Page 80 of Final Proposal

If the rooms don’t get finished, then we have nowhere to put it.

Speaking of schedules, I need to get whatever this is I’m here to pick up and get back.

I glance at the address again on the text Ford sent me and then back to the building in front of me.

Yep. It’s the right place. Just not exactly where I’d expect to pick up something for a remodel.

The building is Cape Cod blue with white shutters and flower boxes on the sills. A few women mill about, passing back and forth in the windows. One has a glass of wine in her hand. Another has foils in her hair.

I reach up and touch the ends of my own hair. When is the last time I had it cut and blown out? I’ve been so involved in the inn, in my time with Ford, that it hasn’t even crossed my mind.

Maybe I’ll make an appointment while I’m here.

But what do a salon and a remodel have in common? Ford had to have transposed numbers or something on the address.

Me: You sure this is the right address?

Ford: Yes. Blue building. Pink flowers?

Me: Yes.

Ford: Millie has what you need.

I stare at my screen and give a shake of my head.

“Here goes nothing,” I mutter as I climb out of my car and up the steps. The inside is airy and sizeable. It smells of the jasmine climbing in the planters. There is the low hum of chatter and blow-dryers as I wait for someone to spot me at the front desk.

“May I help you?” a woman with curly brown hair and a kind smile asks.

“Yes, I’m looking for Millie. I’m here to pick something up for Fordham Sharpe.”

Her smile spreads to a million watts. “Isn’t that man the greatest? Brains and kindness and looks all rolled into one incredible package.”

“Um-yes. I guess,” I stutter, thrown off guard by her comments.

She waves a hand at me. “Honey, it’s more than okay to agree. There is no judgment here. You must be Ellery.”

“Yes. Millie?”

“Guilty as charged,” she says, her southern accent coming through a little stronger.

“I’ll just grab whatever it is he needs and get out of your way.” My smile is polite, but I’m not exactly thrilled with this woman fawning all over the man who currently occupies way too much of my time to be considered healthy.

Her laugh draws the attention of everyone around us. “Oh darling, you’re not grabbing anything you can take with you.”

“What do you mean?” I ask as she extends her hand with what looks like a card in it.

I eye her curiously as I open the envelope and pull the card out.

Elle-

You’ve been working nonstop. You deserve a break. A little relaxation. Millie has the works set up for you. A massage. A facial. A manicure and pedicure. Other things I don’t even know what they are.

And when you’re done for the day, there’s a nice waterfront condo with your name on it for the night. Food is ordered and will be waiting. Wine is chilling. I’ve been promised by the owner that some excellent romance novels have been left to aid in that relaxation. Enjoy the time away from the noise and the dust.

Someone once said this place can make you batty. It can. Take this time for yourself to unwind. I’ll see you tomorrow.

-Ford