“See, now you’re talking, Mom,” Asher patted her hand. “I knew you were cool.”
“Asher, I was being ridiculous, but I’m not surprised that you like that idea.” She mimicked the gesture and patted Asher’s hand. “You do realize that one woman may not like everything you named, right?”
“Yeah, I know that, but it’d be good to see if any of them could fit into island life, because I’m not planning on changing that,” I insisted.
“Your father tells me you have been doing more designing. Are you planning on doing that from here?” Victoria reached into her purse when her cell rang. “Excuse me, I need to take this.”
I looked to Asher, then Murphy, while Aunt Victoria walked to the other side of the patio on her call. Asher shrugged and Murphy just grinned.
“Sorry about that. I actually asked Sienna to join us here and she just landed on the main island,” Victoria said. “How about taking us for a little ride in that fancy yacht of yours to pick her up?”
“Not me,” Asher and Murphy blurted out at the same time.” They high-fived. “We’ll be right here in the sunshine.”
“Looks like it’s just us, Sawyer, which is just as well. I’d like to go over some more ideas before we get Sienna.” Victoria stood to go to the yacht. “I apologize about having to go get her. I hadn’t realized she was that close behind me.”
“Not a big deal. Marcus texted me that he wants to go into town anyways.” I stood to join her. “Before I forget, though, another part of the plan is to have a big party here and invite the press.”
“You want to go public with how we find spouses?” Victoria raised her eyebrows. “Not such a great idea.”
“No, we don’t announce anything like that. But I do want to see how the women do with the limelight, since I’ll have to be in it from time to time.” I gestured for her to go ahead of me. “We’ll be back, boys and girls.
“Okay, Dad, we’ll be here,” they answered in unison.
Chapter 25
Jade
Icouldn’t figure out why Mr. Fancy Yacht Hawthorne didn’t send it to pick up his aunt and sister. I didn’t really care because I needed the money.
Really, though, couldn’t be bothered to go out of his way.
I called Allen to check on my dad. He was still sleeping, so I had a little time to try to repair the broken dock before someone else got injured. I docked the boat to find Bobby and one of his mechanics waiting.
“Hey, Bobby, what’s going on? Did something happen?” I jumped off the boat.
“Nothing is wrong. We just thought we could help you with the fishing boat engine.” Bobby pointed to the other dock. “That hole needs repairing, too.”
“I just checked with Allen and Dad is sleeping, so I’m going to repair it right now,” I waved them to follow me to the other dock, “if I can find some wood to repair it with.”
“Just be careful. I don’t wanna drag you to the hospital, too,” Bobby called out as he jumped onto the fishing boat. “When do you need this?”
“Yesterday too soon?” I scrunched up my face. “I have a scuba tour tomorrow, as long as Dad is doing okay to leave him alone.”
I headed to the storage area behind the office. No extra wood. I grabbed a saw and the toolbox and headed back to the docks.
“Looks like I’ll be borrowing wood from somewhere else to get it done.” I pointed to dock four. “That one isn’t being used right now, so I’ll be over there if you need anything.”
I was in the process of cutting wood off the side of dock four when a familiar shadow came over me.
There can only be one yacht in this area big enough to make that shadow.
I stood and pointed to a spot for the yacht to dock. Dropping the saw, I went to see what was needed.
“I’m not going to help with the ropes,” I called up. “Then again, you’re up there so you can’t push me in down here.”
“I’m not responding to that,” Mr. Hawthorne announced. His crew jumped off and tied to the dock. “Permission to come ashore?”
“Mr. Hawthorne, you don’t have to ask permission, but I will stand back so you can’t accuse me of anything.”