Page 5 of Abundant Moon
“As a matter of fact, Idohave a plan. As I see it, we’re going to need a human to run the Kalkaska branch, and I think I’ve found him. Jarrod Hunter is one of my sub-contractors and he’s the real deal, Ben. He’s a skilled tradesman, has leadership ability, is honest, dependable, and he shares our commitment to the environment. The other men respect him, and I’ve never had a single issue with him from day one.
“If I start mentoring him now, he’d be ready to go by spring and I can move the family back to Gladstone. I’ll need to go down on a regular basis to check the work and trouble-shoot problems, but I’m OK with that. What do you think?”
Ben didn’t respond immediately and Tom gave him time to consider the proposal without interruption. He let go of the breath he’d been holding when Ben emitted a pleased growl.
“Sounds like a solid recommendation, Tom, and I know you wouldn’t suggest this guy without careful consideration. Personally, I want you and your family to come home, and the timing is perfect considering all the construction we have coming up.
“I tell you what - send me his resume and personal information and I’ll run a background check and credit report on him. If it comes up clear, we’ll set up an interview within the next week and I’ll come down with Nolan and Ash to meet him. If we offer him the position, you would be his immediate supervisor.”
Tom’s confusion could be heard through the connection.
“I... uh... what? Why should he answer to me? I’m not part of Natural Homes management team.”
Ben smiled, eager to spring the surprise on him.
“Well, normally that’s true, but you know the Kalkaska operation better than anyone else. Besides, management responsibilities come with a partnership in the firm.”
Ben waited for his words to sink in, breaking Tom’s momentary silence.
“Partner? Me? I don’t know what to say!”
Ben didn’t try to hide his laughter this time.
“Say yes. I’ve been thinking about this for a while now, and you certainly deserve it. You may not thank me when you see how much work we have to do! I’ll continue working from home, so you and Nolan will be responsible for overseeing all the day to day operations. Don’t forget we have Ash and Micah – two of the best worksite supervisors available. Between the five of us, we should be able to handle the workload.”
“Ben, I... thank you. If it all works out, it will mean the world to my family. I’ll get the information to you right away. Hopefully, you can get down here and back before the snowstorm they’re predicting shows up. If you need anything else in the meantime, give me a call.”
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SHORTLY BEFORE SUNSET, Ben and Evan were seen trudging through the thigh-deep snow. Each of them pulled a toboggan loaded down with their pups, heading for the new Westside development and the home of Cody and Abigail. The kids missed their favorite chef and desperately wanted to see the newborn who’d arrived in the wee hours of the morning. Evan called ahead to make sure they didn’t mind, and then told his children the visit would be short, quiet, and well-behaved. Using his True Elder power of persuasion, the six of them readily agreed to whatever rules their Papa laid down.
Fortunately, they arrived at the house without incident and were ushered inside by a smiling Cody. Once the boots and warm clothing came off, the family trooped after their host like a string of ants on an expedition. Abigail awaited them in the comfortable living room, seated in the center of the couch with a sleeping Perry in her arms. A crackling fire lent the room a cheery and relaxed atmosphere, along with the scent of baked goods from the designer kitchen.
As agreed ahead of time, Ben approached first to scent the infant, fingertips resting lightly on the baby’s head. Perry stirred at the scent of Alpha, scrunching up his little face with a comical grimace.
“Welcome to the pack, little one.”
Evan went next, admiring the beautiful child and the cute onesie he wore - boldly proclaiming, ‘Worth the Wait’. Each of the boys then took a turn, wide-eyed with wonder and clearly surprised Perry looked much more like Abigail than Cody.
Finally, Evie Rae got close enough to scent and be scented. She inhaled deeply, placing a tiny kiss on his forehead. Perry opened his eyes, awakened by the unique scent of yet another Omega. Enchanted, Evie politely asked if she could hold the baby. Evan opened his mouth to say no, but Abigail patted the cushion next to her in clear invitation. She climbed up, turned around to rest next to the child’s mother, and held out her arms. With a bit of instruction, she managed to cradle Perry just so, and they stared at each other in wonder. The boys crowded around to watch, careful not to touch unless they asked first.
“Is he heavy, Evie?”
“He smells like both his mommyandhis daddy.”
“Where is all his hair?”
“Can he shift yet?”
The adults quietly conversed, with Ben and Evan sharing their own early memories and asking what the new parents needed. After a few minutes, Cody lifted the baby from Evie’s lap and led the way to the dining room for a luscious dessert of spice cake and ice cream. By the time they finished, Perry needed to eat and it was time to go. Cody followed them to the door and helped the little ones put on coats, hats, and boots. Before they left, Evan turned to say goodbye.
“Thank you for letting us come over. The kidsreallywanted to see him, and honestly, so did I! Enjoy your week off and be sure to let me know if you need something, all right?”
Cody waved them out the door and hurried to the bedroom to watch Perry nurse. The wondrous sight of his infant son may become routine after a while, but it hadn’t yet, and he intended to enjoy every moment.
