Poppy had sent Kellan a text that the police basically surrounded the building. Kellan discussed the next move with Gunner while I sat back and shot Asher a text. When we arrived at the hotel back entrance, Gunner jumped into action, leaving us to find our own way in.
“This is exciting. Maybe I’ll have to hire him to get Asher straightened out. Let’s go see what’s happening,” Kellan said, pushing the button for the lobby instead of his penthouse.
Entering the crowded lobby, a staffer spotted us. “Mr. Hawthorne, the police are here due to a fight in the pub,” the staffer explained nervously. “Flynn handled it and threw them out, but you always say call the police for any situations.”
“It’s fine.” Kellan looked at her name badge. “Amanda, I have a meeting to get to, but could you let me or my wife know when all of the commotion is over?”
Gunner entered into the lobby from a side entrance at a rapid speed. I watched in amazement as this one man scanned the room. “I’m definitely going to steal him from you,” I teased Kellan. “It seems the crisis is averted, so can we get to our meeting?” I reached into my coat pocket for my vibrating cell. The text was from the one and only Asher.
“I just landed at the airport. I’ll catch a ride to the hotel.”
“Glad to hear you showed up. I won’t be at the hotel, I have a meeting.”
“Why don’t I join for the meeting, then you can join me to meet this bride.”
“Asher, I don’t have time.”
“Kellan just told me he wants to stop by a diner he likes. Meet us there.”
“Send me the address. I’ll be there. I’m sorry I missed the flight with you.”
“You’re here now. “
“I decided I’ll do the marriage thing, but I’m picking the girl.”
“Mom said she would let you pick from two girls, so pick.”
“See you there.”
The diner wasn’t really busy, and a man named Mr. Carp escorted us to a back table. Asher had beaten us there and was at the table with a menu open. I was still expecting him to change his mind, but for now I was happy he had actually made it here.
“Kellan, it’s a while since you’ve been in. Where’s my girl?” Mr. Carp asked, leaning on the bench seat. “You promised you would have her around often.”
“Mr. Carp, it’s great to see you. Poppy is busy helping a friend today, but we will come by tomorrow.”
“And?” Carp crossed his arms
“Lionel is with us as always. She wouldn’t dare come here without him.” Kellan slapped him on the back.
“How do you guys know each other?” I asked, watching their interaction.
“Poppy worked here before she became my mail order bride.” Kellan said, staring at Asher. “And you see how that turned out.”
“I came here to look at the blueprints, not discuss my wife situation,” Asher huffed at us both.
“But you’re going to pick a wife, right?” I asked. “Kellan has the pictures for you to look at. However, Mom already picked someone and she is at Kellan’s suite in the hotel.”
“Is she my type?” Asher asked. “Do you have pictures? I like red hair.”
“Focus, Ash, then you can look at the pictures,” I moaned.
“Let’s go over the blueprints, because I only have ten minutes.” I spread them out on the table then waved the waitress off. Asher had a few design ideas to add, as I knew he would. He really was quite talented. It was just too bad he hated it. Mr. Carp came back around with a to go box of lunch for me, pie for Poppy, and a smaller box for Lionel.
How does he know what we want before we know? Poppy told me about this.
“Who’s Lionel?” Asher wanted to know, trying to peek in the box to see what Lionel was getting for a snack. “I can’t go meeting a new wife on an empty stomach.”
“I have to go. I called for a driver so you could keep Gunner around you.” I stood to leave, blueprints in hand. “I’ll see you both later this afternoon. Asher, do what Mom wants, what we all need.”