Page 62 of Tempt
“I have, actually,” I said, taking another bite of Felicity’s roasted acorn squash with rosemary and garlic. “In fact, I spent the entire day today doing research.”
“Like a wedding dress shop?” asked Emmeline.
“Yes, one that caters to plus-sized women,” I said. “It can be really difficult and not fun at all to find a dream gown in larger sizes. I hear it from brides all the time.”
“It’s the same with homecoming and prom dresses,” said Audrey. “I can never find anything to fit me on top, and if I do, it’s too big on the bottom. It’s like they don’t make dresses for people with boobs.”
“Audrey.” Frannie gave her a stern look. “We have company.”
“I’m just saying, it’s a good idea,” Audrey pushed back. “I bet it would be a really popular place.”
“What about your job at Cloverleigh Farms?” asked Emmeline. “Would you keep it?”
“No, I wouldn’t be able to do both,” I said. “And that’s one huge reservation I have.”
“Maybe Winnie could take over for you at Cloverleigh,” suggested Frannie.
“I wouldn’t ask her to leave Abelard,” I said quickly.
“Well, hang on.” Winnie picked up her wine glass. “I do love working at Abelard, but I wouldn’t necessarily turn down the opportunity to take over events at Cloverleigh Farms.”
“Would you be able to leave on good terms?” our dad asked. Abelard Vineyards was owned by Winnie’s best friend Ellie’s family. Ellie worked there too, as manager of their tasting room, although she’d just had a baby, so she was taking some time off.
“Definitely,” said Winnie. “With Ellie out, her mom has been working a lot more—she was the original event planner there, remember, and she only left that job because they were going to spend time in France. But they’re back full-time now that the baby is here. I could easily talk to her if you decide to leave, Mills.”
“I’ll keep you posted,” I said. “Right now, I’m really just gathering intel. Ithinkthe demand is there, and there’s no other shop like it within four hours in any direction, but it’s not a decision I’d take lightly. I’d have to get a loan, find a space, remodel, contact designers...it’s a lot.”
“You know you’d have help,” said my dad. “I know plenty of people at the bank that could help you secure a loan as long as you had a solid business plan.”
“Oh, I would.” I set down my fork, suddenly too excited to eat. “I’m going to work on that.”
“I’d be glad to help you out with a loan, Millie,” said Hutton.
I looked over at my handsome brother-in-law. He was so unassuming and quiet, it was easy to forget he was a billionaire—he’d made a fortune thanks to some sort of mathematical algorithm he’d created for a cryptocurrency exchange. “You would?”
“Sure. I think you’re on to something. A good business idea starts with a solution to a problem—you’ve identified a problem, a solution, and a hole in the geographical market. I could help you with the business plan too.”
I beamed at him. “Thank you, Hutton!”
“I could help you look for a space,” offered Frannie. “And I know a commercial real estate agent I could put you in touch with.”
“That would be awesome,” I said. “I’ve already started a Pinterest board with inspirational photos.”
“And if we can’t do the renovations ourselves, we can find good people to do it.” My dad picked up his beer. “That’s easy.”
I looked around at my family, grateful for the millionth time. “Thanks, everyone. I’ll keep you posted.”
* * *
After dinner, Winnie was sitting with the twins and our parents in the family room while Felicity and I finished up the dishes. “Hey, I’m glad it’s just the two of us,” I said quietly, handing her a serving bowl I’d just washed.
“What’s up?”
I glanced into the family room to make sure no one could hear. “Dex is going to propose at Christmas.”
“Shutup!” she stage whispered, her eyes popping. “Are you serious?”
“Yeah. I talked to him today. He wants my opinion on the ring before he buys it. We’re meeting at the jeweler’s tomorrow at eleven. You’re invited too.”
