to the end. Once completed, he’d make money and have a say in how it operated.
He pushed forward on his career path and diversified into other arenas. He had enough money to retire if he wanted. But Hudson could never sit still. If he wasn’t dreaming, building, and working hard, he’d be lost. He wanted to diversify, but he never wanted to settle for a life of leisure. He wanted to create things that would last beyond his lifetime.
This property his uncle had given him the inside scoop on was everything he’d ever dreamed of and so much more. It was one hundred acres of waterfront land with trees throughout. And it was flat. It had a perfectly beautiful layout. He looked across the vast acres and could practically see the finished buildings rising tall.
“What to start with first?” he wondered aloud. He didn’t like progressing from breaking ground to a finished project. He enjoyed picking his favorite part of the project and beginning right there, inspired to make it even better. He didn’t need to go in order, he needed to go with a vision.
“You want to start with the heart of it all,” Noah said as he looked down at the plans he’d worked on for months. “Working with you on this project was a pain in the ass. I’ve never had a more difficult client,” his brother added.
Noah was an architect and damn good at what he did. He’d not only designed the fantastic veterans center they’d recently completed, but he was sought after around the world. He’d risen just as Hudson had, as each of the brothers had, from the ground up, and they’d each become the best in their field. They’d earned their positions in life because they’d never settled for less and never expected anything to be handed to them.
Hudson laughed. “I know. I’ve changed my mind a thousand times, but I’ve had this vision in my head since I worked on a smaller version of it fifteen years ago for another builder. I knew one day I’d have something bigger and better.”
“It’s going to be stunning,” Noah said. Then he laughed. “But if you keep asking for modifications I’m going to hurt you. I want to take my wife exploring, not be at your beck and call.”
“I’m good for now,” Hudson promised. “And I think we’ll start with the club house.”
“That’s the heart of it all. I can see the condos over there,” Noah said, pointing to the south. “And, of course, some fine homes along the back with the golf course in front of them and the water at their backs. The residents will get the best of both worlds.”
“I’m scrapping the homes,” Hudson said, making Noah groan.
“Don’t worry, I like the plans, but not for this project. I want four complexes. These two”— he pointed at one of the drawings — “and this one,” he added, pointing at another. “And of course, this.” His last building was the largest. It contained four three-thousand-square-foot units, a café, two boutique shops, and a large workout room.
Each unit had three or four shops built in for food or specialty boutiques, but this building would be sold out fast. It was big, bold, and beautiful. He’d have it right on the water with large balconies and private patios. He’d also put in docks so people could fish or swim. He’d much rather have units like that than houses. He got more bang for his buck, and maybe he’d even be able to expand. The property next to this one wasn’t for sale, but he had his eye on it.
“That’s not a bad plan at all,” Noah admitted. “And best of all, it doesn’t make more work.”
Before Hudson could reply, a woman interrupted — a very angry, very loud woman. They both turned as she rushed up to them.
“What in the hell do you think you’re doing here?” she demanded.
Her hands were on her hips, her blonde hair flying out behind her as she stopped about ten feet away. Her crystal blue eyes were on fire, showing exactly how unhappy she was with them being on the property — and Hudson’s jaw dropped as he realized who she was.
“I think this one’s all yours,” Noah said in a whisper as the woman drew closer.
“More than you know,” Hudson said, his voice quiet. He was dumbfounded, not quite sure how to process it.
Noah, who had no idea what was going on, chuckled as he stood next to