15
The Best Surprise
When Zander’s flight landedat Dulles, he exited the plane, found a quiet spot at a deserted gate, and read the email from Sheldon.
Savannah and Zander,
Per your email, and my detailed conversation with Savannah, you’re moving forward with the renovation of Starry Cove. Outlined below are your terms of agreement.
In addition to the walking trails and dog park, the one hundred acres of undeveloped land will be renovated according to the King Development proposal, with the following changes:
(1) the casino is excluded, (2) the shopping outlet is in flux, but both parties have agreed to continue discussions and come to a compromise, and (3) outdoor activities will be offered that promote physical activity with a focus on nature.
The emotion that Zander fought to control earlier threatened to escape again. He stared out the window, reflecting back on how the weekend had played out. If he hadn’t stepped outside his comfort zone and jumped on that plane, he would be facing a very different scenario. But the real win wasn’t the business deal. It was Savannah.
In short order, she’d captured his heart without even trying. Her carefree spirit and love of nature had breathed life into his stuffy, lost soul. Despite being in a constant state of frustration, he was living to work and pushing to win. And he was miserable. She didn’t just make him happy; she made him want to be a better person.
He replied to Sheldon and Savannah, agreeing to the terms, and sent the email. Then, he texted her. “I miss you.”
Dots appeared. “Good.”
He smiled. “How’s the scouting going?”
“Great. The art director is thrilled I checked out so many locations. Couldn’t have done it without you.”
“Pleasure was all mine. I’ll call you later.”
“Sure you will, Slick.”
With a grin, he closed that text thread and opened the one with Kent.
“On my way,” he texted.
“I’m here,” Kent replied.
Forty-five minutes later, Zander parked in front of Kent’s home, nestled in a northern Virginia neighborhood where bikes were strewn on front yards and a slew of kids played basketball in the court. The Walker home was filled with children and chaos…and love.
As he rang the doorbell, he smiled. He couldn’t wait to tell Kent the good news.
Megan Walker swung open the door, concern etched on her pretty face. She wore a long sleeved T-shirt and leggings, her hair tied in a loose ponytail. “I’m glad you’re here. It’s been a stressful few days.”
Zander stepped into their two-story foyer and gave her a hug. “How are you holding up?”
“Better now that Kent’s back home.” She eyed his facial hair. “Nice scruff. I heard you took a mini-vacation. Or did Kent tell me that so I’d stop worrying?”
“I flew to New Mexico for the weekend. I wish I could have stayed longer. When Kent gets the go ahead from his doc, you guys should fly out there. It’s a beautiful state. Awesome mountain views. Great food. Friendly people.”
Her eyebrows shot up. “Were you abducted by aliens and dropped off in Roswell? You’ve never once taken time off from work. Maybe there’s hope for you two yet.” She crossed her arms over her chest. “Hey… you’re not wearing a suit.”
Kent’s three-year-old came toddling around the corner wearing nothing but a Pull-Up. “Unky Zader!”
Grinning, Zander picked him up. “There’s my little buddy. Phew, you stink.”
“I poopy in my big boy pants,” Colin said.
Zander handed him over to Megan. “Potty training?”
“I…I do pee-pee in da toilet.”
