Chapter 69: The Heartbeat of the Garden
The office at Blue Serene smelled of fresh blueprints and the expensive perfume Tiffany Trace always wore. Jacob and Tiffany sat across from Amber, their expressions expectant but curious.
Tiffany settled back into her chair, thinking about the luxurious comfort of the beautiful, soft Desserto chair. The vegan leather felt exquisite, and the interesting texture made the experience even more satisfying. She could only look at her daughter-in-law with greater admiration. Amber Ann was sophisticated chic in a most unique and wondrous way; Tiffany Trace smiled at the thought.
Amber slid a high-resolution architectural rendering across the mahogany desk. At the top of the sleek, glass-and-stone building, etched in gold-leaf lettering, were the words: La Belle Sereine de Tiffany Trace.
Tiffany gasped, her hand flying to her throat. "Amber... you're naming the gallery after me?"
"It's not just a name, Tiffany," Amber said, her voice warm. "This gallery will house the 'Liquid Stone' innovations and the recycled art that defines this resort. You've always been a patron of the arts and the backbone of the Trace legacy. It only felt right that the most beautiful part of the resort carries your name."
Jacob Trace cleared his throat, but his eyes were shining with a rare softness. He looked at the rendering—the way the building integrated with the lake—and then back to Amber. "It's a magnificent gesture, Amber. And it's a smart one. Tiffany has connections in both the New York and French art worlds; both would kill to have their name on a building like this. I think we should double that initial investment, don't you, Tiff? We need the best Italian marble for the foyer if it's going to have your name on it."
As the Traces discussed the finer points of the construction, Amber's eyes roamed over the newly completed offices. The open floor plan, the floor-to-ceiling windows, the comfortable yet beautiful furniture—all of it came together to define and enhance the Blue Serene Resort. She smiled as she thought about the fact that she and Dan would be finishing the pond that night. Her heart sank at the thought of their first true project together ending. At the same time, she fondly remembered making a video with him and realized they might be making many more together. She fought not to blush and decided to focus on her in-laws.
Tiffany Trace smiled broadly as she spoke. "This will be absolutely beautiful, dear, but let's trust Amber's aesthetic. I want to talk about the new decks you planned. We visited Dan's villas and I think a deck, and maybe places to launch small boats, would be perfect." She looked to her husband. "Let's fund this as well, Jacob. Amber, look into the best woods for this; I want it to be just as beautiful as the rest of the resort."
Amber leaned back in her seat, smiling. "I have actually been looking into this already. I am planning a project for the center of the eastern end of the lake. I want to build a teahouse out there. We will use bamboo and reclaimed woods. They are sustainable, and we can stain them to ensure they meet Blue Serene standards."
Jacob had a rare moment of awe-filled pride flow through him. His daughter-in-law was an actual wonder. He pulled out his phone, fully ready to triple his original investment.
Later that evening, the resort was quiet as Amber and Dan stood by the pond for the final release. The water was a perfect, clear mirror. The fish had been acclimating to the water for forty minutes now, and it was time to allow them out to explore their new home.
"Ready?" Dan asked, as he reached for the bags of Shubunkins and Sarasa Comets.
"Ready," Amber whispered, excitement swelling in her chest.
They released the larger fish first. The Shubunkins, with their violet and orange calico scales, looked like shifting opals as they drifted into the deep shadows of the Hornwort. Then came the Sarasa Comets, their long white fins trailing behind them like bridal veils as they darted through the water. The Golden Orfe drifted from their bag and stayed close to the surface, their bright, metallic golden scales shining brilliantly in the waning light.
Finally, Amber opened the bag of Rosy Red Minnows. Instead of scattering, they immediately bunched together, forming a pulsing, neon-pink cloud. They swirled around the Frog Beach, their scales catching the sunlight like scattered rose petals.
For a long moment, Amber lost herself watching it all—life perfectly adjusting right before her eyes. A few of the minnows zipped over to two of the mystery snails and pecked at their shells.
Amber smiled. "We created a community, Dan. A balanced, thriving community." She leaned into Dan as if she needed him for warmth and security.
Dan smiled. "If it weren't for you, I would never have known how much I am truly capable of. It is a pleasure exploring and creating with you."
Amber felt her face warm as Dan leaned down and kissed her softly. Her entire body warmed and her heart melted. In that moment, everything felt right and beautiful.
Far away from Carson City, Anthony Shaw gritted his teeth as he watched the recording of Dan and Amber's Live. "Why does she inflict pain upon herself like this? I want to take care of her, and all she can see is a man who belongs to another woman. I will win you, Jessica. You will see my worth."
A pencil snapped in his grip as he fretted over her, his eyes ablaze with a myriad of emotions. He was a man in love—he just needed to figure out how to make her love him.