Page 19

“Connor. Miss me already?” he says, having just seen me in New York over the weekend.

“No, asshole, I need you to actually do some work today.” I make my way down the hall to my office. Sawyer has become a firm friend these past few years. A top lawyer and one who we want here in Whispers with us. Yet another thing we’ll need to start moving on. I push through the door, the morning sun filtering through my large windows.

From here, I get a view of the entire back of our distillery. Green grass, our rose garden off to the side that my grandparents made. I also see my place and Dad’s old place sitting at the back. It’s completely private and lush, like my own private oasis.

“What do you need?” he asks.

“A contract drawn up. I made an offer to someone in New York to come consult and build the spa business for us. I just emailed you about it,” I tell him, rolling my head on my shoulders, wondering why I feel so edgy.

“Great move. A city professional is exactly who you need.” I can hear him tapping on his keyboard.

“I will fly her in, accommodate her here, and pay for everything. I’m thinking six figures,” I tell him, and he’s quiet for a beat.

“Six figures? Plus relocation costs?” he confirms.

“Yes. For a month, with an extension for another month, maybe two. Timing is yet to be solidified on the project.”

“That’s a pretty generous offer,” Sawyer says, and I swallow.

“It’s an important move for the spa, for the business. She’s a professional, has a lot of experience.”

“Well, fine. I’ll get it done today.”

I sigh, not realizing I was holding my breath.

“She hasn’t actually verbally accepted yet.”

“What? You offered her relocation and six figures, and she still hasn’t accepted?” Sawyer sounds gobsmacked. Glad to know I’m not the only one.

“Maybe we need to send her something to sweeten the deal?” I murmur to him as I look out at the garden, spotting a small daisy bush among my grandmother’s roses.

“Is she worth this much?” he asks, and I answer without hesitation.

“Yes.”

“Maybe a ten grand sign-on bonus can be sent with the contract?” Sawyer suggests, and my brow crumples, knowing money isn’t the answer. Not for a woman like Daisy.

“No, it needs to be something more… meaningful,” I think out loud.

“Meaningful? Well, you seem to know her. What do you think?” he asks as I grin, coming up with just the thing.

“Organize a donation to the wilderness society. One that covers us for any trees that were chopped down for our business stationery requirements and put the donation in her name. Send her the certificate.” I’m smirking as I think about her quip about how many trees died making my business cards.

“You want to buy her trees?” Sawyer asks, confused.

“Yeah. I want to buy her a fucking field of them.”

“You know, I’m too busy to go down this rabbit hole to even question what the fuck is going on here. Leave it with me. I’ll get my team to organize it. We’ll send it to her today,” Sawyer says, no doubt shaking his head at my antics.

“Thanks, Sawyer. Speak soon.”

As I end the call. I’m hoping those trees get her over the line.

9

DAISY

Ilook at my cell. I’m not sure why I’m hesitating. Actually, no, that’s a lie. Trisha showed me the heating bill, and I almost vomited. So now I’m going to call the one person in the world who can give me instant cash, even though I only met him three days ago.