Total pages in book: 58
Estimated words: 54968 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 275(@200wpm)___ 220(@250wpm)___ 183(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 54968 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 275(@200wpm)___ 220(@250wpm)___ 183(@300wpm)
“Hi, Kestrel. We’re excited!” a woman said, returning his greeting. “It’s a cracker.”
When Kestrel looked at her in confusion, she laughed. “Sorry. You’re from the United States, right? A cracker is a gorgeous sunny day for us here in New Zealand.”
“A cracker, huh? I like that. So, we should get cracking, huh?”
“We can’t wait.”
Twenty minutes later, Kestrel skillfully set the helicopter back down on the landing pad as if he were landing on a cotton ball as the family clapped. After helping the last guest out of the aircraft, he got a message through his earpiece.
“She’s still sleeping.”
He lifted his hand and gave the security camera over the helipad area a thumbs up. Thank goodness for Magnus.
Kestrel finally had a break after his third group. After smiling for pictures with the chattering group, he jogged back to the main house while calling Magnus again. “Any update, Magnus?”
Zara’s voice came through the speakerphone. “I’m down here, Kestrel, with Celeste.”
He smiled at the strength in her voice. She sounded so much better. He bet her last good night’s sleep had been back at her parents’ house. Slowing as he reached the resort’s front entrance, Kestrel headed inside toward the elevator.
“Kestrel!” Sadie waved at him from the front desk. “I’ve got a change in your schedule. It’s updated for you, too, but I didn’t want you to miss it,” she explained.
“I have another flight now?” he asked, pulling out his phone to double-check.
“You’ve got an hour and a half. Someone asked to move their flight back because their arrival got bumped back by a problem at the airport. You’ll finish up a bit later but still make it for dinner,” she summed up for him.
“Perfect. Thanks, Sadie.”
“I like her, Kestrel.”
“I do, too. Coming for lunch?” he asked. Everyone gathered for dinner. Lunch was a hit-or-miss thing, depending on everyone’s schedule.
“I wouldn’t miss it. Magnus just called for fish and chips for a crowd,” Sadie said with a laugh.
Kestrel smirked as he walked to the elevator. Their health-conscious tech guy had called for deep-fried food? He must have let Zara choose. He might seem cold and remote, but Magnus had a soft spot for Littles.
When he reached the bottom floor, Kestrel found Magnus at his desk. His “Thanks, Magnus!” received a nod as the other man worked diligently on something.
He followed the sound of feminine voices to the lab area they’d set up for Celeste. The scientist’s equipment had overwhelmed the small area she’d started working in. The guys had brought in experts to create a professional-grade lab complete with protective devices like exhaust fans and shielded workspaces.
Having them complete the work and keep the guests unaware of the basement had been a challenge. Magnus had found a trusted team that worked on security-sensitive projects. They’d brought in all the equipment and supplies through the back doors in the wee hours of the morning.
“Hi, ladies,” Kestrel said as he joined the two women discussing something he was sure was important. Celeste had recently made a major discovery that would bring the scientific community miles closer to developing a cure for cancer. Anything she was involved in had to be earth-shattering.
Both women looked at him. Zara took a step his way and froze. Kestrel solved the problem for her and crossed the distance between them to wrap his arm around her waist. “Hi, Zara.”
“Hi…Kestrel.”
He loved that she had hesitated. She must have already been thinking of him as “Daddy” but had stopped herself. She’d be ready on her own time.
He nodded toward Celeste next. “Hi, Celeste.” He stopped and looked at their faces. “You both look rested. Do you feel better?”
“Don’t tell Hawking, but I got back down here to the lab and figured out the problem that had me up all night,” Celeste admitted.
“He doesn’t have to tell me,” a deep voice sounded from the doorway.
“Daddy!”
Celeste flew across the lab into Hawking’s arms. He hugged her close and pressed a kiss to her temple. “I’m glad you feel better, and your mind is sharp. That’s the bit of proof I needed to implement a daily nap for you, Cuddle Bug.”
“Daddy,” Celeste started to complain but snapped her mouth closed when Hawking patted her bottom lightly. “Okay. I do feel better.”
“Dr. Blanke is working on incredible things here,” Zara commented to help deflect the attention from the scientist.
“Zara, no more Dr. Blanke. If you’re going to work with me, I need you to call me Celeste,” the scientist corrected her firmly.
“Got it. Celeste,” Zara agreed quickly.
“It’s lunchtime. I just brought down enough fish and chips for an army,” Hawking said. “Come help me, Celeste.”
Kestrel nodded his thanks as Hawking arranged for him to have a bit of private time with Zara. “Did you and Coco sleep well?”
“I did. The whole morning is gone. I should’ve woken up earlier,” Zara apologized with pink cheeks. He suppressed a laugh when she rallied to add, “If you hadn’t taken my phone, I would’ve woken up sooner.”