“The ranch and its history are, in a way, the history of this part of Texas.As you said, it’s a huge honor and responsibility.It could be good for your image to show it off, let it be featured in the press.”
“Why do I feel as if I’m losing control?”
“Don’t worry.It won’t hurt a bit.”She smiled sunnily.She hadn’t had the chance to handle many events with this much significance, not just because of who the Donovans were, but because of the history.If she recalled, his great-great-grandparents had donated the land where Waltham had been built.Zoe had been right.If they pulled this off, it could gain Encore much-valued publicity.All of a sudden she wanted to get a contract signed so they could get busy.She worked to tamp down her excitement so that she didn’t appear overeager.“As I said on Saturday, you’re getting started at least six months late.For a project of this scope, a couple of years would have been ideal.”
“Maybe we can forget this one and plan to celebrate the one-hundred-and-twenty-five-year anniversary?”he suggested.
A big fat raindrop splatted on her belongings then another smacked her on the shoulder.
“It’s been smelling like rain for a couple of days,” he said.“Keep getting teased by glimpses of it, but we haven’t had a downpour.”
“Fine with me.”
“Spoken like someone who doesn’t depend on the weather for their livelihood.”
“Not true,” she countered.“My business can live and die on the weather.Hell hath no fury like a bride whose wedding reception gets rained on.”
He winced.
“But that’s better than the other option.Her crying,” she added.
“You’re right.I’ll keep my problems.”
She slid her phone into the back pocket of her slacks.
“Where would you like to start?”he asked.
“Do you have any special requests that I need to take into consideration?For example, are you going to have the house open for tours?If so, what parts?Are you going to try to keep people outside?”
He shook his head.“Hadn’t thought about it.I don’t have ideas, but my grandparents might.”
“I was assuming we’ll need a tent that will be able to seat everyone, maybe big enough for a dance floor, as well.”
“I was wondering if the barn would work?”
“I’d have to see it to give you my opinion.We’ve done plenty of parties in barns.What’s it used for now?”
“It’s mostly empty, except for some storage.I have a garage for my machinery and vehicles.I found it easier to keep everything all together.”
She shrugged.“I’d like to see it.Barns can be a success as long as you have air conditioning.”
“Hadn’t thought of that.”
“We can still have plenty of heat in October or November.Especially when you get that many people together.At the very least, you’ll need to have fans to move the air around.”
He nodded.
“We have cooling units that can be used, so it’s really not a problem.We’d be doing the same thing for a tent.Have you thought about a theme?”she continued.“A dress code?”
He took off his cowboy hat and ran his palm down his face.“Dress code?I have to tell people what to wear?”
“If you don’t, some people may assume you want sequins and tuxedoes.Others will show up in jeans or shorts.”
“I’m trusting your guidance as a professional.”
“I’ve already warned you, I’m not cheap.”
“You’ll earn every penny.”With that, he replaced the hat.
