“I do, too. Seventeen years is a long time, and it’s hard to say goodbye. I know we did the right thing, poor little guy was suffering. But until your dad’s ready for another dog, he’s going to lavish that love on yours.”
He heard his father talking to the dog and the dog’s howls of delight.
“So I hear.” And since he also heard his grandparents come in and knew their habits, he went to pour more coffee.
At three, the family sat around the dining room table, his mother with spring water, Liam with a Coke, and the rest with coffee.
They ran through reports, projections, closed old business, outlined new. One of the new Liam presented was a ropes course.
“I did the cost analysis for the build, the insurance cost, and Dad’s looked into the legal. Should be on your screens now.”
“I know they’re popular,” Drea began, “but I honestly don’t see why people want to climb around on ropes and swinging platforms.”
“For the same reasons they want to go down hills on a pair of skis or snowboard. It’s fun. And it would add to our warm weather Adventure revenue.”
“Used to be hiking, canoeing, kayaking were enough for that.” Peering through her reading glasses, Lydia studied the projections.
“Times change, darling of mine.”
She glanced across the table at her husband. “Yes, they do.”
“The climbing wall we put up five years ago worked. During the summer season, it’s booked solid on weekends and between forty and seventy percent of running hours weekdays. The zip line kills it. We’re going to incorporate them into an Adventure package this season. Add the climbing wall or zip line to your hiking or biking, kayaking. Complete three adventures, get fifteen percent off a purchase at Outfitters. We could add the ropes course this season if we build it in time. Or next.”
Lydia tapped a finger on the table. “Miles, you haven’t expressed an opinion one way or the other.”
“Liam should make his own case, and I think he has. He nagged me until I took a trip to White River Resort to try theirs. It’s challenging, but it’s fun, and it works.”
“White River is three times our size.”
Liam grinned. “Small but mighty, Grand.”
“Obviously, Liam votes for it.” Mick spread his hands. “Miles, I’m assuming you do?”
“I do.”
“Nell?”
“I’m an aye.”
“My darling Drea?”
As she tossed back her hair, she sent her father-in-law a flirty smile. “I’ll tell you, my darling Mick, I’ll never understand why anyone would pay to hang on to a rope, but I’ll vote yes.”
“So does legal counsel,” Rory added.
“And I’ll add my aye. Want to make it unanimous, Lydia?”
“If you don’t bend to changes, you break.” She pointed at her husband. “Don’t think for one minute you’re climbing ropes, Irish.”
“Spoilsport.”
“Yeah! I’ll get started on it with the designer and builder next week. Thanks. You never told me you went to White River.”
Miles shrugged. “Last fall. I wouldn’t have told you if I thought it sucked either. You made your case.”
“Any more new business, Liam?”
“No, Pop. I’m going to take my victory and retire from the field.”
“Drea?”
“Some seasonal changes in packages for Events. And Nell and I are working on the idea, for summer, of a midweek picnic. A set menu, every Wednesday evening, long tables by the lake, two bars, buffet-style food and carving stations, musical entertainment.”
“Picnic by the Lake.” Nell took up the theme. “I’m working with the Lodge chef on the menu—keep it simple, friendly—make sure there are kid-friendly options, vegetarian and vegan options. Basically what we do for Buffet Night in the Lodge on Sundays, but midweek and outdoors.”
“I used to camp out near the lake when we were just the Lodge.” Mick studied the cost projections, and his eyebrows shot up. “Price of these grills is a hell of a lot more than a cookstove or a skillet over a campfire.”
“Times change,” Lydia said, and he laughed.
“That’s a touché. I gotta say, I like it. The long tables, people sitting together. Makes community.”
“We’ll have firm numbers before our next meeting.”
“And the menu—which will be subject to change as needed,” Drea added. “Hospitality is coordinating with the spa on a seasonal specialty drink, beginning with lavender-infused margaritas.”