Page 106 of Mail Order Sunset (Hawthorne Billionaire 4)

“I have a question, first,” Rebecca said. “I wondered if we will be eliminated each week, or how it will work?”

“It’s not a reality show. There’s no elimination process.” I walked closer to them. “If you find you aren’t happy here or you just want to leave, then it’s that simple. You let someone know and you can leave. Otherwise, we’ll all enjoy the fun activities we planned to see who is, in fact, compatible.”

“I like that. What about the other question from earlier regarding one-on-one time?” Tina asked. “I like these girls, but it’s kinda hard to get to know someone like this.”

“Would you like to see your suites and get comfortable, then meet back out here in an hour?” I asked before standing. “Or two hours, if you need longer. We have plenty of time.”

“Girls, you just got here ,and everyone is feeling a little nervous, maybe,” Aunt Victoria interjected. “Look over the paperwork in your suites. It may answer all your questions. Then we’ll reconvene with a question and answer meeting.”

“Does that sound fair enough?” I asked. “I’ll personally give you a tour of the whole house after dinner.”

Josh had a full crew ready and waiting to escort each girl to her suite, then stood off to the side, waiting to see if I needed anything. One by one the girls sat their plates down and followed a crew member, until they were all gone.

“Aunt Victoria, thanks for jumping in with explanations.” I kissed her cheek. “I hope I’m doing the right thing. I didn’t feel connected to any of them.”

“Give them a few days, Sawyer. This is a very odd situation for anyone,” she said. “I’m going to go back to my suite as well.”

“Are you going for a nap, Mother?” Asher put his arm across her shoulders. “Jade, here, is having fun for once. You should hang out with us.”

“I think I may rest, but I have some more phone calls to make,” she answered. “I’ll see you later on.”

“Wait, when is the fifth girl coming?” I stopped her from exiting.

“She’s already here.” Aunt Victoria waved Josh over. “Josh, could you please show Jade to her suite.”

I looked to my aunt, who merely smiled and took Jade’s hands in hers. Jade seemed to have the same surprised, or maybe it was more confused, look on her face as I probably had.

“Well, alright. You’re staying to hang out and watch the main event?” Asher stood next to Jade, grinning. “You can be my partner during this craziness.”

“No Son, she’ll be getting to know Sawyer, along with the other girls.” Aunt Victoria looked as if to say “don’t you get it?”. “Sawyer, it’s not that difficult. Jade is one of your girls.”

“She’s the fifth girl!?” I blurted out accusingly without thinking.

“Hold on. Hold on. Hold on a second, here.” Jade looked to Aunt Victoria. “He’s the groom?”

“Ha-ha, oh boy! This is gonna be fun.” Asher walked to the bar, laughing. “I’m so glad I have front row seats now.”

“I can’t marry him,” Jade argued.

Chapter 77

Jade

“Ican’t marry him,” I argued. “You never said it was him. I thought it was Asher. He’s your son.”

“I can see where you’d think that, Jade, but then again, we never really got a chance to talk about it.” Victoria never wavered. “Why don’t you go to your suite and I’ll come in. We can have a chat.”

“Asher, did you know all this time,” I asked, “out on the boat and down on the beach?”

“Sure, I knew he was doing this, but I didn’t know you were the fifth girl.” Asher shrugged. “Why? Is that the only reason you were hanging out with me?”

“No. I was hanging out, as you say, because I thought that was part of the deal.” I sighed. “That came out wrong. I like your company. That’s why, we were having fun.”

“Come on, Jade. I’ll walk with you to your suite. We can talk this out.” Victoria linked her hands at my elbow.

I looked back to see Sawyer standing in the same spot as he was before. By the look on his face, he clearly had no idea I was coming to play.

“Victoria, I’m confused here. Why would you pick me for him?” I asked once we entered the suite. “Wow, this is amazing. Look at that view.”

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