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“Yeah, you’ve mentioned that, but I don’t cook and neither does anyone else, aside from Mom.”
“Come on now, Beau. You know what I’m talking about. Everyone’s going to have a different opinion, and if everyone’s opinion is catered to, nothing will get done. As the executive decision maker, you can ensure things get done. I know you’ll do what’s right for the ranch. And when I get back, you can tell me all the plans.”
“I don’t understand. Why Seattle?”
“I told you, I wanted to see about some things, and your mom and I need a break.”
“Right now? Austin and Lucy just got engaged. I thought Mom would’ve been over the moon, planning a wedding and everything—”
“The wedding isn’t going to happen right away, and your mom will still be involved in the plans. Lucy loves her like her second mother. That’s not going to be a problem.” He scratched on his earlobe, and I could tell he was worried that it actually would be a problem, even though he was saying it wouldn’t.
“You’re right,” I said, “Lucy loves Mom. She will definitely want her input.” I wasn’t sure why I was placating him, but I figured that whatever the reason was for him going to Seattle, it was important. Maybe he was worried about the ranch more than he’d let on. Maybe he was going to try to secure funding with some other people. Whatever it was, I knew he wouldn’t tell me anything else. I wasn’t happy about it, but I respected and honored my dad enough not to pry. He would tell me when he wanted to.
“So I’m thinking about going ahead with the eco-retreat,” I said, switching to business mode. “I think it could be a good idea, a real income generator.”
“If that’s what you think is best.” Dad nodded, his blue eyes wise and kind. “Where would we put it?”
“Initially, I was thinking near Rock Creek because it’s beautiful. But we have our cabin near the bridge where we go for privacy, so I don’t really want tourists there. I was thinking perhaps further along the creek, and then we could build another bridge, maybe a canopy bridge. People seem to love them. And then we’d build maybe ten to twelve units around that space, little luxury cabins. Actually,” I said, thinking out loud, “I was thinking that maybe Olivia could help us with the interior design.”
“Oh?” My dad continued looking at me. His expression didn’t change, but the tone of his voice told me he was curious why I’d mentioned Olivia.
“Yeah, she’s into interior design—”
“I thought she worked in a boutique?” He was rubbing his forehead now. “Did I get that wrong? Doesn’t she sell clothes, or is the boutique fancy furniture or something?”
“No, she does work in a boutique selling clothes, but it’s her dream to be an interior decorator. I figured, we have this project and she needs the work, so . . .”
“And she’ll be able to do that from New York?”
“I guess so. I mean, designs can be done from anywhere, right?”
“Won’t she need to see the space?”
“I’ve only briefly spoken to her about it, Dad. I was just running it past you before we get too much into it. But I was thinking it could be a possibility.”
“I see.” Dad smiled.
“Why are you smiling?”
“No reason. Can a man not smile?”
“This isn’t because I like Olivia or anything, and it’s not that I want to be with her, so don’t get that into your head. And please don’t say anything to Mom. I was just thinking, since she’s Lucy’s best friend—”
Dad laughed.
“What are you laughing at? I’m just saying.”
“You have an awful lot to say for someone that’s just doing his brother’s fiancée’s best friend a favor.”
“I’m a kind guy. You know that.”
“Yes. You’re very kind to beautiful young women.”
“It’s got nothing to do with the fact that she’s gorgeous—”
“I didn’t say she was gorgeous.” My dad grinned. “But yes, she is. So, you like this lady?”
“No, it’s nothing like that. I’m focused on the ranch—”
