Chapter 8

Morgan sucked in a breath, waiting to hear what David Wynn's proposal was. Although, deep down, she already knew.

His trip to Locke Pointe wasn't on a whim. It had been carefully thought out. He was there to check out what Morgan had done, what she'd accomplished, turning her grandparents' beloved home into a successful, thriving business.

Yet, maintaining its charm, its personality. For Morgan, it had been a labor of love, a way to share this special place with others who appreciated what it was, what it represented.

And she could tell from his tone he was pleased with what he saw. Maybe more than pleased. Maybe David Wynn was even impressed.

Thinking now might be the perfect time for a little levity, she cracked a joke. "You want to buy Locke Pointe?"

Wynn chuckled. "I would if I were thirty years younger and a lot richer. Rumor has it you might have a little extra pocket change lying around because of the gift the Israeli government gave you for returning the medallion."

"A cool million bucks which has whittled down to around seven hundred thousand after taxes," Morgan said. "Although I also have a small amount tucked away from my inheritance."

Wynn met her gaze. "Would you care to partner with me, to restore Wynn Harbor Inn?"

"I haven't run the numbers myself, but I don't believe my seven hundred thousand will fix it all."

"It would be a good start." Wynn shoved his hands in his jacket pockets. "Originally, I wanted to reconstruct the inn exactly as it had been, but looking around here, I like what I see."

"You're thinking of turning it into more of a cozy inn? During my visit, I noticed many of Mackinac Island's homes and rentals are Victorians with porches similar to Locke Pointe."

"They are. Not to mention, I'm not getting any younger. Perhaps less is more."

"As in, maybe creating something on a smaller scale?"

"Correct. Which means handling fewer guests, less stress."

"It would help with funding renovations," Morgan said. "Re-creating the lodge you previously had would take millions of dollars."

"Millions I don't have," Wynn said. "We could start with the main building, maybe build an additional wing on the backside with a few more rooms."

"I think it's an excellent idea. It would be ready sooner and cost less. Once the main structure is open and making money, we could reinvest the profits and start working on the secondary structures, the cottages," Morgan mused.

"Precisely." Wynn tapped the side of his forehead. "Clearly, we're on the same page. Well…what do you say?"

Morgan hesitated. David Wynn stood before her, the look on his face full of hope. Not to mention she believed the task was do-able. Yes, it would take money and a lot of hard work, but the property desperately needed it…deserved it, after all these years. Plus, she had the cash just sitting around, waiting for her to figure out what to do with it.

Perhaps God had dropped the perfect opportunity in her lap. It sure seemed like it. "I would love to."

Wynn beamed. He grabbed her hand and began shaking it so hard her head wobbled. "When Brett gave me the bad news, I thought to myself, Morgan is a real go-getter. Perhaps she would be interested in partnering with me."

"With one caveat," she warned. "Brett was champing at the bit to take this project on. I'm not sure how he's going to feel about me slipping in and signing on the dotted line."

"But he didn't want to proceed." Wynn's brows furrowed. "Easton Holdings as a whole didn't want to proceed."

"He may have been on board, but someone else in the decision-making process said no."

Wynn folded his arms, rocking back on his heels. "But it wasn't you?"

"No. It wasn't me."

He arched a brow. "I see. If I recall correctly, Easton Holdings Company's deciding group comprises you, your brother, and your grandmother."

"Correct."

"Well." Wynn cleared his throat. "I can see my offer might put you in a bit of a pickle."

"This is definitely something I'm interested in, as a single partner. But first, I need to ask Brett how he feels about it. Do you think you would be willing to partner with my brother as well if he's able to throw in some cash?"

"I think one company, one partner is more my speed. However, considering it is your brother, I would certainly entertain the idea."

"Fair enough." Morgan glanced at her watch. "Can you give me until tomorrow to give you an answer, after I've had time to talk to Brett?"

"Of course."

"I would like to use a contract close to what Easton Holdings Company presented."

"Again, I see no problem with it. It was pretty straightforward."

Wynn and Morgan exchanged contact information—email addresses and cell phone numbers.

"By the way, I already have a reliable construction crew lined up." Wynn rattled off the name. "If we get a move on, they can finish the majority of the inn's exterior work before the snow flies and then move the work inside during the winter months."

"It sounds as if you're ready to hit the ground running." Morgan led Mr. Wynn back around to the front. "Do you need a ride to the dock?"

"I called to inquire about transportation before coming here. Mr. Greg Baker offered to bring me by when I told him I was here to meet with you."

"Then Greg can give you a ride back to the dock." Morgan tracked down her handyman, who was painting the mailbox to match the new white vinyl fence.

He grabbed his keys, and Morgan followed the men to the van.

Wynn climbed in the passenger seat and rolled the window down. "Thank you for your time, Morgan Easton. I hope to hear good news tomorrow."

"I hope so too." Morgan waved goodbye as the van pulled away, all the while wondering how her brother was going to react.