have an appointment for a perm at ten. I can’t go to Eagle’s Way this morning. Shall we go this afternoon?”
“I’m sorry, I have clinic appointments this afternoon. I could go Friday morning.”
Celeste rinsed her hands beneath running water, gave a thoughtful hum, then said, “You know, I believe that timing and presentation will be crucial in gaining his agreement. He joined in to help last night, and that’s an important step for a man in his circumstances. Let’s not give him the opportunity to slip back into solitude. Why don’t you go on up now? You propose the plan, then I’ll follow up and close the deal. We’ll give him the proverbial one-two punch.”
Nic slowly shook her head. “I’m not sure that’s a good idea, Celeste.”
Celeste dried her hands, hung up the towel, and said, “Well, I am sure. I want you to take Archibald up the mountain with you and convince Gabe Callahan that he needs to come back down. It’s important for all of us. The man needs Eternity Springs, but we need him, too.”
Nic considered the idea as she finished drying the dishes and putting them away. “I do think this idea of yours is inspired, and I don’t mind going up there and making the pitch on your behalf. It’s a great excuse to get a peek at Eagle’s Way. The guys who worked on its construction still talk about how elaborate the house is. That said, it’s entirely possible that Gabe might not let me in, Celeste. The security around the place is said to be elaborate.”
“I’m not worried. If Archibald can get past the gate, I’m sure you can, too.”
She had a point. In fact, she had lots of points. This idea of hers was great and it could be huge for Eternity Springs. “All right, then. I’ll give it a shot.”
“Excellent. Now, I’d best get moving if I’m going to have time to stop by the house before my hair appointment. I’m almost afraid to go over there for fear that the destruction will be worse than it appeared in the darkness.”
“I had an idea about that last night. Although Cavanaugh House is outside the defined historic district, you might qualify for a development grant from the state if—”
“Money isn’t an issue,” Celeste interrupted, dismissing the subject with a wave of her hand. “Family funds.”
Nic wasn’t surprised. Despite being neglected for decades, Cavanaugh House had still carried a hefty price tag. “You never speak of your family.”
“I had a lovely family, but they’re all gone now. I am comfortable financially, so if the subject of fees comes up, tell Gabe I said to name his price. Perhaps that will seal the deal.”
Nic recalled the wad of cash he had shoved into her hand the day they met. “Gabe doesn’t strike me as being overly motivated by money.”
“Then find out what will motivate him and offer him that.”
“I barely know the man. How am I supposed to know what motivates him?”
Celeste reached across the table and patted Nic’s arm. “Listen to your heart, Nicole. When dealing with Gabe Callahan, you can’t go wrong by listening to your heart.”
Gabe tugged off his work gloves and surveyed the retaining-wall construction with a practiced eye. “Much better,” he muttered. Now Davenport wouldn’t have to lie about the scrapes from the turn on the side of his SUV.
He stuck the gloves in the back pocket of his jeans and shifted his gaze toward the house itself. An unbidden memory invaded his mind. He was seated at his drawing board in his home office sketching a landscape plan for Eagle’s Way when Jennifer breezed into the room, her eyes sparkling, a smile as big as Texas on her face. “Mission accomplished!” she’d exclaimed. “It was a hard-fought battle, but the good guys persevered. Ta-da!”
She whipped the plastic sack sporting a toy store logo away from a box. “One birthday Xbox for Nathan, coming up.”
Gabe shook his head. “Unbelievable. How long did you stand in line?”
“Only five hours. I made the right decision going to the independent rather than the big-box store. Lots less people to compete with.”
“You win the Best Aunt of the Year Award with that one, Auntie Jen.”
“What can I say? I love my sister’s son.”
Gabe set down his pencil and studied the box. “You bought games to go with it?”
“Two of them.”
“Hmm … you know, hon, just to be safe … maybe I should hook this up and make sure it works. I’d hate for