Page 19 of Stone
Naomi bounced up and down, her eyes lighting up. “I love those ideas! The caterpillar and the girls’ names.”
“I’ll make the additions. How about I have it ready for you to check out by lunch next Sunday? Did you want to start before the commemoration weekend or after? Without you having a tattoo before, we won’t know how sensitive it will be for you,” Stone pointed out.
“I think I’d like to plan on waiting until after the commemoration. I don’t want to be uncomfortable when we have to be working,” she reasoned.
Stone nodded. “Perfect. I need to head back to the studio. See you Friday.”
Chapter Eleven
Naomi and her girls helped Meg clean the placemats and napkins off the table. Rascal and Stone had carried all the dishes in and were cleaning them off to put in the dishwasher.
“Mom, can we go play with Blaze and Maisie now?” Taylor pleaded.
“Sure,” she smiled, nodding. They ran into the front room where the cats had disappeared.
“Oh, to have the energy they do,” Meg sighed, heading into their kitchen and sitting down at the bar. Naomi joined her. Rascal pulled a folder over in front of her as Stone finished putting the last dish in the dishwasher and wiped his hands.
Rascal flipped it open while Stone settled into the seat beside her.
“Last year was our first year with the pickleball tournament. It’s a regular bracket. Depending on the number of teams, you can either have a double elimination, where once you lose, you move to the loser’s bracket. With the teams we had last time, thetournament took a while. I have a cost sheet here that was done after last year. I proposed raising the entry fees for the teams. All the profits go toward this year’s charity, and a higher price seems to have made some of the teams think twice if they are just wanting to screw around. There are currently twenty-six teams, with registration open for another week. The only thing I would suggest is don’t pit brother against brother or cousin against cousin early. Make sure the Nelsons and all the brothers aren’t immediately knocking each other out of the tournament. More people will come to watch, and we’ll make more money from the gate fees,” Rascal explained.
“This seems pretty straightforward, don’t you think, Naomi?” Stone asked.
“Yes,” she agreed, wondering how she was supposed to keep her distance from Stone and his sexy voice when they were organizing the tournament and he was going to be tattooing her thighs.
“I’m happy to answer any questions, but with my back bothering me from tattooing lately, I can’t stand up at the tournament for hours,” Rascal admitted.
“Oh, I don’t mind at all. I kind of love the fact that you asked me because it makes me realize I’m really a part of Bluff Creek,” Naomi glowed.
“Aww, sweetie—of course you’re a part of Bluff Creek. You’re family, and there’s no way you’re getting rid of us now,” Meg said, sliding her arm around Naomi and hugging her.
“Thank you,” Naomi whispered, her throat clogging a little. Each day she wondered how her life could have changed so much.
“Any questions, or do you want to read through the notes and then discuss it if you have questions?” Rascal asked.
“I’m good if Naomi is. It’s straightforward, and I know we can ask questions. Naomi, what do you think?” Stone prompted.
Naomi stared at him for a minute. Jared had never asked her opinion on anything, and she hated that she was comparing Stone to Jared, but the difference was night and day.
“I agree with Stone. I think we’re good, but I’ll know more after I read everything again,” Naomi concurred.
“Great. Now, how about you let your girls stay the night? Meg is having a craft night with some of the kids. She’d love to have your girls join,” Rascal said.
“Well, I don’t…”
“Papa Rascal, we’re here. Time to start the party,” Phoebe yelled, coming in the door.
Roam walked in behind Phoebe and Blake.
By the time Naomi had walked into the front room, Phoebe and Blake were chatting with the girls.
“Mom, can we stay? Phoebe said they’re having a craft sleepover here,” Regan asked.
Naomi couldn’t say no. Her girls were bouncing around with Phoebe and Blake. The excitement oozing off them was such a joy to see.
“Of course. Do I need to bring anything back?” Naomi asked.
Beck’s eyes widened at the thought of not having her stuffed animal.
