Cassie’s mouth dropped open. “Does that mean they’re prepared to pay more?”
“If that’s what you want, you can negotiate the contract price.”
“No, that won’t be necessary. I still think it’s too high, but I appreciate the offer.” She read the terms of the contract and frowned. “I’d need to come to Manhattan for the award ceremony?”
Noah nodded.
“I don’t want anyone to know who I am.”
“We’ll market your jewelry as a C.J. Davis collection, but we need people to recognize you.”
“Why?”
“Because your face as much as anything else, will sell the collections you create.”
Cassie wasn’t sure she liked the idea of being photographed to promote the jewelry, but she kept reading. “Are you sure you only want me to design three collections?”
“It’s all about quality, not quantity. I want my customers waiting in anticipation for your next collection.”
“I hope I don’t disappoint anyone.”
“You couldn’t do that if you tried.”
Noah’s softly spoken words made her sigh. The price Wilson Enterprises was prepared to pay her was only the beginning of the income she could earn. With their marketing team behind her, income from her other jewelry would skyrocket.
She couldn’t have done this without her dad’s support and that, if nothing else, gave her the courage to take the next step. With a trembling hand, she found a pen and turned to the last page of the contract.
“You should ask a lawyer to read the document before you sign it,” Noah said quickly.
“I don’t need a lawyer. I trust you.” And with a flourish, she added her signature to the bottom of the contract.
For better or worse, Noah was now her boss.
Chapter 12
Saturday morning dawned bright and clear, which was just as well considering what was happening later that morning.
Cassie had been working in her studio since five-thirty. When Noah brought her a cup of coffee, she’d grunted her approval before soldering two pieces of silver together.
He could have easily read one of the management reports he’d brought with him. But instead of doing that, he threw on his running gear and left the cottage. By the time he wound his way back to Cassie’s house, she’d finished the bracelet and was working on an engagement ring.
They had a late breakfast together and relaxed for another hour before getting ready for Sam and Caleb’s wedding.
As Noah sat in the church, he wondered if life would always be this easy around Cassie. She didn’t push him to be anything other than himself. It was a refreshing change considering most people wanted something from him.
“Do you like the flowers and ribbons at the end of each row?” Cassie whispered.
He glanced at the seats opposite them and nodded. “They look great.”
“Nora picked the daisies from Mr. Jessop’s garden at The Welcome Center.”
“I didn’t see any flowers when we were there.”
“They were behind a hedge. I think he’s growing the flowers as an extra revenue stream.”
“How would John feel about a commercial flower-growing business in his backyard?”
“I’ve got no idea, but it could provide a few jobs for people.”
