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Chapter27
Jace drove out to meet Mac, thinking about lunch with Cindy and how she’d confessed to falling hard for him. Thank goodness for that, because he was falling just as hard and just as fast for her. Although, when he thought about it, he’d been falling for her for weeks. Every time she came into the bar, his night shifted from ordinary to extraordinary.
He’d find himself watching for her around the time she normally came in, and on the rare night that she didn’t show up, he’d been crushed.
At the time, he’d told himself he was silly for feeling that way, but he couldn’t seem to help it. He loved being with her, and now he got to be with her all the time and couldn’t be happier about that.
Despite the many good things in his life, he was still wary of the bottom falling out, because it always did. He shook off that unpleasant thought and parked next to Mac’s truck. He’d had to ask around in town for directions to the alpaca farm, which was located at the end of a long dirt road he would’ve missed if he hadn’t been told what to look for.
He was surprised to find an old farm in serious disrepair with rusty implements surrounded by overgrown grass, sagging roofs and a lingering stench that might’ve been urine.
“It’s alpaca piss.” Mac smiled as he walked over to shake hands with Jace. “How’d you end up with a ferry truck?”
“I’m watching the boys while Seamus and Carolina are on the mainland.”
“Heard about her accident. That’s horrible.”
“I know, but she’s on the mend after surgery. How’re you doing?”
“Better, but anyone who tells you a vasectomy is no big deal doesn’t have a penis.”
Jace winced. “Ouch.”
“Yeah, you said it. Let me show you around.”
Mac walked him through the property, outlining the plans for a “shabby chic” wedding venue with a rustic vibe. “Our research has shown that brides and grooms love places like this where they can have a more casual sort of reception, but still have all the bells and whistles. They like to have photos taken with the rusty tractors and stuff.” Mac shrugged. “I don’t get it, but I hear there’s money to be made in that sector, so that’s our goal. Gansett is a huge wedding destination. We’re sold out for the next two years at the Wayfarer, and the Chesterfield is booked for summer weekends three years out.”
“Damn.”
“I know, right? The island is ripe for another venue, and we’re here for it.”
“The location is spectacular.” The property ended at the coast with a dazzling view of the ocean.
“It’s ideal for what we want to do. Talk to me about your experience.”
“I did three years of work release with a master plumber. He taught me everything he knew and even offered me a job when I got out.”
“How come you didn’t take it?”
“I wanted to live near my sons.”
Mac eyed him warily. “You’re not going to cause trouble for Seamus and Carolina, are you?”
“No, I’m not. The boys are happily settled with them. I’m thankful to play a peripheral role.”
“I respect that you’re willing to take a back seat because it’s what’s best for them.”
“Their mother knew what she was doing when she asked Seamus and Carolina to be their guardians.”
“Yes, she did. So, I need a plumber. Badly. Are you interested?”
Jace laughed. “Very much so, but I have an issue.”
“What’s that?”
“I don’t have tools. I know what I need, but I can’t afford the outlay. Not right now, anyway.”
Mac rubbed his chin as he thought about that. “If I set you up with what you need, would you be willing to come on full-time?”
