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are your children?”
    “Yes. Five girls.” Ott shook his head. “What did I ever do to be saddled with five daughters and no sons is beyond me. I wouldn’t wish that punishment upon any man.” Michael turned and could see the pride in this man’s eyes. “Now don’t get me wrong, I am proud of my girls, but sometimes there are just too many women in this house . . . if you get my meaning.”
    Michael smiled and chuckled. “I have a sister of my own, so I know firsthand how temperamental women can be. But if you think five daughters are bad you should try a redheaded mother and sister. I bet they could make your crew seem calm.”
    Ott laughed. “Don’t count on it, Michael. So, do you have a large family?”
    “Depends on your perception of large. I have eight brothers and one sister, who just happens to be the youngest, along with two beautiful nieces.”
    “Having a large family is wonderful. I was an only child. Sometimes I get a little jealous of the relationship my girls have with each other, and other times, it makes me thankful I was an only child,” Ott replied, recalling Andrea and Ashton’s fight this morning.
    Ott looked at the tall man beside him. Michael was a handsome young man, that was for certain. He hoped his younger daughters could handle being in the same house with this man without falling for him. Michael was tall with broad shoulders and a slim waist. His eyes were a dark, midnight blue with long dark lashes. The top of his Greek nose had a small notch, indicating it had been broken many years ago. Ott watched as Michael placed his beverage to his lips. His waistcoat strained under the muscles of his upper arms. Ott had no doubt in his mind that this young muscular man could handle himself easily, when needed.
    “You have a beautiful family,” Michael acknowledged, turning to face the man before him.
    “Thank you. Now, you must be tired. I will have Sally ready your room for you. It will take a little while, but feel free to wait here in my study.”
    “Thank you,” Michael answered. “But I must say, since Young Amos informed me about your crystal lake, it has intrigued me.”
    Ott nodded his head. “I’ll have Joseph take you there. I would show you to it myself, but I have unfinished business that I need to attend to.”
    “That’s quite all right. I know my early arrival was not expected. I am certain I can find it if you direct me to the location.”
    “Very well,” Ott replied and walked over to the large window. He motioned for Michael to follow him. “Do you see that out cove of pecan trees?”
    “Yes.”
    “Go to the right of those. You will see a very large oak tree—you can’t miss it. It’s the largest tree on the plantation. When you see the oak, walk under its branches. There will be a brick-lined path behind the tree. Just follow that path, it will take you right to the lower lake.”
    “Thank you. I shouldn’t be too long. Just need to freshen up a bit after my journey.”
    “Take your time. I wasn’t expecting you until tomorrow, so your early arrival has taken me off guard. I’ll inform Sally to get extra help to make sure your room is ready for you when you return.”
    “No need to take your workers from their tasks. I’m in no hurry.”
    “Very well.”
    Ott escorted Michael through the house to the back entrance.
    “Feel free to come back in this way.”
    “Thank you.” Michael walked out of the home and followed the directions given to him by Ott. The large oak was easy to spot. Its massive branches spread out over thirty feet in all directions. The branches dipped low to the ground, begging passersby to perch upon them. Each branch was covered in clusters of Spanish moss. As he walked under the tree, Michael ran his hand along the rough bark. He noticed that the tree appeared to make a tunnel in the back. He headed towards the tunnel and noticed the brick path. The path extended into the thick brush several feet. Michael followed the