“That’s definitely true. The State of Michigan isn’t keen on selling property, though.”
“Especially property like this,” Becky offered, taking the open spot next to Harris and fixing Harper with a friendly smile. “This property could be worth even more in the future. By working with us to lease the property, it’s a win-win situation for everybody. We get something, and they get time to decide what they ultimately want to do with the land.”
“Let’s say this is a rousing success and people come from all over the world to participate,” Harper prodded. “What happens if the state decides to sell the land when your ten-year lease is up?”
“Then we would have a decision to make,” Harris replied. “If we’re as popular as we think we’re going to be, then we’ll have options to move to other facilities, or even expand to a variety of different locations throughout the state. Once we have money, there’s nothing that says we won’t be able to buy the property ourselves.”
“Oh, that makes sense.”
“It’s honestly what we’re hoping for.” Harris looked up as the sound of squabbling voices became apparent.
Harper internally cringed when she realized who was coming. “Zander is still annoyed about the hair dryer situation,” she offered ruefully.
“Would it help him to hear that I’ll consider putting hair dryers in the bathrooms going forward?” Harris looked hopeful.
“Actually, that will make things worse. Just ... don’t mention that to him. He’s likely to melt down.”
“No problem.”
Jared was a scowling mess when he joined Harper at the table, pressing a kiss to the top of her head before sitting with his plate. “I’ve had it with your best friend.”
Harper smirked and then glanced at his food. “Way to wait for me.”
Jared looked appropriately abashed. “I’m sorry. I assumed you already ate. We took forever in that bathroom. There was a moment when I didn’t think your buddy Zander would ever emerge … at least not alive.”
“I was waiting for you guys.” Harper pushed herself to a standing position. “I guess that’s my cue to get something to eat.”
“Don’t worry about your boys,” Becky called out, her gaze fixated on Jared. “I’ll make sure to keep them entertained while you’re gone.”
“Um ... you do that.” Harper headed to the breakfast line, grabbing a paper plate and loading up on fruit before she surveyed the egg and potato options. She enjoyed a big breakfast, but she had no idea what was on the schedule for today. She didn’t want to risk stuffing herself on carbs if they were going to walk more than a few miles. Ultimately, she took a big helping of eggs and only one spoonful of potatoes. When she reached the toast platter, she found Sam surveying the offerings with his patented dark glare.
“Is everything okay?” Harper asked after a beat. She wasn’t particularly keen on talking to the man, but she didn’t want to experiment with her patience and watch him glare daggers into the toast either.
“What?” Sam jerked his head in her direction, his scowl only deepening.
“I asked if everything was okay.” Harper glanced around, hoping to find Leslie. At least the other woman would be able to wrangle her husband away from the table. “Where is Leslie?”
“She’s around.” Sam’s scowl was pronounced. “She’s probably off with those other idiots talking about how grand horror movies are. I find the whole thing ridiculous ... and annoying ... and did I mention how bad the food choices are?”
Harper had to fight the urge to tell Sam exactly what she thought of his constant complaints. “I think the food looks pretty good. I haven’t tasted it yet, but I have no complaints so far.”
“Oh, whatever.” Sam rolled his eyes and grabbed two slices of toast. “They don’t even have any rye bread.”
“I’m pretty sure that’s because two people in the state eat rye bread.” Harper grabbed two slices for herself and then sidled away from the man. “I hope the rest of your morning looks up.”
“That seems unlikely.”
Harper was still shaking her head when she reclaimed her seat next to Jared. He looked almost relieved by her return.
“I was about to come looking for you,” he quipped.
“He was,” Zander agreed. “I can vouch for that. Becky was fighting him tooth and nail on that, though.”
Becky’s expression reflected confusion. “What are you talking about?”
“It’s nothing,” Harper reassured the young woman quickly. She sensed the conversation veering toward a cliff. Zander was clearly sowing his oats ... and at Jared’s expense, no less. “They’re just being ... pains.”
Becky’s eyes remained cloudy. “You have a lot of men in your life,” she said finally. “You must feel lucky.”
“Yeah, Heart,” Jared teased as he handed her a small container of jelly. “Do you feel lucky because you have us in your life?”
“Not today.” Harper smiled around the teasing words as she pulled back the corner on the jelly container. “Most days I feel very lucky, though. I can’t deny that.”
“Jared was just telling us how you met,” Harris offered. “He said he wasn’t a believer in the paranormal until you came into his life, and now he has faith that all things are possible.”
Harper slid her eyes to Jared, unable to contain her surprise. “Did you really say that?”
“I did,” he confirmed, guileless. “I meant it, too. The world is a lot more magical now than it was before I met you.”
“Oh, that’s kind of sweet.” Harper preened. “Don’t you think that’s sweet, Zander?”
“No. I think he’s stupid.” Zander forked eggs onto his toast. “I think everything he does is stupid.”
“I think it’s romantic,” Becky offered on a wistful sigh. “I’m guessing he’s the most romantic man in the world.”
Harper pressed her lips together and shifted her gaze to Jared, who looked profoundly uncomfortable. “He has his moments,” she said finally.
“Yes, I have my moments,” Jared agreed, using his napkin to wipe his mouth. “Out of curiosity, what’s on the agenda for today? Do we jump right into things, or do we have time to
