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My plan was to go in there and act as if the wedding was going to happen. I wouldn’t let them make any excuses or put us off anymore. This was their last chance to work with us. I wouldn’t make any more offers.
I hadn’t discussed my plans with Silas because I was confident my approach would work, and if it didn’t, I was ready to walk away. There was nothing more effective in business than when the other person knew you were willing to leave the deal on the table.
I drove to the farm and parked next to Ireland’s car, outside the red barn that doubled as a shop for the holiday season. The rolling fields of trees in various stages of growth, in their even and orderly lines, solidified my desire to secure the venue for Ireland.
I got out of my car and went over to Ireland, who’d already gotten out.
“Do you think this is going to work?” Ireland asked nervously.
“If it doesn’t, then I’m going to walk away. It’s important that they know that. There’s nothing more important during negotiations than your willingness to walk away.”
She licked her lips. “But I thought you really wanted this partnership?”
“At this point, I’m feeling like they’re not ever going to go through with it. No matter what Lori told us in the beginning, her sons run this place. It’s their decision that matters, and I don’t think Emmett will change his mind.”
Ireland blew out a breath. “Yeah, he’s stubborn and completely against holding weddings on the farm.”
“Today, we’ll go in there and act like the wedding is going to happen, but if they say no, that’s it. I’m done.”
“Is that a bluff?”
“Nope. I’m done with the Monroes after this conversation. I reached out to several other Christmas tree farms, and a few are interested in working with us. They’re farther away, but I’d be willing to talk to them.”
Ireland nodded. “We have options. Got it.”
For me, it wasn’t just about Ireland’s wedding. I wanted to make her dream come true, but not being underestimated in this business deal was more important for me. I didn’t give in, especially when this had gone on as long as it had.
“Let’s do it,” I said.
At Lori’s request, we went inside the barn, where Emmett, his brothers, and Lori waited by the counter. This was the first time we’d seen his brothers.
“Thank you for coming,” Lori said, making her way to us for hugs.
I heard a snort, and I was positive it was Emmett.
Lori stepped back. “These are my sons. You’ve already met Emmett. This is Talon, Heath, Sebastian, and Knox."
I shook each one’s hands. All five of them were larger men, with barrel chests and scruff on their face. “It’s nice to meet you.”
“You said you have a proposition for us,” Lori prompted me.
“Is there somewhere we can sit? A meeting room perhaps?”
“I have a craft room in the back. It’s big enough for everyone.” We followed her to the dark room. She flipped on the lights. There was a large table in the middle and wall-to-wall cupboards on the walls.
“Emmett made these. He’s good with his hands.”
Emmett stiffened.
Ireland’s cheeks flushed, and I barely restrained the twitch of my lips at Lori’s unwitting innuendo.
We sat around the table, Ireland and me on one side, and the Monroes lined up on the other. Emmett remained standing.
“Sit down. I don’t want to crane my neck to talk to you. I’m sure these ladies don’t either,” Lori admonished him.
Emmett crossed his beefy arms over his chest. “I don’t much care what they think.”
Lori lowered her voice and spoke in a tone that could only be described as a mother who shouldn’t be messed with. “You will sit while we are talking. It’s the polite thing to do.”
