my gut.”
“That’s always the best,” Kira agreed, walking the length of one side of the rectangle. “Brogan, this is huge. Much bigger than I was expecting.”
“I know. I think once we’d decided to add a café and a classroom, I realized I’d need more space. Now, we can have two exhibit rooms, the café, a classroom, and an outdoor seating area. I even designed a little art studio off the classroom. Kids enjoy exploring nature through art, so I thought it might be fun to have some activities for them as well.”
“Of course. Brogan, you’ve thought of everything. I’m so impressed. How will people get here?” Kira turned and studied the surrounding area again.
“That’s the kicker – there’s a road just past the ledge there.” Brogan pointed behind them. “You won’t be able to see it from the center, and we’ll pave a path from the parking lot so people in wheelchairs can have easy access. But the car traffic won’t disturb the peace here.”
“Brogan.” Kira walked to him and wrapped her arms around his waist. “This is going to be a mad success. I’m so proud of you.”
“Thank you. I hope people will like it. I hope Gran is happy with how I’m using the land.”
“I’m sure she is. You’re building something beautiful here, for generations to enjoy. A legacy, really. Brogan, I think you’ve planted yourself.”
“Have I then?” Brogan laughed down at her.
“You have. Your roots are here now. This is home.”
“Aye, it is. It feels good, you know. Really, really good.”
“I’m glad for you, I am. Thank you for taking me on this journey with you.”
“I’ll need your input on the displays, art classes, and so on. But I’m not there yet.”
“I’ll take all the photographs you need. And my Mam would be more than delighted to lend her art skills to teaching. She loves kids.”
“Does she?”
“Of course. She’s been bemoaning the lack of grandchildren for years now.”
“You’re hardly past your prime years,” Brogan laughed. “You’ve plenty of time for babies.”
“Is that something you want? A family? Children?” That little tidbit of information, Kira realized, might be very important for her future decisions.
“I always thought I didn’t. Maybe because I didn’t have a particularly happy childhood. And then I just… did. I was sitting outside a pub one day and I saw a happy little toddler and a couple embracing and I thought… I want that. I really want that. It was news to me, to be honest.”
“But at least you know now. That’s something, isn’t it?”
“It is. What about you, Kira? Fancy being a mother someday?”
“I’ve never given it much thought,” Kira answered honestly, watching his face carefully. “I can’t say it’s been a huge desire in my life.”
“Do you know why? It sounds like you have a nice relationship with your parents.”
“I do. My parents are the best. It’s sorry I am that you didn’t get to experience the type of upbringing I had. But… I guess I’ve been so very focused on building my career that I never really considered how children would fit into the mix.”
“Do you like children?” Brogan wrapped his arm around her shoulders and some of the tension eased. She’d been worried he’d be disappointed in her response.
“I do, yes. I like their lack of restraint. It makes for good photography, because they haven’t yet learned to put up walls.”
“But you don’t see yourself being a mother.”
“I don’t, no. But it doesn’t mean that can’t change. I just… I haven’t thought much about it. Obviously, lugging a baby along on my shoots wouldn’t make much sense. My career has really been my baby. I’m not sure if that makes me sound selfish.”
“It doesn’t. Nobody would judge a man for those same thoughts.”
“I suppose.”
“What if you were with a partner who would take some of the burden off you? One willing to watch the baby while you were on shoots?”
Kira laughed. “Does such a man exist?”
“Of course. I’d be willing to do that,” Brogan said.
“Oh, Brogan, you’re a dear. But can you really say that? You have no idea how much time this nature center will demand of you. If I’m away on a shoot, that would mean you’re a full-time daddy while also running a business. It’s not that easy.”
“I’d have help, I suspect. Judging from how involved everyone is here, I’m sure I’d be able to find someone to care for the baby when I’m busy.”
“And that’s it, then? You’ve got it all figured out?” Kira asked, nonplussed.
“I’m just