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Charlie’s mouth dropped open.
Cammie rushed on. “We wouldn’t expect this to take precedence over your other commissions. But if you’re interested, we’d like you to you work us into your schedule whenever you can.”
Something unfurled in Dane’s belly when she said we. They were a team. They always had been. But now, it felt as if she was finally taking partial ownership of the things they did together.
“Wow.” Charlie put her hand to her mouth. “That all sounds incredible.”
“The other thing we’d like you to consider,” Cammie went on, “is putting together some art classes. Since metalwork is your specialty, we’d create a workshop in some of our resorts where you could teach. The building could be whatever size you need, with room for your materials, as well as other types of art like painting, pottery, and so much more.”
The way her mind worked stunned him. They’d talked in general terms, but she’d dreamed up an extraordinary idea with more specifics than he could have imagined.
Cammie’s ideas just kept flying. “You could visit a different resort once a month, or whatever fits your schedule, and give a class, showing other people how to do what you do.”
Charlie’s face flushed, and with a beaming smile, she jumped off her stool, waving her arms. “I’d love to fly out to your resorts once a month. I can even take people shopping for junk. That’s what I use for raw materials. I love junkyards and flea markets. Then we can bring back the treasures we find and make art.”
She lunged at Dane, as if she wanted to hug him. “This is just amazing. Thank you so much for thinking of me. Sebastian will go wild.”
Dane held out his hands. “Don’t thank me. This was all Cammie.”
Charlie hugged the computer screen. “Thank you, thank you. I will absolutely love doing this.”
Cammie beamed. He hadn’t seen her eyes sparkle like this in months. His heart wanted to leap right out of his chest, and he, too, could have hugged the computer screen. He could have hugged Charlie as well, for making Cammie so happy.
When Cammie was happy, he was happy.
* * *
The next day, Cammie and Dane had a three-way video chat with Rosie. Once again, Cammie laid out their idea.
“You two stagger me.” Rosie’s eyes shone as brightly as Charlie’s had. “You really want my artwork in all the rooms of your resorts?”
Dane explained, “If you’re willing to take on the task. Nothing has to be completed right away, of course. We can make prints from the originals, so you don’t have to paint something for every single room.”
Laughing, she put her hand on her stomach. “This little one would be a college graduate by the time I finished an original for each room.”
“We wondered if you’d like to teach classes at different resorts too,” Cammie said. “Just one a month, or whatever you’re comfortable with. We’d like to offer an art program for our guests who want to learn.”
Tears shimmered in Rosie’s eyes, and her voice wobbled. “You’re both just freaking amazing. I’d love to do it. The art and the classes.”
“As long as it doesn’t interfere with your next show,” Dane assured her.
“Would you mind if I used some of those paintings?”
Dane nodded heartily. “The originals would all be yours. We’ll just use prints. That’s what will make this thing unique. They’ll be in your show, and we’ll promote them as being an eventual feature in the resorts. Two-way marketing.”
“Wow,” Rosie exclaimed. “I’m totally in. Thanks so much for this opportunity.”
When Rosie left the meeting ten minutes later, after talking logistics, Dane smiled at Cammie. “I’d say that went really well.”
The brainstorming had brought back her natural glow. Her smiles came more readily. Her enthusiasm shone in her eyes. “Exceptionally well,” she said, clasping her hands as if she couldn’t contain her excitement. “I’ll set up a meeting with Ari. We can tackle her about reviewing the resorts’ childcare facilities.”
Dane loved that Cammie was completely on board with the projects, doing most of the talking without even realizing how much ownership she was taking.
Cammie was back in the game. And soon, she’d be back physically as well. Back in his office and back in his house. Right where she belonged.
Chapter Seven
The call with Ari Tremont two days later went as well as the others. Cammie felt her strength rebuilding, her confidence coming back after all the months—all the years—of watching her uncle literally fading away. She felt in her element now, trading ideas, watching the projects grow. More than anything, she needed to get back to work.
Ari was all in, even suggesting that Noah could help too. As well as Rosie and Jorge. Seeing how the boys played together in the different resorts would help them evaluate what worked and what needed more attention.
