She caught Cade’s quick smile and drank encouragement from it.“You should consider being first on the evening’s program.You’ll need an emcee.Erin, that may be a good role for you.Of course, the program is something that you all should figure out.”
Everyone nodded.
“A plated meal is cumbersome, formal and expensive.And buffet lines can be unwieldy.So I’m recommending you have food stations in a party tent.Of course, with ranch beef.”She showed pictures of what she meant, and she’d included pictures of Santa Gertrudis and Brahman cattle.“And maybe flavors of South Texas, including Mexican favorites.And of course, desserts.I’m thinking an ice cream sundae bar for the kids.”
“I’m not seeing chicken wing cupcakes on here,” Erin teased.
Cade shuddered.
“It would be tricky, time-wise, but while your guests are dining, we can reset the barn for dancing.The band can use the stage.We can set up photo booths in the loft.”
Erin nodded.
“You can decide if you want outdoor activities for the kids.Maybe a bounce house.You can have a mechanical bull, as well.”She flipped to her final slide, of a couple.The man was in a stylish suit jacket and bolo tie.The woman had on a short black dress and turquoise leather boots.Behind them hung a sign that readDenim and Dazzle.
“I like it,” Erin said.“So ladies don’t have to wear heels if we get rain.”
“How much does something like this cost?”the Colonel asked.
She took price sheets from her folder and distributed the first two pages together.“A plated sit-down meal is on the first page.The second is for a food station.”She handed out more pages.“Here you’ll find costs for the presentation, including audio-visual and a program.Then the entertainment options are on the second page.Logistics are on the fifth page.This includes things like signage, security, buses to shuttle people to and from Waltham since we don’t have parking available for over two hundred vehicles.”
“Another option is to park over by the corral and bring people in via golf carts,” Cade said.
She nodded.“That could knock down the price.”
“And take a lot of carts and drivers,” Erin said.“People will be pissed if they have to wait in long lines.Could we set up the event over there?”Erin asked.
“Also a possibility.If that’s something you’d like to consider, we can.And I don’t know how long it would take you to put together a rodeo?”
Cade shook his head.“Too much work on the bleachers, the pens.”
William nodded.
“Again, if you’re looking for moneymaking options, it may be something to have a look at for future use.”Continuing, she brought out her last page.“Here are the beverage options.I suggest iced tea, soft drinks, kegs of beer and wine.Hard liquor isn’t really necessary at the event, and it adds another expense, including the need to have additional bartenders.Of course, we’re happy to arrange it if that’s what you would like to do.”
She took a breath, trying not to be deterred by the sudden silence.Over the last few days, getting the bid had started to matter to her.And it bothered her to realize it was only because of Cade.Her company was really the only choice when it came to an event the size of the Donovans’.But she wanted to keep working with him.Continuing on as if this were any other event, she said, “Here’s pricing for alcohol.”With that, she distributed the final piece of paper.
“Someone hand me a pill,” William said.
“I’ll get you a paper bag to breathe into,” Erin replied.“Now stop scaring Sofia.”
“Maybe we just turn all our third quarter earnings over to…” He flicked a glance at the top of the page.“Encore.”
“Oh.Plus tax,” Sofia added.
Cade lowered the brim of his hat.Erin grinned.
There was a knock at the door and a big man entered.Thompson, she assumed.He had massive shoulders, a bald head and an impressive scar.His broad smile served as a contrast to his intimidating posture.He carried a tray, a silver coffeepot, several mugs, a pitcher for creamer and a sugar bowl.
“Thompson,” Cade said.“Our savior.Not sure how this company ever ran without you.”
“Brought a couple of extra mugs.”
“I’m drinking tea,” Erin said, clutching her cup suddenly.
The Colonel moved his cup closer to him.
Cade poured a mug and offered it to Sofia.Everyone turned to face her.
