and promised to buy as many raffles as she could. She wished she could do more.

“Maybe I’ll win one,” Raelyn said, admiring the yellow roses and white lilies.

“You’ll have twelve chances.”

“Twelve? Wow, you’re going to be busy.”

“Tell me about it. But that’s okay. I like the work. Now enough about me. What can I do for you? I know the last time you were here, you were in panic mode, trying to secure a new venue. I’m assuming since you’re here, you worked your magic and made it happen.”

“It’s like you know me or something.”

“Only a little.” Isla laughed and reached up to tighten her ponytail. She brushed the stray blonde strands behind her ears before dropping her hands on the counter.

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