A Decent Proposal by Teresa Southwick Page A

plans and site plans you require. How much detail we need to add. Make sure you don’t have to ask for more documentation.” Burke looked at the man, who was nodding his agreement.
    â€œThat would sure help us out at this end,” he admitted.
    â€œMayor Goodson assured me that the length of time required and the permit application process is shorter and less intense than a city like Chicago, Los Angeles or New York. Simply because here there’s not the large volume of requests.”
    â€œTrue enough. But we keep busy.”
    â€œI have no doubt. The thing is, delays can be costly and time-consuming.” Stuff that needlessly kept him away from home. And Liam. “I’d like to avoid that if possible.”
    â€œI can sure understand that.” John leaned forward and rested his elbows on the desk. “And here’s where I’m coming from, Burke. It’s come to my attention that you’re seeing Sydney McKnight.”
    â€œWe’ve met,” Burke said cautiously. The man’s pleasant tone didn’t change, but there was something uncompromising in his dark eyes. “Sir, I don’t mean to be critical here. And I’m aware that things are different in a small town. But I’m a little confused about how that information is relevant to my getting construction and electrical permits issued in a timely fashion.”
    John pointed to a picture on his desk, one of several and nearly obscured by the unrolled paperwork. It was a photo of this man with his arm affectionately thrown across Syd’s shoulders. Both were smiling. “Sydney is my niece.”
    Burke did his best not to show surprise. If the last name had been the same, he’d have been better prepared. This guy must be her deceased mother’s brother. “I see.”
    â€œMaybe you do. Maybe not. It’s not clear from what I hear whether or not you’re dating my niece, but you should know that I’ve been extraprotective of her since the day she was born. So I’d prefer that she’s a happy camper. That girl and my brother-in-law have been through a lot. I’d sure hate to see anyone do anything to hurt her.” He hesitated a moment, letting the words sink in. “And whatever the mayor told you about a short waiting period for plan approval could be a little off. If you get my drift.”
    Burke definitely got it. The drift was clear. Don’t do Sydney wrong or the permits could be delayed, costing him time and money.
    He stood and met the other man’s gaze. “I assure you that Sydney is safe with me.”
    â€œSure hope so, son.”
    Burke shook the man’s hand, left the office, nodded to Sally behind the desk, then walked into the hall and back down the stairs the way he’d come. This was an aspect of small-town life that he hadn’t taken into account. Since his philosophy was not to get deeply involved with a woman, it hadn’t occurred to him there was a potential conflict of interest if he did.
    Still, he was pretty sure he’d told Syd’s uncle the truth about her being safe with him. She wasn’t looking to get serious and had volunteered to handle the details about them breaking up. Considering that, she should be able to pull off convincing everyone that she wasn’t hurt by their relationship.
    But any ideas Burke had of taking things to the next level with her would be best ignored. Personal risks weren’t his style and factoring in the business complications made taking any chances too costly.
    Still, he was committed to helping convince Syd’s father they were a couple. That would make her happy and now he had business reasons for keeping her that way.
    * * *
    After rotating the tires, Syd looked at the underside of the 2012 Chevrolet sport utility vehicle up on the hydraulic lift. Always a good idea to make sure the frame was solid. The customer had said the ride wasn’t as smooth as it could