CHAPTER 299: BELL AND WELSH

Cammy woke up before the first ray of sunlight kissed the windows, her heart practically dancing in her chest. Today wasn’t just any day—it was the day. The architect and interior designer were finally coming over to kickstart their dual project: renovating the orphanage and transforming part of the mansion into nurseries and a sewing room.

Cammy was so thrilled she didn’t even need her alarm; her excitement was louder than any ringtone.

She was already in the kitchen by dawn, orchestrating a breakfast feast worthy of royalty—organic fruit platters, fluffy scrambled eggs, wholegrain waffles, green smoothies, and every little detail made with love.

"Only the best for Bell and Welsh," she told the head housekeeper with a wink.

The guests were no ordinary designers—they were Jenna Bell and Lia Welsh, cousins and co-founders of Bell and Welsh Designs, Inc., a famous and one of the top firms in the industry known for their modern and sustainable designs.

Cammy had met them through Ellie, who swore by their creative genius. Apparently, the cousins were regulars at Ellie’s resort and had racked up quite the reputation for bringing dreams to life.

As soon as the luxury SUV pulled into the circular driveway, Cammy rushed to the entrance, dragging a still-sleepy Greg with her. She flung open the doors just as the two stylish women stepped out, all grins and sunshine despite the early hour.

"I’m so glad you were able to squeeze us in—even if it was all a bit last minute," Cammy said as she hugged them both, then introduced Greg in person. "I know we only met over video yesterday, but this is my husband, Greg."

"We wouldn’t have missed it for the world," Jenna said, brushing back her sleek, dark hair. "It’s not every day we get to design something that actually makes a difference. We were too excited to sleep last night!"

Lia jumped in, eyes sparkling. "And don’t forget the nursery! I’m obsessed with babies—they’re the squishiest, most adorable creatures ever! Plus, designing a space for twins? That’s the dream!"

"Lia has a twin brother, so she gets extra sentimental about twin stuff," Jenna teased, nudging her cousin gently.

Jenna then pointed at Cammy’s baby bump with wide eyes. "So... when are the twins due? Is it almost time?"

Cammy burst into laughter, waving both hands in front of her. "Oh, no, no! This little one’s not part of the twin package. We haven’t even found out the gender yet. That reveal’s next week. Today’s all about the nursery for the twins we adopted from the orphanage."

Jenna and Lia both blinked, their matching expressions of surprise and confusion making Greg chuckle.

"She was actually there when they were brought in," Greg explained warmly. "We fell for them immediately and knew we had to bring them home. They’re already part of the family."

Cammy nodded, a soft glow in her smile. "They’re tiny and perfect, and they deserve the best start we can give them."

The cousins exchanged a heartfelt glance. "Okay, now I’m even more excited," Lia said, her voice full of wonder.

"Would you ladies like to have breakfast first, or see the rooms?" Cammy offered.

"Oh! How about we see the spaces first?" Jenna asked. "We can talk ideas over breakfast. It’s better when the inspiration’s fresh."

"Absolutely! I’d love that," Cammy beamed. "Come on then, this way. You’re about to see the future headquarters of twin giggles and tiny fashion breakthroughs!"

Jenna moved around the room with sharp precision, jotting down every measurement with a practiced ease that screamed professional. Her laser focus was almost hypnotic, while Lia flitted between Cammy and Greg, notebook in hand, bubbling with curiosity.

"So tell me," Lia said with a grin, "what’s your dream nursery vibe? Soft and serene? Whimsical woodland? Or maybe something bold and modern?"

Cammy’s eyes sparkled. "A little bit of everything! Something cozy and magical for the twins—but not too babyish, so they can grow into it. And I want my sewing room to feel like a little sanctuary. You know, where creativity just flows."

Greg chimed in. "As long as there’s enough storage for the mountain of baby supplies—and her mountain of fabric—I’m good with anything."

The cousins exchanged a knowing look and nodded in sync, clearly already formulating ideas. "Oh, we’ve got this," Jenna said with a confident smile. "Let’s get these ideas on paper."

It didn’t take long before sketches started to take form in Jenna’s notebook, and mood boards danced in Lia’s mind. The two women moved with the kind of rhythm that only came from years of working together—and probably sharing a childhood filled with Barbie dreamhouse renovations.

Once the measurements and initial designs were mapped out, they all headed to the backyard patio for breakfast. The sun had fully risen now, bathing everything in golden light, and the crisp morning breeze rustled through the trees like nature’s own applause.

The table was set beautifully—floral centerpiece, fresh-squeezed juices, flaky pastries, and steaming cups of coffee that smelled like heaven.

"This place is a dream," Lia sighed, taking in the wide garden and gentle hum of birdsong. "It’s the perfect environment for kids to run wild. Our childhood home was kind of like this—big, breezy, filled with noise and cousins. But it’s pretty outdated now."

Jenna nodded, munching on a croissant. "My aunt’s house still has floral wallpaper from the nineties. I offered to help renovate it once, and she almost chased me out with a broom."

Cammy laughed. "So where do you live now?"

"We’re city girls," Jenna replied. "We share a place near our office—super convenient for our all-nighters and emergency coffee runs."

"Are you both single?" Cammy asked with playful curiosity.

"Yes, unfortunately," Lia answered dramatically. "We’re married to the job. But if you know any charming, emotionally available men with good credit scores and better cooking skills, feel free to introduce us."

"Especially Jenna," Lia added, grinning mischievously. "She’s this close to being past her prime."

"Excuse you!" Jenna gasped with mock offense, flicking a grape at Lia. "Being single in your thirties is called thriving, thank you very much. I’m not desperate—I’m selective. It’s the trend now, I’m just blending in," Jenna added with a playful wink and a smile.

Everyone burst into laughter, the sound echoing through the garden like music.

Cammy clutched her stomach, giggling. "I love you two already. This project is going to be so fun."

"Fun and fabulous," Lia winked. "We’ll make sure of it."

After polishing off a breakfast that could rival a five-star brunch, the three ladies were a whirlwind of enthusiasm and purpose.

With Cammy leading the way, they hopped into the SUV of Cammy, with Jenna and Lia’s driver trailing them behind and headed straight to the orphanage, leaving Greg still in his pajamas, coffee mug in hand, waving groggily from the doorstep.

As soon as the car rolled to a stop at the orphanage gate, Jenna and Lia sprang into action. Their eyes scanned the property with the precision of seasoned pros and the spark of excited artists seeing a blank canvas.

"The gate needs a serious glow-up," Lia muttered, already snapping photos. "And imagine a pathway lined with cheerful shrubs and solar lights!"

"The gate doesn’t just need a glow-up, Lia. It needs to be completely taken down and replaced with a new one," Jenna added, hands on her hips, eyes alight. "Cammy, can we come back tomorrow with our landscape designer? A simple, low-maintenance garden could add so much warmth and life to this place."

Cammy looked hesitant. "It sounds amazing, but I’ll have to check if the budget can stretch that far. We’re already juggling so many renovations..."

Jenna turned to her with a grin that was half reassurance, half mischief. "Well, here’s the plot twist—you don’t have to worry about our fee. The whole firm’s decided to make this project pro bono."

Cammy blinked. "Wait, what?"

"You heard her right," Lia said, smiling. "No design fees, no hidden costs. Use the budget for materials and labor. We’re also donating some of our leftover materials from past projects and some cash, too. And we’re tapping into our client network—some of them are incredibly generous. We’ll rally the troops."

Cammy’s jaw dropped. "Are you serious? This is... incredible! I don’t even have words. Sister Olivia and Sarah are going to freak out—in the best way!"

Jenna placed a gentle hand on Cammy’s arm, her voice soft but full of conviction. "You don’t need to thank us, Cammy. This one’s from the heart. My brother and I—we were orphans too."

Cammy’s eyes widened.

"We lost our parents when we were kids," Jenna continued. "Our Aunt Amy raised us, and she gave us love, support, and a second chance. That changed everything. And now that we’re in a place to give back... it’s not just a project to us. It’s personal."

Lia nodded, her usual playfulness momentarily giving way to something deeper. "Every child here deserves that kind of care. That kind of hope."

Cammy’s heart swelled as she looked around at the children playing in the background, the laughter in the air suddenly sounding sweeter than ever. She knew then—this was going to be something extraordinary. Not just a renovation.

A transformation.

**********

Author’s Note:

Whoever guessed that Jenna and Lia are the kids from my 1st book "CEO’s Contract Obsession" you are correct! With special mention of Amy.

If you haven’t read it, check out the book below. You can see the story of how Jenna and his brother Jason became orphans and how their aunt Amy raised them.