Page 93 of All My Heart

“We haven't decided, but we were thinking of going back and forth. That's the nice part of owning a business; you have more freedom. We could spend some time at my cabin in between flips.”

“I thought you were going to do this on your own?” Dad asked me.

“It started out that way. But it's nice to have a partner, someone to bounce ideas off. We're having fun.”

“Your social media page is getting a lot of attention,” Shepard said.

“It's generated a lot of design clients. Even people out of the area were interested. I can design for anyone in the world. I was skeptical at first, but it's easy to do with the program. I send links for what to buy, and they install it. I don't charge as much as if I was doing the installation, but it's additional income.”

“That part of the business has a waiting list,” Axel said with pride.

I smiled as Axel squeezed my thigh under the table. “I can't keep up with the demand.”

“That's good, right?” Jonathan asked.

“It's the best. Are you planning on hiring someone to take over for me at the office?” I'd officially given my notice. I couldn't keep working on the family business and mine.

“Hudson's got to put a notice in the paper.”

“You know you're going to get a lot of your fans wanting to work for you.”

“That's why we wanted to keep it in the business,” Dad chided. “But I can see you're happier doing what you love.”

“Even if it causes some hiccups in the office?” I asked him.

“Even then. Your happiness is important to me.”

“Hudson doesn't want to hire anyone. He wants me to keep working. But your father and I want to travel more.”

“You should.” Then to Hudson, I asked, “Do you want my help vetting applicants?”

Hudson shifted on his chair. “I can figure it out.”

I had a feeling they were going to go through a few hires before they found the right one. Jobs were scarce on the island, and certain single women would jump at the chance to work at Kingston Construction, thinking they'd snag a rich husband and live the good life on the island.

But the family business wasn't my concern anymore. Dad had even come around, telling Mom to send clients my way. I offered to give him a percentage for the referral, but he refused to take my money.

Looking at my family talking and laughing, and Axel by my side, my heart was full. There was nothing I couldn't have if I wanted it, but right now, everyone who was important to me was right here. The only thing I missed was the cabin and the Calloways.

On the way home, Axel held my hand as he drove. “I thought that went well.”

I nodded. “My family seemed to like you.”

Axel glanced over at me, then turned his attention to the road. “Your dad took me aside and said as long as I keep you happy, then he's happy.”

I smiled. “They can't stop butting in, can they?”

“They love you.”

“I know.” I used to get annoyed by my family's interference, but now I saw it for what it was—love.

When Axel turned to go off island instead of to our cottage, I asked, “Where are you going?

His eyes flashed with mischief. “We have a flight to catch.”

I frowned. “I thought we weren't going to Maryland until the cottage sells.”

Axel gave me a look. “You know you're not selling that place. It's our home.”

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