Kyle chuckled softly. “You should marry her. She’s not just an awesome person, she’s really good at brainstorming.”
Mitch narrowed his eyes. “Don’t you have an offer to accept?”
Kyle snickered. “Yes, but let’s talk about you and Harper some more.”
Mitch got up and went back to his desk. “Unlike you, I have a book to write.”
“Okay, okay,” Kyle said, amusement underlining his words. He stood. “Should I accept that offer now? Or should I wait a day or two so they don’t think I’m desperate?”
Mitch had to smile. “You’re asking my advice?”
“Absolutely.”
“Read through the offers thoroughly. All of them. I know you didn’t, because you came in here too quickly. Make some notes as you read. What you like, what you don’t, how they differ, that kind of thing. Then compare them. And when you’ve done that and decided what you really want, email Lucinda back and tell her.”
Kyle frowned like he didn’t quite understand. “Tell her which offer I’m accepting?”
“She’s your agent now. Tell her what works for you and what doesn’t and see if she can get those offers sweetened up any.”
A big smile broke across Kyle’s face. “It never occurred to me that I might do better.”
“A publisher’s first offer is rarely their best offer. You might get a percentage point added to royalties, or audio rights separated out, or who knows what. Lucinda is exceptionally good. She’s getting fifteen percent of this deal, so let her earn it. Don’t be afraid to go after what you want.”
“Right on. Thanks, Dad.”
“Anytime.” As Kyle left, pride welled up in Mitch. Things were going so well. His son was going to be all right. They all were.
There was peace in that knowledge, a peace that gave Mitch hope for the future. What a nice feeling that was.
Chapter Fifty-Seven
Harper and Mitch had returned two days ago, and Lucas had essentially thrown together a dinner party of epic proportions in that time. Harper didn’t know how he’d done it but the man was basically a wizard of entertaining.
She stood in the cool shadows of his house’s interior, sipping a glass of white wine as she surveyed the scene in front of her.
Frankie stood by Lucas at the grill, both of them smiling at each other in such a way that it was clear they were in love. Angelo, Jack, and Mitch were near the water, deep in conversation about something. Willa and Kyle had Ruthie in the pool while Joyce and Beryl looked on with the kind of smiles that spoke of deep devotion.
Scout, Archie, and Bunny were having the time of their lives running around in the backyard. The mouth-watering aroma of steaks and chicken wafted through the air. Under the lights strung across the patio area, there was laughter and conversation. Ice clinked in glasses, water splashed, dogs woofed.
It was a perfect evening and they’d only just begun.
The breeze shifted, bringing the faint tang of salt air into the mix. A boat passed by on the river, the people on board waving. Harper waved back.
Life was good, despite the lingering sorrow over her mom. She thought about her parents being back together after having been separated for so long. What a joyous reunion that must have been. She hoped they knew how well she was doing, even with all she’d been through.
They’d given her a great foundation that had overcome her rough start.
She sighed in contentment and took another sip of her wine.
Jack was leaving tomorrow, as was Angelo. She was sad to see Jack go. He’d been entertaining company, to say the least, but Buck and Glenda would be here in two weeks. She was excited to have them. Excited to show them her home and tell them all about her life.
Frankie would no doubt do the same. She’d get to show them the portrait of Arlington, too, which still had a ways to go but was shaping up to be her best work ever. Frankie’s son, Jason, had promised to come for Christmas. Harper snorted. Christmas seemed like ages from now, but she knew it would be here before anyone realized it.
She needed to start working on what to get Mitch. That wasn’t going to be easy. What did you buy for the man who had everything? She was sure she’d eventually come up with something, but it was going to take a lot of serious thought.
Frankie’s laugh caught her attention. Harper narrowed her eyes. Maybe she’d get Frankie to do a portrait of Kyle and Ruthie. Harper had a feeling Mitch would like that. Definitely something to talk to her sister about.
She left the house and stepped outside, the setting sun streaking the sky with glorious shades of pink and orange. It would be another beautiful Hideaway Bay sunset.
