A Savannah Christmas Wish

“If we go with a fireplace, I might need a strong back or two. Otherwise I’ve built the others.”

“I still vote for the pizza oven.” Abby tapped her finger on the plan.

“Add it in,” Gray said.

Daniel nodded.

“Do these plans work?” Samuel asked.

Abby opened her mouth to answer, but Bess interrupted. She was in charge. “I’d like a day to look at them in depth and discuss with my sisters.”

Daniel frowned.

She raised her eyebrows.

“We’re hoping to have the first-and second-floor rooms available by early February,” Abby said.

“In anticipation of Saint Patrick’s Day?” Daniel asked.

“No.” Abby and Gray grinned at each other.

“Wedding guests,” Abby added.

Bess smiled and sighed. “You picked a date.”

“The second weekend of February.” Gray swept a finger along Abby’s cheekbone. Her sister’s eyes sparkled.

Bess’s chest tightened. What would it be like to want to spend the rest of her life with someone?

It wouldn’t happen to her. If she loved something, she lost it.

“The ballroom wasn’t booked. Mamma’s on board.” Abby’s grin lit up the room. “We’re getting married.”

Nathan slapped Gray on the back. “You’re a lucky man.”

Gray nodded. “The luckiest.”

“I’m happy for you.” Samuel took Abby’s hand. “We’ll complete everything by the end of January.”

Daniel’s jaw muscles flexed. He made notes on his tablet-size phone without commenting.

“One other thing.” Samuel pushed back a shock of white hair.

Bess frowned. Samuel looked pale under his tan.

“Daniel will be taking lead on this project,” Samuel said.

Daniel’s mouth hung open. “But—”

No! “I wanted to work with you, Samuel.” Bess’s stomach twisted. Daniel couldn’t be in charge of this project.

“Daniel’s the best person to handle large projects like these.” Samuel nodded to his son. “It doesn’t mean I won’t be around.”

“Bess, let me know when you’re ready to finalize the blueprints. Soon.” Daniel scowled.

She wanted to scream. Instead, she affected a businesslike tone. “Absolutely.”

Chairs scraped against the tile as everyone said goodbye.

Three days ago she’d slept with him. After he’d humiliated her, she’d thrown him out of her apartment. Panic had her breath backing up in her chest. How would they work together?

CHAPTER FOUR (#ulink_d047c8f4-b81f-5562-a5d8-0163c05df3f5)

The Earth laughs in flowers.

Ralph Waldo Emerson

WHAT THE HELL just happened? Daniel followed his father and Nathan out of Fitzgerald House. Pop had never talked about him taking point on the restoration. The announcement had floored him. He’d tried not to show his shock in front of their clients, even if they were friends. And a woman he’d slept with—twice.

This sucked. He and Bess had to work together. Didn’t the sisters know how reckless Bess was? He could spout example after example. How could they trust her with such a massive project?

He’d have to be extravigilant to keep everything on track. But first he had to find out why Pop had dropped this project on him.

“Why am I managing Carleton House?” Daniel spit out. “What’s going on?”

“I’m wondering the same thing.” Nathan crossed his arms.

Pop leaned against his truck. “Doc’s trying to figure out why I’m so tired.”

“You’re sick?” Nathan’s voice squeaked as if he was going through puberty.

“Your mom made me go in. Doc Kramer drew a couple of gallons of blood and is running tests.” He ran his fingers through his hair. “Daniel, you’re great at managing big projects. Better than me.”

Nathan shot Daniel a cutting glance. His brother hated when he received any praise from Mom and Pop.

“I don’t mind managing the project.” Other than the fact he’d have to work with Bess. “It’s learning about it in the meeting.”

“Sorry. I came straight from the doctor’s office. Your mom made me promise to take things easy until we know what’s up.”

“What does Doc Kramer think is wrong?” Daniel asked.

“Nothing yet. Just acting like a bunch of vampires.” Pop clicked his door open. “You keep my girls happy.”

“I will.” Although keeping Bess happy would require jumping in the Wilmington with an anchor chained to his foot.

Nathan left with their father.

Daniel slumped against his truck. Pop was just tired. They’d been busy and Pop had made a big push to get Fitzgerald House done before Mamie’s wedding.