“The lot is underway. Considering the distance to the front steps, have you thought about transportation for those with mobility issues?” Ivan asked.
“What do you think about golf carts? I have a quote from a place that will provide six-passenger carts and drivers to circle the parking lot. We could mark them with handicapped placards to give those with the greatest need a chance to have priority use,” Essie suggested.
“That would be perfect,” Ivan said. “Eventually, if you have enough demand for large events, you may wish to buy a couple of carts, but for now, that sounds ideal.”
The conversation continued as they walked their way through the lighting, music, and food requirements for the ball. When they finished, Essie breathed a sigh of relief. “Everything is coming together. I can’t wait to see what the community will think of holding here next. For a medium-size town, there hasn’t been a unique place for events like ours. Everyone is always supportive and intrigued by what we’re doing here. The mayor even called me last week to chat. We’re off to a great start. I can’t thank you both enough for your support.”
“I love seeing Ferguson’s Folly coming back to life. The hustle and bustle of past years when the master was still alive plays on in my memory,” Sara said with a smile as she stood. “I’ll be off to tend to dinner. Don’t worry about the tray. I’ll return to get itlater.”
Ivan stood as Sara returned to the kitchen. “I appreciate the refreshments. Thank you for the work. I wanted to tell you that I’m taking Tiffanie for her last chemo treatment tomorrow. I’ll be back the following day.”
“Of course, Ivan. Can I ask? Last like in she’s done or…”
“The doctors feel she’s getting too weak and needs a break. They’ll do testing the following week to check the size of her tumor. Keep your fingers crossed.”
“I’m crossing every extremity for her.”
When Essie sat at her desk alone once again, she studied her calendar as her thoughts kept returning to Tiffanie’s plight. Essie wished she could do something to help. Bad things shouldn’t happen to such good people.
“Are you okay, Little girl?” Zander asked from the doorway.
Essie looked up. The tears welling in her eyes rolled down her cheeks. She shook her head. “I’m worried about Tiffanie.”
Zander crossed the room in giant strides. He pulled Essie out of her chair and into his arms. Instantly, she snuggled close, taking solace in his embrace. Zander made everything better. After squeezing her extra tight for a few seconds, he brushed her hair back from her face. “Did you get some bad news from Ivan?”
“No. Well, not really. The update could be awful or maybe great.”
“Now, I’m really confused. Come with me. You can catch me up on what’s happening.” Zander tugged her by the hand over to the settee in the library sitting area away from her desk and guided her onto his lap. He held her tight and rocked their bodies slowly for a few minutes. Essie basked in his attention and comfort.
When she relaxed against him, Zander asked, “Now, what’s happening?”
Essie ran through the update that Ivan had shared. “I really want her to be okay. She’s the sweetest.”
“Second sweetest,” Zander disagreed with her.
“You just like me,” Essie told him.
“Maybe a bit more than that. You are the special Little girl, I’ve dreamed about.”
“I didn’t think I’d ever have a Daddy,” she whispered.
“Thank you for coming back to town.”
“I’m glad I did. I can’t imagine being anywhere else,” Essie confessed.
“Good. Before your Daddy decides we’re both done working today, do you think there’s anything that we could do for Tiffanie? To support her at this time?”
Essie smiled at him. He might present as a successful cattle rancher and businessman persona to everyone in town, but she understood that at his core Zander cared about others deeply. She’d never share his secrets.
“We’ll have to wait and see what the results are. I’ve wondered if a second opinion might make a difference for her. She could take her tests and go consult another specialist.”
“I’ve got a friend who’s a scientific researcher. I’m going to contact her and see if she has a suggestion for a cutting-edge doctor. We’ll keep that information in our pocket, just in case.”
He had the best ideas. “I love that, Daddy. I jotted down the type of cancer she has in my phone after talking to Ivan one day. Maybe that would help?”
“Any information you have, Little girl, can’t hurt. Send everything to my phone later. Right now, I need a kiss.”
“She’s not cute, is she?”
