Page 74 of The Encounter
“I can’t imagine trying to take care of a sick child while also juggling the bills. I understand working to death to pay bills for a sick loved one, but it’s a completely different ballgame when it’s a child.”
He turned his hand over and threaded their fingers. “What you did for your grandmother was incredible. You took on so much.”
“I did what I needed to do.” She smiled. “I think anyone else would have done the same in my position. She took care of me when I needed it most, so I took care of her when she needed it.”
“I don’t think you realize how incredible you are.” Jace leaned forward and pressed his lips to hers. He knew he would spend every chance he got trying to show her exactly how special she was.
25
Maddie stepped into Kailynn’s apartment as soon as Kailynn pulled the door open.
“How was the event? Was it as amazing as I thought it would be? Did people love your dress?” Kailynn asked, before Maddie could even say anything.
“Hi, Kailynn. Good morning.”
Kailynn laughed and waved a hand in the air as they walked into their office. “Pish posh. You know I would normally say good morning, but I need to know about the event. Was it fabulous?”
Maddie giggled and set her items on her desk before sitting in her chair and swiveling to face Kailynn.
“It was. The event itself was beautiful. The people were beautiful. The kids were beautiful.”
“And you were beautiful,” Kailynn continued, then she waved a hand in the air, telling Maddie to continue.
“And I got several compliments on the dress and even a request to see more of your work with the opportunity to have your dresses sold in a boutique downtown.”
Kailynn’s mouth dropped open. “Are you serious?”
“I’m serious.” Maddie fished out the business card Jen had given her and handed it over to Kailynn.
“Oh my God. This is amazing!” Kailynn looked back up at Maddie after examining the card. “If you attend any more events with Jace, let me make your dress. Whatever you want. I’ll make it.”
Maddie laughed. “Sounds good to me. Also, I had someone else ask me if you make custom orders. She would be interested in possibly ordering from you in the future for events.”
“Custom orders?” Kailynn chewed on her lower lip. “That’s not something I’ve ever considered doing. I always had plans to just sell my designs to larger stores.”
“Well, you already sell some of your items through your website. Potentially anyone could buy those outfits. This wouldn’t be much different except that you’re making their designs.”
“But at that point, I’m just a seamstress.”
She had a point. Kailynn’s dream hadn’t been to make other people’s designs, it was to make her own. Maddie nodded in understanding.
“Technically you’d still be designing it. It would just be with their vision in mind.”
“I suppose. I’ll have to think about that.”
“So what about Jen’s boutique? Would you like me to call to arrange a meeting with her?”
Kailynn’s smile brightened. “Yes, please do. And, Maddie, thank you so much.”
“You’re welcome.”
Maddie spent the rest of the morning arranging a meeting with Jen, and then working on their website, adding new inventory.
“So, how did the rest of the event go?”
Maddie glanced up from her computer where she was editing a photo and turned in her chair to see Kailynn.
“It was good.”
