The family sat on the back deck, and Frank crossed the yard toward them with a stack of pizza boxes. They converged at the steps, and Blake let Paradise go first. She leaned down to hug the boys when they ran to throw themselves at her legs. Sometimes their enthusiasm was so great they nearly knocked her down, but she loved it. They smelled of little-boy sweat and grass, and she didn’t think there was any better fragrance in the world.
Frank’s blond hair looked newly trimmed. “You’re back just in time.” He set the pizza boxes on the table.
“I’m starving,” Paradise said. “Blake called Scott Foster and we have an appointment tomorrow afternoon to see what Bea left for us. It’s very intriguing. Any guesses?” She directed her question to Drew, who sat beside Abby.
“Not a clue. I hope it’s something that solves the case.” He rubbed his forehead. “There’s no clear direction.”
“I think we should look at Bear. Too many people are trying to protect him.”
Her brother pursed his lips. “You might have something there. I did a background check on him. He and Ben got into aphysical fight that broke Ben’s jaw. He spent six weeks with his jaw wired.”
Paradise couldn’t fathom fighting like that with a sibling. “Angela told me yesterday that she couldn’t imagine him ever hurting anyone. Surely she knew about that incident. She claims to have known the family a long time.”
“I want to see if Bear knows who I am,” Abby said. “When we talk to him again, I want to watch his expression when I mention Ben driving the ’Cuda. We should ask the governor and Angela about that too. If Ben knew my dad, maybe they did too. They don’t know my maiden name either.”
Those conversations could be bombshells. “We took the Gator out to the property. It’s so beautiful, Jenna. I can’t thank you enough.”
Frank cleared his throat. “About that. As a developer I have access to the best tradespeople in the area. I’m going to make a crazy suggestion—let me be your contractor. I’ll take the house you love and contact subcontractors for the various pieces of what needs to be done: foundation, electrical, plumbing, drywall, everything you need. It will save you 30 to 40 percent on the cost of the house.”
Unable to wrap her head around the offer for a moment, Paradise gaped at him. “Frank, are you serious?”
He grinned. “As a heart attack. I can pull strings to get it built quickly, too, probably in three months.”
Blake put his arm around Paradise. “I—I can’t even tell you how grateful we are. Paradise found a floor plan she loved. Go get the printout, babe, and we’ll let Frank take it.”
“It’s on the kitchen table.” She darted into the house and snatched the printout. She stepped back outside and handed it to Frank. “It’s pretty perfect. We can finish renovating as we have money.”
“We also found something interesting at the property: an old well. That will save some money if we can get it up and running.”
Frank began to study the house plan. “Many of those old wells are fine and just need a new pump and pressure tank. I’ll send someone out to take a look.” He waved the paper in the air. “This is a good plan. The plumbing is all grouped together and the open spaces will make it feel spacious. Great outdoor space, too, with the big porch and back deck. Let me pull some numbers for you, but I think we can get this done reasonably. If you ever want to sell it, you’ll have built-in equity.”
Jenna finished handing out paper plates of pizza before coming to stand beside Frank. “I’ve kept track of the past year’s checks you never cashed, Son. I deposited that money directly in your account this morning. It was eighty thousand dollars.”
“What? No, you don’t need to do that.” Blake shook his head.
“I do. You’ve been the best son a mother could ask for. Always pitching in and helping with the park and with your brothers. I know you did it out of love, but it’s time you take what’s due you. We can afford it. And I’m giving you a raise.”
“You just gave me one.”
“You’re getting another one.” Jenna switched her attention to Paradise. “And I signed over Pawsome Pets to you free and clear this morning. No more payments, and I’m raising your salary here too. You can make your own decision about whether you want to sell the vet clinic or continue to work both places part time. Whatever you want we can make it work.”
Paradise didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. “All I want is right here.” She swept her arm around the deck at all the people she loved.
Jenna drew her into a fierce hug. “You’ve had us since the day you walked in that door. We didn’t know at the time how vitalyou were to The Sanctuary, but I had my suspicions. And I was right—none of this could have happened without you, Paradise. Thank you.”
“I—I don’t know what to say. Thank you for everything, Jenna.” Paradise forced the words out in a wobbly voice.
Jenna released her. “Your pizza is getting cold.” She gave her a nudge toward the table.
Paradise found the one they’d ordered for her with black olives no one else liked. People who loved you paid attention to the little things.
Blake had called the governor’s office and left a message about the iPad, but there’d been no response yet. “Let’s head up there anyway. We can leave it in the mailbox if she’s not there. I hate to wait in case she needs it.”
Paradise grabbed her purse and slipped her phone inside. “I’d like to ask her a few more questions, but we can always request an appointment.” She paused at the door to slip her bare feet into sandals.
“Have I ever told you that even your feet are cute?”
She chuckled. “That’s a first.” Paradise dug her knuckles into his side playfully. “I never see your bare feet.”
