“It’s not exactly a joyful time. I hardly feel like celebrating. In any event, we made some adjustments. It looks different on me than it did in the sketches, so there were some things I didn’t care for. Anyhow, let me go so I can get to the airport.” She headed for the car. The driver opened the door, and she set her tote on the seat.

“Wonderful. I can’t wait to see you.”

Just before getting in the car, she turned for one last look at the bunkhouse. Brodie stood on the porch, watching her go. Her heart twisted at the thought she’d never see him again. “The first order of business will be hiring a new assistant. I’m coming home with a new project. You won’t believe this, but I’ve found a flower similar to our lyantha.”

“Oh, that. Yes, I meant to tell you, Marcel told us about the bath and body products.”

“Can you believe how gorgeous that lotion is? I’m so excited.” But, of course, it was the last thing on her mother’s mind. “We can talk about it later.” She slid into the seat, and the driver shut the door.

“I’m afraid there’s nothing to discuss. We know how hard you’ve worked on it, and we’re so impressed with your talent. It really does smell exactly like the perfume.”

Nothing to discuss? Oh, no. No, no, no. “Which is great because you didn’t want to add a new perfume, so I’ve just expanded what we offer. Women want to layer their products. The body wash, the soap, and then the perfume.”

“Perhaps…” Her mother hedged. “But we’re going to pass. It’s not the right time.”

“We can talk about it after the vote. You’ve got enough to worry about.” Besides, she’d be busy with her new project for a while. And they obviously weren’t in the right frame of mind to discuss a whole new product.

At the end of the driveway, they waited for the security gate to open.

“It’s not about the vote. We met with Marcel and his father, and we’re going to go along with their judgment.”

“Wait, so we are going to add my bath and body product line?” Because Marcel was definitely on board with her plan.

“No, darling. Marcel pointed out that sales have gone up three percent a year for the last five years, so he doesn’t think now is the time to add any variables. Businesses come and go, and ours is doing exceedingly well. He suggests we put off this discussion for another year or two.”