Page 1 of Just One Chance

1

BOONE

"We're thrilled with the opening of the restaurant and now the brewery," Dad announced when only our family remained after the grand opening celebration.

Mom stood next to Dad. “But we want to ensure that the inn is keeping up with the changes."

I looked at Rowan, who appeared just as uneasy as I did.

"So we've hired a hospitality interior designer to evaluate the inn and give us advice on updates. Ms. Barnes is an expert on profitability and guest trends," Dad continued.

Malcolm's brow furrowed. "Since when do we need someone on the outside giving an opinion on our business?"

"Isn't that what you did when you asked Beck to consult on the brewery?" Dad asked him.

Malcolm scowled. "This is different. Beck was a friend. We don't know anything about this woman."

"She came highly recommended. She'll be staying on the property to get a feel for the customer experience, and she'll be visiting the restaurant and the brewery, maybe even going for a hike or two, and touring local tourist destinations," Mom said.

Dad nodded. "It would be ideal if one of you could be her guide while she's here."

"I was thinking Boone would be perfect for this," Mom said.

I raised a brow. "Me?"

"You've been asking to design furniture for the inn for years. Now's your chance to see if it's feasible," Dad said.

"I'd prefer to hang out in my woodshop all day, not spend time with some city girl who has opinions about how we do things here," I grumbled.

"We want to ensure that the inn is set up when we retire. We don't want to make a wrong decision and waste time and money."

"If it makes Mom and Dad feel better about retirement—" Rowan began.

"So we don't have a say in this?" Malcolm interrupted.

"She's a consultant. We don't have to do anything she recommends if we don't want to. As always, we'll vote as a family on her suggestions," Dad said reasonably.

"But I want you to take her seriously. She came highly recommended, and she knows what she's talking about," Mom added.

Malcolm shook his head. "I don't like this."

"There's not much you do like around here," Callum shot back.

Dad cleared his throat. "I thought it would be a good idea to get a fresh perspective. She's an outsider, so she won't have any preconceived notions on how things should be done."

"We want you to feel comfortable about retiring. And if this is what you need, then we'll support you," Rowan said.

"You're just saying that because you're in love with Hattie," I said.

Rowan touched Hattie's shoulder. "I am happy. And I want what's best for the business. If bringing in an outside consultant is what makes Mom and Dad comfortable, then why not?"

Mom and Dad stepped down from the stage.

I leaned closer to Rowan. "Mom and Dad were finally going to give me free rein to design new furniture for the inn. Do you think this city designer is going to be okay with homemade furniture?"

Rowan grimaced.

Hattie winced. "Probably not."