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“She really would love it. I know she’s looking down at us and beaming right now,” Lia said. Lia was so much more poised than the rest of the group, so Ella knew the drawings had to truly be something special for her to be that excited.
She leaned over the table and looked at the sketches. It took her a minute to sort them all out. One part of the land had a huge community building on it with places inside for offices and meeting space. In another corner a huge barn would fit at least twenty horses with turnouts and a giant covered riding arena right there. The rest of the land was marked with riding trails that would make riders feel as if they were in the forest while being within the safety of the property. It was absolutely gorgeous.
At the top of the paper it said Nana Bee’s Healing Path. Ella couldn’t stop her eyes from filling. It was a beautiful name for the legacy of an incredible woman.
“This is stunning,” she whispered.
“I know. I put it together, but it’s your idea that made it happen,” Bass said with pride in his voice. He turned to Rafe. “Do you love it?”
Rafe snorted. But at least he wasn’t vetoing it. Ella didn’t think he’d be able to, knowing how much his wife admired the drawings.
“He loves it,” Ari said right on cue. Everyone laughed as Rafe gave his wife a pleading look. He wouldn’t contradict her as he loved her way too much.
“It’s okay,” he finally said. Ari punched his arm.
“You love it and you know it,” she told him. “You’re simply pouty that you didn’t come up with it.”
Rafe grumbled. “I thought of the horses,” he said.
Ella had to choke back some laughter at his words. Hedidseem to be pouting. It shocked her. She didn’t think the confident man ever doubted himself, but it appeared he wasn’t used to not being the man in charge. She sort of loved this turn of events. It was putting her in an even better mood than before.
“I want this to be open tomorrow,” Bass said. His excitement built inside of her the longer they stood there.
“It will take more than a day even with our resources,” Rafe said, but he finally gave the slightest bit of a smile that gave her even more hope.
“I know, I know, but at least we have a plan now,” Bass said. “I feel Nana Bee with us now.”
“Me too,” Rachel said. She held up her glass and insisted everyone else grab theirs. A wine glass was placed in Ella’s hand. “To Nana Bee for loving us, for always bringing us together, and for believing in our dreams. You might not be physically here with us anymore, but we’ll all carry you forever in our hearts.”
“Amen,” everyone in the room said. They all took a sip. Of course the wine was exquisite. Ella wouldn’t expect anything less. She hadn’t planned on drinking with dinner, but there was no way she could refuse to accept a glass for a toast to the woman she loved so much. And now that she’d drunk from it, she couldn’t set it down or it would be a waste.
They all took their seats and were served a delicious meal. The conversation flowed, and Ella’s glass kept getting topped off. She tried to sip slower, but it was so dang good, she’d find herself reaching for the glass before she could stop it. Soon the nice buzz she had going on stopped her from feeling guilty about it any longer.
After a while she needed to get up and move. She enjoyed being with Bass and the Palazzo family way too much. It made her nervous. This wasn’t her world, and she couldn’t get used to it. That would be foolish and break her heart in the end. When this project was over and she’d finished her mission for Nana Bee, she’d be on her way. She couldn’t get so comfortable she forgot that.
She stepped from the room and ran smack into a couple. “I’m so sorry,” she gasped as she held out a hand. She’d been inside her own thoughts far too much and always got klutzy when that happened.
“Ella,” the woman gasped.
Ella looked up and smiled. It was one of her brides from a wedding six months ago. She looked amazing and as happy as she had been on her wedding day. Her groom stood next to her looking just as in love as they had that day. There was no doubt whatsoever that the couple would make it through thick and thin. They truly were in love.
The reason they’d had a fancy wedding was Cindy was an only child and her mother wanted the wedding of the century. It had been that, indeed. Though it had been a tremendous amount of work, the bride, her family, and the groom had all been incredible people to work with. It probably was her favorite wedding of all.
“Hi, Cindy, it’s so good to see you,” Ella said as the woman pulled her close and hugged her tight.
“I know! We were just talking again about how perfect my wedding was. Considering I didn’t want to have a huge wedding, you managed to make it magical and beautiful as well as intimate. I tell all of my friends about you. You’re the greatest,” Cindy gushed.
“You truly are great,” her husband, Dan, said. “I don’t know if I’d have survived the long wait and endless fittings and all the choosing of food and such had it not been for you. Thank you again.”
“Yours was my favorite wedding I’ve ever done . . . by far,” Ella told them.
“Oh, is this your boyfriend?” Cindy suddenly gasped as she clapped her hands. Ella didn’t want to turn and find out who was behind her. She had a pretty good idea, though. This couple had to know there was no way Ella could afford this restaurant so she had to be here with someone paying for her meal. The thought shamed her again, but she refused to show the emotion.
“I don’t have a boyfriend,” Ella said with a laugh.
“Not for lack of trying on my part,” Bass said as he stepped beside her and held out a hand, which Dan gripped. “Bass Fisher.” He never used his full name not even with businessmen. He wasthatconfident in himself.
“Dan Smalls,” the man said.
