“Jaysus, woman,” Tim chided.
Bran barked out a laugh, as did his dad and brother. “No worries, Tim, and good luck to you.” Bran smiled, making sure Tim really did know he wasn’t at all offended. “In answer to your question, I am.”
“I admit, the property is the biggest push gift I’ve heard a woman receiving, though you’re a few months early.”
“Push gift?”
“When a woman goes through all that trouble of pushing a child out a part of their body that really, really shouldn’t be required to do so, a man gives the new momma a ‘push’ gift.”
“Oh, wow. I didn’t know.” Bran’s mind was racing. “This isn’t one of those gifts. I just want to give her an alternative to living in the flat above the store.”
“Well, you do love her. Clearly. Good. Now, down to business. While you three sign that bundle of papers, everything is highlighted, explain to the love ofmylife why I had to drag him here.” Poor Tim’s cheeks were burning.
“Dad, I’ll let you outline the plan while I sign this mountain of fucking papers.”
“We want to hire you to renovate the new property, four floors. There’ll need to be an elevator. Once the current tenants are out, in a few weeks, we’ll hire an architect to draw up plans. If there is one you prefer working with, tell us.
“We want you to finish your current job and then devote the next few months to this project. We understand that this size of job would normally take much longer, but my grandchild will have to have a home.
“You’ll need to hire extra skilled crews to allow for the schedule. You’ll need to hire extra project managers to oversee the site. You can’t be expected to work twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.
“You’ll be working with the Byrne sisters for colors and whatnot. It’s their choice, ultimately. My boys and I trust their judgment.”
Dad just stopped talking and stared at the wide-eyed contractor across the table.
“I... am very appreciative of the offer, Mr. O’Faolain, but this is a job well above what I have ever done. I... believe you... you would be better served hiring a more experienced contractor with large-scale project experience.”
Bran could see Saoirse squirming in her chair, wanting to stop Tim from turning down the offer but not wanting to overstep in his business.
Dad read the situation. “This is your chance to go big, Mr. Daniels. Taking that leap is a scary fucking thing to do. I’ve been there. Here are my guarantees. We are not frivolous, but we do have deep pockets. You will have the money to buy the equipment and hire the people needed to see this project done right. Consider us as investors in your company. By investing in you, you’ll be more invested in us.
“This will change the trajectory of your future. You might be able to get to the point where you run the company, bidding on jobs, not physically working on a project unless youwantto.
“Oh, and on top of an agreed-upon bid, I’ll pay you a half million bonus to get it done before my new daughter has the baby. My push gift to Raven.”
Bran could only shake his head and smile. Damn, his dad was good.
Tim grabbed Saoirse’s hand, silently asking what she thought. She nodded her head yes. Holding out a slightly shaky hand to Dad, Tim said, “I accept.”
Pat added, “As time is not our friend, we need to meet with the architect you choose, Tim, by Monday. You really need to be a part of that process, as well. Saoirse, can you find out whatfloors have businesses and see if we might do a walk-through next week.”
“Oh right, turns out the last renter moved out a year ago, and a tech company rents the space. Better news, it has a service elevator. It would need to be replaced, but, I don’t know, I’m not a builder, but it seemed good that the spot for one is already there.”
“Very good news,” Tim agreed.
Raven called as they continued to hash out a plan. “Hey, babe, What’s up?
“The doctor’s office called, and they had a cancellation this afternoon. For an ultrasound. Do you want to find out what we’re having? Now?”
“On my way.”
The taxi rideto the clinic was quiet. Bran kept rubbing his hands over the top of his pant legs. Raven laid her hand over his mid rub. “Bran, this is a lot for one day. Perhaps... we should cancel or... you could stay in the waiting room.”
He looked at her sharply. “What? No way. I want to be right beside you.” He gave her a questioning glance.
“You seem tense. Very tense. I thought maybe all of this,” she moved her hand in a circle around her middle, “is too much.”
Bran turned in the backseat as far as the compact would allow and grabbed both her hands. “I am nervous. I’m normally prepared past the nth degree, but I feel like I’m about to take the biggest test of my life, and I never studied. I don’t want to let you down. I was making mental notes on all the things I need to do and find out to be the best partner for you. The best father.”
