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This morning, Gwen and I put temporary spanners in the works by unintentionally occupying the MacDougall trio when they would have served as the hired muscle to assist Santiago and Isabella with setting up.
I had no clue all these preparations were going on behind my back.
Shamus excused himself an hour ago, stating he had an appointment, and now I too must excuse myself to be available for the new guests’ arrival.
I stand up. “You all keep on enjoying yourselves while I head back, ready to check my guests in.”
Gwen speaks up, “Well, you might not have to hurry off because I have been keeping a secret.”
“Oh. What have you been up to?” I can see the mischievous glint in her eye. My BFF is busting to tell me.
“I am staying in one of the tiny houses,” Alice blurts out excitedly, “my brother said it was okay.”
“You are? And he did?”
“Hans Worthy, aka Tucker Royal, wanted you and me to have three days off over Valentine’s, which is perfect timing”—she points to her sprained ankle—“as an extra gift, but then—”
“I have a tiny house too,” Teagan announces excitedly. “We won’t be any work, I promise. I hope you don’t mind.”
“Of course not. You are all welcome”—I look at Santiago and his wife—“if Tucker’s booking is for three tiny houses, the more, the merrier. I would love to have you all here.”
“Well, funny you should mention that because Isabella and I have the other tiny house, thanks to Tucker’s generosity, and we promise not to be any work. We are staying just two nights because the girls are home with my parents.”
“Oh, that is awesome,” I singsong. “I will go get your keys.”
“No need. I already gave everyone their keys before Angus brought you down here,” Gwen jumps in.
“Okay, but that leaves Tempest Brooks, arriving after three, so I might go and open up the windows, letting in some fresh air.”
“Um, and on that note. You may have noticed Shamus left us an hour ago. He did me/us a favor. He should have checked the couple in by now and answered any of their questions. I told him the basics of what needed to get done.” Gwen’s phone pings, and she reads the message. “Yup, they have arrived and are tired after a long flight and don’t wish to be disturbed. They want to be up early for their hot air balloon ride tomorrow.”
“Yay… Teagan and I are going on a hot air balloon ride too,” Alice says.
“Yes, we are,” Teagan confirms.
“Thank you, Santiago and Isabella, for lunch. Matty and I are now going to my tiny house,” Alice announces to the table proudly.
Say what?
Angus and Wiley cough and splutter as they lower their beers, grabbing napkins to hold over their mouths.
“Are you two, okay?” Paisley is laughing at them while rubbing her husband’s back, which makes me feel obligated to pat Angus on the back, who is sitting to my right until he gets himself under control.
Matty stands then helps Alice pull her chair back from the table. His loving smile is all for Alice as he takes her hand in his.
“Thank you for the delicious lunch, Santiago and Isabella,” Matty says, leaning across the table offering his hand.
Santiago stands, giving his hand a firm shake. “You are welcome, Matty.”
Then Alice stuns us all. “Goodbye, everyone, and thank you again for the lovely lunch.” She turns her attention on her sister. “I will see you in the morning, Teagan.”
Teagan’s mouth drops open.
My mouth drops open.
Gwen’s mouth has formed an ‘O,’ and her eyes are round.
Angus and Wiley take a long drink without choking.
