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“Hey, this won’t work if you’re not honest with me about what your mother would do. I don’t think she’d appreciate me giving you something that she doesn’t want you to have. She has her reasons.”
Delaney sighed. “I know.”
When I put a plate of pancakes, eggs, and bacon in front of her, she asked, “Can we stay here again?”
“That’s up to your mother.” I was a little worried I’d already messed up with the juice. What else didn’t I know?
I sat next to her and dug into the food I prepared. Delaney chatted with me about the puppy and everything he needed to learn. It was sweet, and I enjoyed her company.
When we were finished, I stood to clean up the dishes when Natalie wandered in. “You’re both up. I haven’t slept this long in ages.”
“That’s because I’m always up early,” Delaney said with a smile.
“I made breakfast. Delaney told me juice wasn’t a good idea.”
Natalie sat on a stool. “This is quite a spread. I didn’t expect you to watch Delaney or make breakfast.”
“I was up with the puppy and figured you could use the sleep.”
“Thank you,” she said simply as I piled a plate high with food and slid it across the counter toward her.
“Would you like coffee or toast?” I liked how they looked in my kitchen.
Natalie smiled. “Coffee would be great. Thanks.”
Delaney hopped down to play with the puppy and his new toys.
“You sleep okay?” I asked Natalie.
“I slept great. Your bed is amazing, and this house—it’s so cozy and inviting.”
I looked around at the mostly empty walls. I had a few landscape pieces with views of the mountains, but that was it.
“It’s better than living in an apartment. That’s all I meant. You have a home.”
“Are you regretting moving into the owner’s suite?” I braced my elbows on the counter and watched while she ate slowly, considering her words.
“You need the manager on-site to handle any issues that might come up with the building and the guests.”
“But you don’t have to do it yourself. You could hire a manager.”
Natalie frowned. “Not yet. It will be a while before that’s a reality.”
“It’s fairly busy year-round here with tourists. I think you’ll be booked in no time.”
“How can you be so sure?” she asked me.
I wasn’t positive about anything when it came to interpersonal relationships, but business, that I understood. “I’m confident because you’re opening a B&B on Main Street. When we’re done with it, the accommodations will be inviting and luxurious. There’s no way you won’t be booked year-round. Especially after Sam is done with the outside.”
“I can’t thank him enough for helping me out.”
“It’s a mutually beneficial arrangement. Besides, you helped out Alice, providing her the space she needed for her store at a reasonable price.”
“She’s helping me with the front counter.”
“We help each other out. That’s what we do. Our family will help spread the word when you open for business.”
“I’m so lucky that I hired your family’s business and got to know you better. It’s been good for me and Delaney.”
