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“And if I don’t, I walk away. This is the final offer. You won’t see me on your farm again.” My heart was pounding hard, but I kept my expression smooth.
Emmett’s gaze flashed to Ireland. “What about you, sweetheart? I thought youhadto have your wedding here?”
Ireland’s eyes widened at the label. “Gia’s reached out to other farms. I love your place, but there are always other options. I’ve even reached out to Longwood Gardens in Pennsylvania.”
Lori sucked in a breath. “You would get married at Longwood?”
It was obvious that Lori knew the gravity of Ireland’s statement. She had options and the money to back it up.
Ireland hadn’t confided in me, and I had a feeling it was James who wanted to get married there. I couldn’t even imagine what renting the Dupont Estate would cost at Christmas when it was decorated, and so many people visited to see the lights. “That would be amazing.”
Ireland smiled at me. “That’s where James wants to hold the wedding.”
Emmett slapped the table with his bare hand. “Would you mind leaving the room so we can discuss it as a family?”
I smiled, knowing that we’d done what we intended to. “Of course.”
We filed out of the room, and Emmett closed the door behind us.
“Well? What do you think will happen?” Ireland turned to face me.
I smiled triumphantly. “You closed the deal with your talk about Longwood.”
Ireland slowly shook her head. “Oh, that wasn’t talk. James wants to hold the wedding there.”
My forehead wrinkled. “I can’t imagine what that would cost—”
Ireland smiled tightly. “Money isn’t something we’re worried about.”
Ireland’s take on money was so refreshing. She’d mentioned over the years that money gave you freedom, not happiness. She was grounded despite the size of her trust fund or the way she grew up.
“If money is no object, and you could get married anywhere in the world, is this the location you would want?”
Ireland opened her mouth to answer, but the door to the craft room opened and Emmett walked out.
His jaw was tight, his expression guarded as he handed me the contract. “You’ve got yourself a deal. But Ireland is my point of contact.”
I scanned the document to ensure it had been signed. Looking up from the paperwork, I asked, “Do you want to plan your own wedding?”
Ireland shrugged. “I can do it.”
“Well, you have us as your assistants. Whatever you need.”
“You want to walk the grounds and pick the location?” Emmett asked, and I wondered what had changed his mind and why he was being so accommodating.
“We’ve taken a tour before, and there’s a map of proposed locations.”
A muscle in Emmett’s jaw ticked. “I think the bride should walk the grounds again and make her choice.”
Ireland was nodding before I could make sense of Emmett’s insistence. “Yeah, sure. I’d like that.”
I checked my phone. “I have to meet with my dad soon. Can you handle this?”
“Of course,” Ireland said, but her smile didn’t reach her eyes.
Emmett wanted to deal with her personally, so it didn’t make sense for me to stay. “Call me if you need anything,” I said to Ireland.
I shook Emmett’s hand. “You won’t regret this.”
