Over the past week, with Dax’s help, I’d run some numbers to help support my cause, and we’d put together a formal proposal. After expenses, the addition could make a profit within a year. Maybe even sooner. I was excited to report the numbers to my family.
My cabin was the last one on the drive that housed the entire Hunter clan at the resort. My mother’s house, the big white log house where we’d grown up, was first in line. Then four smaller cabins followed, one for each son and their families. I was the only member of the pack who lived alone. Single and enjoying life, as I liked to say to my mom when she continuously asked when I was going to settle down.
As I drove past the cabins and down the mountain drive, I enjoyed the early morning view of the landscape. Fog had settled into the valley below as the tall, snow-covered peaks of the surrounding range peeked through, extending into the crystal-clear blue skies above. It was a beautiful sight to behold, and just another reason why I’d hate to move my business into town. I loved the mountain and that view.
As I drove further down the ridge, my SUV became engulfed in the thick fog, and I took my eyes from the light on the horizon to carefully navigate the road down to the main resort buildings. I pulled into the wide lot and took a spot in front of the massive log building that housed the guest rooms, common area, and the restaurant. Looking around, I noticed that all my brothers’ vehicles were already in the lot, which meant I was the last to arrive.
Scooping up my papers, I hopped out of the SUV and trotted up the broad wooden steps to the front porch. I entered the common area and waved to Clark at the front desk when he looked up from his newspaper to see who had come inside. The nighttime front desk attendant had been with us for almost fifteen years.
Clark peered over his black-framed readers and smiled at me. He gave me a brief wave before returning his eyes to his paper. Smiling, I slipped through the dining room’s doublewide doors.
My family occupied the entire front section of the dining area, with several tables pushed together to create one oblong one. The view behind the table through the large picture windows was breathtaking. The fog had settled into the river valley below, revealing a silvery, snow-covered mountain ridge in the distance backed by a brilliant blue sky.
Children’s laughter filled my ears. My gaze turned from the view to see what all the commotion was. The smaller children, my nieces, five-year-old Abby, and three-year-old Raini, ran around the long table, playing a game of tag with Bella, Cole’s German Shepard. Their cousin, one-year-old Dax Junior, clapped his hands and squealed in pleasure from his highchair. His copper-colored curls sprang around his chubby cheeks as he bounced in his seat.
Chuckling to myself, I looked around the dining room and was glad it was empty aside from the staff and us. As well as the commotion Bella and the kids were making, my family was blatantly talking over one another. That was the norm, however, and most of the regular guests were used to the children and large dog bounding around the dining room during meetings and special occasions. Also the norm was my loud, rambunctious family eating meals together and competing for who could talk the loudest.
Smiling, I saw that twelve places were set at the table, plus Dax Junior’s highchair. One for each of us. I took my place next to my brother, Dax, with Brad’s twin sons, Reid and Bryce, on my other side. I waved to my mom, Mary Beth, at the other end of the oblong table and said my hellos to everyone else.
My mom called the children to their seats as the servers brought out several trays of breakfast foods and pitchers of OJ and set them in the center of the table. We helped ourselves by smothering our plates with scrambled eggs, bacon and sausage links, home fries, and toast.
I hadn’t had my morning coffee yet, so I rose to grab one from the self-serve coffee and tea bar beside the main buffet table. I sipped my coffee and nodded to one of the servers who was lighting the sternos. Soon, other guests would wander into the dining room to either order from the menu or enjoy the morning breakfast buffet. I wanted to get the meeting started before any distractions took place.
I returned to my seat and glanced at Dax. Our eyes met. He offered a supportive nod, and I nodded in return. I ate my breakfast quickly, shoveling my eggs and home fries into my mouth, patiently waiting for my turn to speak.
The kids, bored with the meeting, were encouraged to entertain themselves. The twins went outside to find stuff to do while the little ones were put at the small table close to ours to color. My brothers, their wives, my mom, and I were in the room when Brad began the meeting.
I listened to Brad talk about the upcoming events on the schedule for the week. Then it was Cole’s turn to talk about repairs and maintenance he had planned. As usual, Brad turned to Dax next, who discussed the current commercial he was working on for the upcoming summer events.
Finally, it was my turn to talk.
I cleared my throat and fidgeted in my seat. Brad furrowed his brow at my unusual behavior. Usually, I was quick to blurt out my weekly schedule of events, but I had a lot more to say and was nervous. I took a long look at each of my brothers and made sure I had their full, undivided attention. I held up my notes and began.
“I want to make a proposal,” I began my pitch.
Ignoring the shocked look on Brad’s face, I followed the points on my notes and told my family about my idea to expand the fitness building and to build a new spa addition to the resort. I made sure to point out all the positive attributes that a spa would add, including the new local clientele it could bring in. I mentioned the guests’ and local clienteles’ suggestions and their wish for a massage parlor and spa as well as a better gym experience.
My brothers listened patiently, even though I knew they were dying to butt in. I could see it on their faces but did my best to ignore the exchanging of glances. When I finished speaking, there was a moment of stunned silence, and I was happy when Dax spoke before Brad could say anything.
“I’m with Harley on this,” he began, drawing everyone’s attention. “I think a new addition to the resort would bring in more guests. Plus, more of the locals, like he mentioned. You should take note that most resorts have a spa and massage parlor, and it’s become the norm.”
Cole looked skeptical, but he nodded at Dax, taking into consideration what we’d said. But the look on Brad’s face told me he wasn’t sold on the idea just yet.
“I don’t know about this,” Brad mused. “We aren’t known as a spa type of resort. We’re an outdoor retreat.”
“That’s where Dax’s advertising would come in. He has a huge following on social media. As do Lindsay and Oakley,” I pointed out. “With some advertising, we could bring in more visitors. Also, many of my current clients would jump at spa and massage treatments.”
“Hmmm.” Brad shook his head. “I just don’t know. Have you run the numbers? This sounds expensive.” He frowned and sat forward, leaning on his elbows with his hands clasped. “And who would run the spa? You’re trained in personal fitness, not spa treatments or massage therapy.” He continued, still shaking his head in doubt. “It would mean hiring more staff, personalized and experienced staff, at that. We’ve never done anything this big before. I don’t know if the benefits would outweigh the risks.”
I looked Brad dead in the eyes. I had this. “Yes, I’ve run the numbers. I realize that we would have to hire a masseuse, preferably one who could run the entire spa, to save on some money at first. After the cost of the additions, equipment, and new hire, we would only be in the red for the first year. Then, it would be all profit,” I assured them, spreading my arms, palms out. “I have all the numbers right here for you,” I added, holding out my proposal, carefully placed in a manila folder.
“And, where would we put this new addition?” Cole asked, also leaning forward with a little more interest than Brad.
“I’d like to enlarge the gym building and make it into a real physical fitness center. We could add small rooms for private lessons. Bigger changing rooms. A classroom,”
I listed. “I teach my lessons in the main room, and I know many patrons would prefer privacy. The spa would be next door with an attached walkway so guests can go for a massage after working out or just go to the spa for a massage and facial without walking through the gym. I’d like to add a sauna as well. The full package,” I answered. “We have plenty of space.”
“It could work,” Cole agreed, nodding his head. “It would be a lot of work though. We’d have to cut down the trees around the gym to build the additions.”
“More costs,” Brad commented.
“We could cut the trees down ourselves and build the new structures with the wood. We’ve all got experience with that,” Dax added, glancing around. “We have plenty of trees on our land to use for the new additions.” Excited as new ideas began popping into his head, he suggested, “Maybe we can even clear a new snowmobile path as we cut the trees so we aren’t cutting down trees without a double purpose.”
“Guests would enjoy a new snowmobile and hiking path,” my mom chimed in.
“It would be another advertisement point, as well,” Dax added.
“True,” Brad replied, rubbing his fingers through his beard. At least, he was taking my proposal seriously now.
“I think it’s a great idea,” Mom pressed. She winked at me, and I grinned. Mom always had my back, but if she didn’t think it was a good idea, she would voice it. She liked it, or she would say so.
“Me too,” Lindsay agreed. “It’s a great idea. Something new.” Oakley and Angela were both nodding their heads in agreement as well.
Brad glanced around the table before turning to Cole. “What do you really think of this idea, Cole? Do you think it would be profitable?”
Cole thought for a moment before answering, his genius brain taking its time to consider all outcomes. He glanced at me and said, “I think that it would be profitable just like when we added the fishing cabins, cleaning station, and outdoor cooking areas. It gave the guests what they wanted and brought in new clientele.”
“Yes, but that was fishing. We already had anglers visiting the resort. We just gave them more options to do what they like to do. We don’t get too many visitors looking for spa treatments,” Brad countered.
“But we do!” I exclaimed. “My fitness programs have boomed in the last few years. Many of my clients are women. Many of our guests are women. And not all the guests come to ski and fish.”
“It’s true,” Angela told her husband, laying her hand on his forearm. “We get lots of young ladies who would probably splurge on a massage or facial. And we’d probably get more locals visiting for a massage and spa appointment as well,” she added. “Maybe even have dinner afterward. We could advertise a spa and dinner package deal, like a couple’s romantic getaway type thing.”
“That’s a great idea!” Lindsay beamed. “There’s not another spa for twenty miles at least,” she added, nodding at Angela.
Oakley’s face lit up with a thought. “Yeah, and look at all the guests we get during events? Anniversaries. Weekend-long weddings,” she reminded Brad. “I’m sure many of those guests would partake in massages and spa treatments. Not everyone skis, fishes, or even goes on nature walks when they’re here for the events.”
Brad deliberating all the arguments. “What you all say is true. I’m just worried that the investment won’t pay off in the long run.”
“It will, Brad, I’m sure of it,” I urged him to see it. “Take a look at these numbers,” I added, holding out my proposal to Brad.
Brad took the folder and opened it, quickly flipping through them. “I’d have to go over these numbers more extensively. Let me look over all this during the week, and we can talk about it again at the next meeting,” he announced in his “it’s final” tone.
I wanted to talk about it more now, but when Brad used that tone, there was no point. He was done listening. I thought about blurting out that if he didn’t agree to the new spa addition here at the resort that I was thinking about starting my own business in town.
I glanced at Dax, who knew what I was thinking. He slowly shook his head at me. Frowning, I reached for my coffee cup instead and downed the black liquid in one hard gulp. I’d give Brad his week, but in the meantime, I wanted to attend a business conference in Las Vegas over the upcoming weekend. I had to tell him I was planning to go so my sessions could be reassigned while I was gone.
“I’m planning on going to a business conference next weekend in Las Vegas,” I bluntly informed my family.
“What?” My mom looked up in surprise.
“What for?” Cole asked, just as shocked.
“It’s called Business Inc. Conference. It’s held every year in Las Vegas. Basically, it consists of successful CEOs speaking of mistakes they made when starting their businesses and how they figured out what was important to their success. Plus, it’s a big meet and greet of likeminded individuals.”
“Okay,” Brad said slowly.
“I can learn a thing or two, and it’s good for the business,” I told him. “I’ve been looking to expand my personal fitness and training programs for a while now, and I’d like to get some ideas on how to do that.”
“What about the ski lessons and outings you normally run?” Cole asked.
“Of course, I’ll still run the ski lessons and group outings,” I promised him. “But I’m really into health and training, and it’s a dream of mine to expand my business. I’d love to do it here at the resort, which is why I think a spa is necessary for expansion.”
Brad shook his head as if he would never understand what I was trying to tell him. I sighed before continuing. “Expansion is good, Brad. All businesses expand.”
Brad met my gaze. “I realize that, Harley. I also realize that what isn’t broken doesn’t need to be fixed,” he said sternly. I frowned at him, and he sighed. “Look,” he began in a softer tone, “I agreed to look over all the information you’ve provided and said that we’d discuss it again next week. Until then, go ahead and go to that convention if that’s what you really want to do. We’ll cover your lessons and events next weekend.”
“It is what I want to do,” I replied.
Brad nodded. I tried not to let my disappointment show at the outcome of the meeting and thanked him. I wanted Brad to keep a positive frame of mind over the addition. Getting upset wouldn’t help my cause.
“I’ll run his ski lessons and group outings next weekend,” Oakley offered.
“I’ll help out in the gym while you’re gone,” Dax offered.
“Thanks, Oakley, Dax. Reid and Bryce can help, as well,” I added. “They’ve both been doing great as ski instructor assistants, and they know their way around the gym.”
“I’ll talk to the boys,” Brad told him. “I’m sure they’ll be fine with it.”
“Okay. Thanks for all your help and support, everyone,” I said, looking around the table at each one of them. “I really do appreciate all of you.”
We finished eating, and my family chitchatted for a bit before heading out to their duties for the day. On my way out, I caught Dax by his truck.
“Thanks, Dax,” I told him. “Your support means the world to me.”
“What are big brothers for?” he chided. “Anyway, I think it went well. You knew Brad wasn’t gonna just agree with your proposal right out of the gate.”
“Yeah, I knew.” Didn’t mean I didn’t feel a little defeated.
“It’s great that the girls thought it was a good idea,” Dax added. “And I’m sure Angela will be talking to Brad about it some more.”
“I’m glad the women of the family all saw the need for a spa,” I chuckled.
Dax snickered in agreement. “It’s not a manly, mountain man type of thing, so of course, Brad and Cole can’t understand entirely.” I chuckled, picturing them at a spa. “I’d talk to Angela about it more over the week and see if she can help persuade Brad.”
“Good idea. And Angela is good with numbers, so I’ll ask her to go over them
too. Once Brad sees the full picture, he’ll have to agree that a spa would be profitable.”
“Good thinking,” Dax nodded. He grinned at me. “So, who are you going to this convention with? Las Vegas? Huh?”
“Myself.” I smiled. “I just wanna go. I checked it out last year online, and I thought it would be helpful to talk to some like-minded people. So when I saw it come up again this year, I booked myself a spot.”
“Cool. It’ll be good for you to get outta here for a while anyway. You hardly ever leave this place,” Dax laughed.
“I know,” I chuckled. “I’m always booked. No time for anything else. I’ve never been to Las Vegas either, so I’m excited.”
“Have some fun,” Dax ordered as he got into his pickup. “But not too much fun.”
“I plan on it,” I called back, heading to my SUV.
* * *
Over the next few days, I didn’t hear anything more about my proposal from Brad. I did catch Angela before leaving for the airport and asked if Brad had mentioned it.
“No, he hasn’t brought it up,” Angela admitted. “But I think it’s a great idea and I’ll tell him that. I’m giving him time to let your proposal sink in.” she told me. “I’ve gone over the numbers, and they make sense. Let him go over the numbers too, and he’ll see it.” She smiled, “I’ll talk to him about it over the weekend. I’m pretty sure he’ll come around.”
“Thanks, Angela. I appreciate your support. This has been on my mind for a while now, so I hope he does come around.”
“Hey, Harley, don’t worry too much about Brad,” she advised. “Have a good time at the convention this weekend. You deserve it. We’ll talk when you get back.”
“I will. Thanks again, Angela.”
I took Angela’s advice and put Brad and the proposal out of my mind for the time being. I drove to the airport in silence, wondering how the convention would play out. I’d never been to any sort of event of its size. I was looking forward to a change of pace from the quietness of the resort to the hustle and bustle of a city like Las Vegas.
Take a Mountain Man Home for Christmas: A Mountain Man Romance Christmas Collection Page 58