“Almost being the important word.” He grabbed a large, spiral-bound book off the back seat. “Are you ready to be impressed with the architectural drawings?”
“I’m ready.”
He turned to the first page. “I’d like to introduce you to BioTech’s first research facility outside of New York City.”
Andrea’s gasp of surprise made him smile. Preserving the integrity of the original building was important to everyone involved in the project. Despite the broken beams, graffiti, and years of neglect, the building had features that had long since disappeared from American architecture. The research facility would showcase the best of what the building could offer and provide an incredible home for the magic that would happen inside.
“Does your gasp mean you’re impressed?”
“How can you create something so amazing without knocking down the original building?” Her eyes lifted to the entrance before returning to the 3D drawings. “It’s the same but different.”
“That’s what we wanted. Wait until you see inside.”
“Do we need hard hats?”
David smiled. “Not on this visit. A construction crew has already stabilized the structure. Nothing will fall on us.”
Andrea waited while he unlocked the padlock on the front door. It would be interesting to see her reaction to the main foyer. To him, it was a work of art. Whether she agreed was another story.
Andrea held her breath as she stepped inside the old go-kart building. If she gasped again, David would assume he’d done the unthinkable—surprised her twice in the same number of minutes.
The foyer was impressive even without the changes the architects might have imagined. With the neon lights, broken furniture, and go-kart posters removed, it was a lovely old building. Her gaze lifted to the vaulted ceiling and traveled along the wide wooden beams.
“What do you think?”
“It’s much better than I remember.”
David placed the book of drawings on a table. “This area will be the showcase of the entire complex. Although the other rooms will keep most of their architectural features, they’ll have to be modified to contain the computers and other equipment our engineers and IT specialists need.”
Andrea stood beside him and studied the drawings. The water-damaged walls had been replaced and huge pendant lights hung from below the wooden beams. It was rustic and welcoming—the complete opposite of any commercial building she’d visited. “If the county approves these plans, the building will be a beautiful addition to Sapphire Bay. This area would make a fantastic wedding venue.”
“Don’t tell Peter or Katie. It would be just like them to surprise everyone with a change of venue.”
“They’ve already had to do that once. It was so stressful they won’t want any more changes.”
“Would you ever get married again?”
David’s question surprised her. “I don’t know. If I did marry someone, he would have to be an amazing person to want me and my children in his life.”
“It wouldn’t be such a hardship.”
She frowned at his tender smile. “Most people want an uncomplicated life. I come with enough baggage to sink a ship. The boys saw the worst of Scotty’s temper and have a few issues. Living with us would be hard work for someone who doesn’t want to stick around for the long haul.”
David picked up the drawings. “I think you’re underestimating the power of love.”
Andrea’s frown deepened. “The power of love made a great song title, but it doesn’t work in real life.”
“Maybe that’s because you haven’t experienced it.”
From what David had said, his relationship experience was just as limited as hers. She studied his face, looking for any sign that he was joking. “You really mean it, don’t you?”
“Why wouldn’t I? Just because I made a mistake with Cissy, it doesn’t mean there isn’t another person willing to give me a chance. All I have to do is find her.”
“I don’t believe it. Underneath your urban sophistication, you’re a closet romantic.”
“Doesn’t everyone want to love and be loved?”
A long time ago, she used to think so. But after living with Scotty, she realized the kind of love David was talking about was only found in fairy tales. No white knights in shining armor, green frogs, or fairy godmothers had found her. The only handsome prince she’d ever fallen in love with turned out to be a monster in disguise.
