Crescent City Summer

Chapter 22: The Offer

Desmond was relieved that Jefferson, Collin, Kacie, and Layla were on board with his plan. He knew how it must have sounded to them, but he was grateful they were receptive and supportive. The race against time had begun. He prayed everything would go smoothly. Something inside him was hopeful, and he couldn't wait to see Gabby again. He knew this would be a shock to her. The question was how she would react to it all.

After everyone left his house, he had forty-five minutes before the sellers of Lake Shady Cove would be ready for the Zoom meeting to discuss the sale. He was confident that the deal wouldn't have any snags. When he turned twenty-one, his grandfather gave Desmond and Josse an inheritance he had saved for them. Although their grandparents were still alive and well, they felt led to provide them with a portion of the estate to begin their lives. That was also when he legally named Josse the next CEO of Hotel Bellefontaine. Desmond knew he wanted to use some of his money to buy Lake Shady Cove. Not only was it a brilliant business deal and investment, it was a place that Gabby loved. It had been a part of her all of her life. Something about that made Desmond proud to own it. If she said she would marry him, it would be theirs.

He knew he needed to speak to his dad and grandfather about the deal but needed more time. He decided to go forward without consulting them but knew they would approve after seeing what he purchased. He would be proud if he knew his grandfather like he thought he knew him. Desmond took a shower and dressed in a more professional look. He wore a suit and tie, combed his hair, and sat at his laptop.

Soon, the sellers contacted him, and the meeting was officially underway.

Gabby looked at her phone, waiting for the time she was supposed to call the airline about her departure. Time seemed to be dragging by slowly. She was bored and restless, still wondering why Desmond hadn't texted her back and why didn't the girls answer her question about him. What was happening in New Orleans, and what didn't she know? She decided not to bother Kacie and Layla because she knew they were most likely with Jefferson and Collin living their best life. Something deep inside almost regretted leaving early, but she could do nothing now. As she waited for time to pass, she looked back at the photos of Desmond, and her heart hurt. She looked deep into his eyes and saw a light she had longed to see again. The way he touched her face, kissed her forehead and cheeks, it was all she could do not to break down in tears.

Jefferson, Collin, Layla, and Kacie went to the French Quarter, walking around and waiting for Desmond to contact them. The girls had packed their bags and were ready to go when Desmond gave them the go-ahead. Jefferson and Collin were prepared as well.

"Desmond has never done anything like this. He was never one to be spontaneous. The closest thing to it was when he changed overnight. We all thought it was a phase, the change in his behavior, but it wasn't. He must love Gabby more than any of us could have imagined. It's nice seeing him this happy." Jefferson began.

"I think it is sweet what he is doin'. She was a mess if you two could have seen Gabby after the whole Shane thing. We wondered if she would ever get through it. I don't know if I ever believed in fate or destiny, but I am now. This is perfect; they are perfect together." Kacie added.

"So, what about you two? Are you going to visit Gabby here in The Big Easy often?" Collin joked.

"Do you want us to?" Layla asked.

"We both would love to see you again. We have had the best time. Who knows, maybe you will move here, too." Jefferson winked.

Kacie and Layla liked them. They could live in New Orleans. Just a little time they had spent, there made that clear. They were going to visit even if Gabby wasn't moving there. The city was a part of them now and forever. This was, for sure, a once-in-a-lifetime chance, and they learned a lot about life and love.