”What gleam, creep? I have sunglasses on.” Murphy walked on ahead of us. “I better have a great suite with ocean views.”
“We’re on an island, what else would you have?” I grabbed her around the waist. “I’ve missed you, punk.”
“I had to come after Mom told me about this wild idea of yours.” Murphy hugged me back as we walked up to the patio. “Tell me the truth. Did someone force you to get married?”
“No, I’ve been watching your brothers and mine and, honestly, I’m getting tired of all the partying.” I gestured for them to sit at the table. “We waited to eat with you.”
I buzzed into the kitchen to let Marcus know that we were ready for breakfast.
“After breakfast, I’ll give you the tour, and later we can show you the other side of the island.” I looked to Asher. “Asher did the new designs for the huts. It’s gonna be perfect.”
“Asher who?” Victoria smiled toward Asher. “Oh, you meant my son Asher. Sorry, I was confused for a moment.”
“Mother, you know darn well that I’ve designed over five estates in the last six months.” Asher flipped his napkin and laid it across his lap. “I’m not prepared to be picked on until I eat.”
“You’re such a diva, Ash. Sawyer, I don’t know how you put up with him,” Murphy laughed.
“Ah, here we go, breakfast is served.” Asher rubbed his hands together. “Marcus makes the best omelets.”
“Just fruit for me. Then I’m going to hit that beach and get some sun on my skin.” Murphy piled her plate with fruit. “And don’t look at me with that pout face. I’ll look at the house later when the sun isn’t perfect.”
“Fair enough. By the way, I have a band coming back tonight just for you guys.” I cut into my omelet. “Aunt Victoria, I know you’re only here for the day, so we need to get started on the plan.”
“Why don’t you go ahead and tell me what you two have cooked up?” Victoria sipped on her coffee. “First, tell me whose plan this is.”
“It started out my idea. You know, I called you about it.” I laid my fork on the table and leaned forward. “Then I mentioned it to Asher, and he came up with a ridiculous idea.”
“Way to go, Ash,” Murphy chirped.
“Anyway, after we went back and forth for a while, we came up with what I think could work.” I leaned back in my chair. “Should I go on?”
“I’m a little frightened by this being my son’s idea but, yes, keep going.” Victoria smiled at Asher. “Should Asher tell his idea?”
“Yeah, tell away Ash.” I gave a wave for him to take the lead. “You’re on, man.”
“Alright. My idea is that we bring a decided-on number of mail-order brides here to the island, away from the media. That way, they get to know Sawyer and he gets to know them,” Asher explained. “I thought, like, ten brides, but Sawyer thinks less, like five.”
“I agree that five is better. It may still be too many, but go on.” Victoria nodded. “Why the island, again?”
“I pointed out to Sawyer that he spends most of his time here, so he needs to know his new wife will fit in with this lifestyle.” Asher downed his juice. “That brings me to the next part, which is having activities.”
“Oh boy, please tell me you didn’t let Asher pick those activities,” Murphy laughed. “If so then I would guess the first activity would be a bikini contest. Am I right?”
“Spot on, Murphy. I had to say no to that as well, but I did agree that activities would help me pick someone compatible,” I answered. “Asher thinks that, by having activities, it will keep the girls from getting bored.”
“How would they, or anyone, get bored living in this place with that view?” Murphy pointed out to the crystal-clear waters. “I could stay out there forever.”
“Sawyer, what activities were you thinking?” Victoria asked.
“Well, I’m still working on that, but I was thinking water skiing, jet skis, volleyball for a start,” I said, counting them on my fingers. “Maybe some fishing and scuba diving.”
“Okay, so what I’m hearing is you want women who like all these sporting activities that take place in the water,” Victoria said. “Is there anything else, like, not in the water?”
“Sure. There’s also billiards, darts, listening to music,” I went on.
“Karaoke, dancing,” Asher interjected. “You get the idea. Mom.”
“Yes, I get the idea, but do you really expect one woman to like and want to do all of those things?” Victoria looked to me. “It sounds to me like you need all five women to keep up with your activities.”