Page 79 of Dream Mates
“Weddings are important where you’re from?” I asked, trying to ignore how comfortable it felt to have her behind me.
“Very. It’s considered one of the most important days in a woman’s life. I’ll have to read up and see what traditions are different, but everything Evan’s mentioned sounds good to me,” she replied.
Things would be different. Important in awoman’slife? Not the man’s?
“Just to warn you, after you and Spencer actually bond, a partywillbe expected. It’s a society thing,” I said.
“Oh. I guess someone like him would be expected to have a big party.” Her voice went guarded.
“It doesn’t have to be big, it could be a very exclusive, lavish party. Think about what you want, because you might as well have fun at your own party,” I told her.
Suburbs gave forth to grass and trees, though soon enough this would probably be built up too, between Redstone’s new research complex, the Space Authority, and the expansion of the nearby military base.
“Oooh, yeah. I think I’d like that–no, it’s not small, it’sexclusive.” She laughed again. “Tell me about your wedding? I’m having trouble visualizing aweek-longwedding.”
“It was fun. Ridiculous, but fun.” And exactly what Jett and I needed to celebrate us, our journey, and the strength it tookfor me to choose living. Also to celebrate him, his patience, and persistence in helping me through that process.
As we continued our ride, I told her about the activities, location, and meeting Evan.
Finally, we got off the highway and made our way down the winding, tree-lined road to the estate.
“This is beautiful. Even wild, I can see how this area could make for a great venue, think of the pictures,” she breathed. “Oh, there’s something for your website–availability for people to book parts of it for photos.”
“That’s a good idea. Even if people don’t have a party when they mate, they often get photos and send them out.” The giant iron gate stood open, and it was evident that renovations were in progress.
I parked at the house and helped her off.
“Oh. Oh.” Grace took off her helmet and turned around, taking it all in. “When you saidold estateand that it needed renovations I was thinking something like a gothic haunted mansion, something mysterious and spooky. But this…”
She eyed the elegant stone home, with the large front staircase and sprawling front with a fountain.
Grace curtseyed. “I’m so sorry, but the duchess is not in residence right now,” she stated, adopting an accent. “If you’d like to leave your card, I will let her know that you called. This is straight out of England. At least my England.”
“Itis.When the family was kicked out of Britain, back in the day, they had it relocated stone by stone out of spite,” I replied. “The upkeep on this is enormous and it’s been neglected for some time–not just the grounds but the infrastructure. The plumbing, electrical, and roofing all need upgrades.”
“Of course it’s expensive to keep. Ten thousand a year isn’t nearly as much as it used to be.” She giggled.
Then I got it. “Oh, yes, veryTea-Time British.I suppose you like dramas from that era.”
She seemed like the type.
“Terrance thinks we should just fix what we need to bring it to code,” I told her. “But I think that it would be better to gut it to the bones. Then of course, do we match the interior to the exterior or go modern?”
“Restore it, if not to how it looked then, to at least the time period,” she breathed. “There’s your hook right there. You could go the school visit route, showing them what life was like then. Or perhaps cater to recreationalists or LARPers–live action role play. Think of the costumed balls you could have here.”
Grace hummed and started swaying, eyes closed. Her eyes snapped open. “Or be wild and make it a themed resort. Like an expensive one, where you’re immersed in the era. I have that movie on my laptop–from my world.” She laughed. “Might be a little too out there.”
I thought for a moment. “Terrance might not be on-board with an immersive resort, and school visits sound like a lot of work, but I love the theme angle.”
A man in a construction hat came over to me. “Mr. Morris, we weren’t expecting you.”
“Hi Reg. Is it still safe to enter? I wanted to take a look around, also see how things were going with the gardens.”
“Yes, of course. Always a pleasure to work for the family,” he said, then left.
I turned to Grace. “The company Reg works for does a lot of work for my parents but is also well known for being on time and budget. I’ve known him most of my life. I tried to get Wes’ dad on the project, but he was already on something else.”
“Oh, that’s nice.” She smiled then offered me her arm. “A tour m’lord.”
