Read Online A TEMPORARY MARRIAGE: PART ONE (AVALON BAY ROMANCE SERIES Book 1) by Vicky Dean - Free Book Online

the back of his blue truck before opening the passenger door for her to climb in.
    It was only early evening so there was still a few hours of sunshine left in the California sky. During the one hour drive to Avalon Bay, Richard pointed out various things, including projects he’d worked on, and talked about how much the area had changed.
    “How come Avalon Bay isn’t as touristy as all the other coves along the coast?”
    “Mainly due to my grandfather. He didn’t want a load of surfers, beach bums, or wealthy people buying weekend homes to ruin the town, so he held onto his land and wouldn’t allow building. He was very much into preserving the sense of community of the town. When I got my architect’s license he allowed me to construct as long as it fitted into the landscape and was of decent quality. He also let me build a condominium, so the workers at the ranch could have affordable housing and not have to travel so far to work. I imagine that what he wanted to avoid was having a lot of workers from the Silicon Valley moving into the town and commuting but not really belonging to the town community. Because of his restrictions many of my construction sites are in other nearby towns.”  
    “So do you suppose having a hotel in the town will ruin it?”
    “Not at all, we need one, badly. I assume if it’s of a good standard and attracts quality visitors it can only help the small businesses in the town like your mom’s café and many of the artists who have moved here attracted by the tranquility, and close neighborhood of the town.”
    “And now your grandfather is dead, will you construct more housing in Avalon Bay?”
    “No, I love the place as it is. Obviously, as the population increases more housing will be needed, but I wouldn’t just build for profit if it was a detriment to the character of the town, or with no regard to the environment. I respect what my grandfather achieved in keeping Avalon Bay unique.”
    They entered town and passed the house that had a Gallagher Construction sign in front of it. “Your buildings are very attractive,” Cassie said as she looked at the housing that was solid yet light and airy looking, with plenty of windows and redwood features and natural stone.
    “Thanks,” Richard said, looking pleased at the compliment.
    Cassie reflected at how little she knew about this man. She had a lot to learn about her soon to be husband.
     
    Richard stopped the truck in front of her mom’s cottage and hopped out. “I’ll carry your bags up for you. Hopefully we can catch up soon, maybe tomorrow night. You look tired.”
    “I am tired,” she admitted.
    Richard carried the bags up to the front porch where her mom and aunt were eagerly waiting for her.
    “Richard, let me show you where Cassie’s room is,” Aunt Maggie said gesturing for Richard to follow her into the house. As Richard carried her bags up to her room, Cassie sat down on a wicker chair, suddenly overcome by exhaustion.
    “Are you okay, Cassie,” her mom said, unable to hide her concern.
    “I’m fine Mom, Just exhausted from the last few weeks and all the traveling today.”
    Then Richard was standing there with Aunt Maggie behind him.
    “How about a nice glass of chilled Chardonnay for everyone?” Maggie asked.
    “I’ll take a rain check, Maggie. Cassie is exhausted and I have a full day tomorrow and need to do accounts this evening,” Richard said in apology to her aunt.
    He then turned to Cassie and handed her an envelope from his back pocket. She took it from him, a puzzled expression creeping onto her face.
    “We obviously must have a honeymoon; otherwise people will find it odd. So this is what I have booked,” Richard said looking a trifle embarrassed. “Let me know your thoughts after you have looked through it.”  Turning to her mother, he said, “Obviously, I have booked separate rooms for us both.”
    And before anyone had a chance to reply Richard had run down the steps to his