The Blue Serene Artisan Retreat and Spa
It was early in the morning, and Amber Ann was speaking with the builders—she had three different construction teams working on four different projects on the property. Currently, she was working on:
• Her bakery – Bonbons Sereins
• Twelve bungalows for a new boutique hotel – Calming Stays
• An eatery – Chez Sereins
• A spa and bathhouse – Serene Baths
She had decided to keep those for herself and sell or rent the rest—allowing the owner or renter to have their own say in construction and design.
She had an appointment with a possible chef for the eatery. She was already prepared to make him an incredible offer to ensure he cooked for her.
"Excuse me. I was told you are Amber Lance-Trace. I am Calvin Tucker."
"Mr. Tucker! It is nice to finally meet you." Amber was too excited about the prospect to think of anything else and did not notice the man was already frowning in disdain.
"Let me show you the location. It will be called 'Chez Sereins' and I would like it to be your signature fusion style of cuisine." She spoke calmly and confidently as they walked to the construction site—and Calvin Tucker was suddenly intrigued. By the time they reached the construction site, he was sold and was hoping for more.
She smiled at him, and it was like a gong was struck.
"So what do you think? Wait, don't answer." She turned him to face a location that sat diagonally from the Chez Sereins location. It was a two-story building that didn't seem to need much repair.
"That can be yours. A restaurant hotel, or a multilevel restaurant with different themes, or whatever you like. You can be a partner with me in Chez Sereins, and you pay me back for the renovation—if you need my help—and I will turn the deed to the property over to you. But you have to give me at least five years before you dissolve our partnership in Chez Sereins."
Calvin accepted, without any thought, and had been in a daze since. He looked over at Amber as she spoke with builders—she was a fascinating woman.
Dan was lost in his thoughts as he drove toward Blue Serene. He knew that Amber had money, but he didn't know she could buy a project like Blue Serene Lake. But that wasn't important now. What was important was convincing Amber to come back home with him, and come back today.
He reached the lake and was awed. The scale of the project was almost overwhelming. He had a hard time overseeing two house renovations, and she had four different projects—not including the landscaping and work on the lake—going at once.
He stopped his car and just watched all of the workers going back and forth. Then he saw her, he knew it was her. Her red hair shone brilliantly, and the green romper she had on fit her curves perfectly.
He froze as a dark-skinned man came to her in a way that set his teeth on edge. He hurriedly got out of his car and practically ran to her. He watched the two laugh, and the man finally walked off to another area of the property.
"Amber Ann!" She looked to him, and her smile fell, but she didn't turn away or run. She walked directly to him. He smiled broadly; she did not return it.
"You found me."
"I found you."
"I always told you that you're brilliant."
He smiled. "When did you buy Blue Serene?"
Amber Ann shrugged, her eyes gliding over the property. "Just recently. I actually bought it as a surprise for you." She shrugged again and looked off.
"Amber. Love. Please, let's talk things through. Come home with me. Let's work everything out."
She shook her head with a sad smile. "There's nothing to talk about, Dan. I want you to be happy, and you have not been happy with me… ever."
"That's not true. I have not understood how much I have truly loved and needed you—I do now."
Amber looked at him for a long moment. She actually never thought he would look for her. So her heart wanted to believe that he was telling the truth.
But…
"Please, Amber. I know I have made a colossal mistake. We can make our marriage work. I WANT to make our marriage work."
She shook her head again. "It's too late, Dan." She smiled, leaned in, pecked him on the cheek, and turned and walked away.
"Amber! Amber! I won't give up! I WON'T!"
Both Brandon and Calvin moved to see who was yelling. Both had thoughts of protecting Amber, and both were curious to see the man pushed to theatrics.
Dan—on the other hand—watched her go. She never paused, and she never looked back. His heart sank, and he stood there, in the morning sun, not really sure what to do next. He didn't want to go home to Jessica, and he was not in the mood for work.
He just wanted things back the way they were.