“Isn’t it amazing how fast things are coming together? Ash has poured his heart and soul into that project—and the Safe Haven, of course. Have you seen all the progress?”
“It looks fabulous, Ma. The best I’ve ever seen it.”
Clancy wasn’t exaggerating. He’d stopped by the family mansion two days ago, and Rowan and Ash were busy with preparations for the Safe Haven’s last festival week as a bed-and-breakfast. It was mind-blowing how many changes had been made in just a year.
Last fall, Ash began bringing in an army of architectural preservation contractors from Boston to tackle restoration of the tile roof, gutters, spouting, storm shutters, cedar shingles and stone, porches, and windows. A zoned heating and cooling system that independently controlled each of the mansion’s thirty-two rooms was installed. The Safe Haven’s fourteen bathrooms were renovated, the kitchen modernized, and the oak floors refinished. They had even started to design a second-floor suite of rooms to serve as their private apartment.
Clancy couldn’t imagine how much money Ash was throwing at the Safe Haven. It had to be staggering.
His mother cleared her throat. “Now, technically, I’m not supposed to say anything about this . . .”
“When has that ever stopped you, Ma?”
Mona giggled. “Well, apparently, Ash and Rowan have had a change of heart. You know how they wanted to use the Safe Haven to house researchers and foundation members?”
Clancy nodded.
“Well, they’ve decided to experiment. They want to keep it functioning as a B and B—but only during high season—and see if it’s manageable.”
Clancy stopped in midstride, not even trying to hide his surprise. “What? After all the complaining Rowan’s done about running that place?”
Mona laughed, nudging Clancy to keep moving. “Everything looks different when you’re in love.”
“If you say so.”
She smiled up at him, so much happiness in her expression, which made perfect sense, because if love was part of a conversation she got downright giddy. But he could tell Mona was about to start one of her Mermaid-related pep talks, and he wanted no part of it.
Clancy spoke before she could. “Productive meeting tonight?”
Mona chuckled, aware that he was trying to change the subject. “I was simply saying that Ash has become quite passionate about that old house, and his enthusiasm seems to have rubbed off on Rowan. She told me they plan to clear out the attic this fall and add additional rooms for seasonal employees. I warned her it would be quite an undertaking, since nobody’s touched that mess in at least ten years.”
“Huh.” His mother could be right. Maybe Rowan was so blinded by love that nothing bothered her. All he knew was that his sister had been completely overwhelmed with the job of managing that run-down old mansion before Ash entered the picture. It looked like he’d remodeled the house and his sister’s attitude at the same time. “I’m really happy for her. For both of them, I guess.”
Mona released a long sigh of pleasure. “So am I. But, sometimes . . .” She stopped herself, looking flustered. “I’m completely thrilled for Rowan and Ash and for the foundation and everything that’s going on over there—it is wonderful. What I was thinking was, well, I wish Rowan would come around and serve as president of the Society.”
Clancy knew this was why she’d held on so long. “But she’s not.”
Mona shook her head a little, deep ridges forming between her eyebrows. “I know.”
“Ma?”