“Oh it’s called that because standing on its upper deck, you have a perfect view of the sunset. So are you getting any packages?”
“Packages?”
“Yeah, we have several packages, for singles, for groups, you can choose to sign up or not. But let me say that most people do. Why come all the way to a dude ranch if you are going to spend all your time in your room or cabin, right?” Ava handed both of them pamphlets from the little brochure stand on the counter and continued. “People that come here do so to experience the ranch life but hey, it you don’t want to, it’s fine. But trust me, sooner or later, you end up being pulled in.”
“And we don’t have to register for any package now, do we?” Xavion asked her.
“Oh not at all, please take your time. How many are in your party sir?”
“Uh... Five.”
“The cabin comes with four rooms with king-sized beds, nonetheless, would you like us to fit in twin beds in one of the rooms if that will be more convenient? There is also a camper bed if you would prefer that.”
Xavion looked back at the guys and turned back to the woman and without a moment’s hesitation, he said, “Yes please, we will need those changes.”
“Great. Here you are, your welcome packets. Everything you need to know about the ranch, including knowledge about your cabin and even the activities we have here are in there and of course, there is a map. You should know that it is not all activities you need to sign up for to experience. Some of these activities can be enjoyed by all, whether you are on a package or not. There are phone lines in your room which connect directly to the kitchen, the info desk and here, the front desk. You can call if you need anything. But I’m sure you will find most answers to your questions in your packets. And here are your keys, five sets. Once again, welcome to Price Emerald Ranch. I hope you have a wonderful stay.” Ava placed the keys on the stack of the five packets. She waved over three bellboys. “They will help with your luggage and lead the way to your cabin. I’ll have someone come around to handle the bed change.”
To the bellboys, she said, “The sunset cabin.”
“Thanks,” Xavion and Zane said with a nod and they took the packets and keys. They waved the others over. They had been leafing through some brochure stands next to the digital board. The trio grabbed a couple and headed to them.
The guys followed and the bell boys led them in the opposite direction of the entrance. They went through a doorway and stepped out into a garden and through a greenery- formed archway. Down stone paths they walked, surrounded by green and flowers that formed the walls and ceiling of the long archway.
They stepped out of the archway a while later and continued down stone paths still surrounded by gardens. The gardens were filled with stone benches and gazebos which at that moment were not empty. Kids were running around, some adults were picnicking and there was a general sense of warmth.
“This is our own little park,” one of the bellboys told them, “Although there is nothing little about it considering the fact that it is quite vast.”
The party headed up stone steps and found themselves in front of a beautiful golden-brown cabin that sparkled in the sunlight.
“You know, you will be the first occupants of the sunset cabin ever since we opened for long-stays,” a bellboy said as they stepped onto the covered porch of the cabin. Zane unlocked the door and they all stepped in.
Kai whistled as he stretched his arms, “Now I could get used to this.”
The inside of the cabin was delightful and brought warmth to the eyes. The floors were made of different tones of polished wood, cherry being prominent among them. They were standing in a living area which had tan colored log furniture and a gorgeous wood table at the center.
As the bellboys deposited their luggage near to the door, the one who had been talking earlier said, “The cabins come with an-suite bathrooms and showers, heater and air conditioner, refrigerator, coffeemaker, microwave, overhead lights, a propane fireplace as you can see, and we also have daily housekeeping service and laundry services as well. You will see more in your welcome packets.”
“And how about meals?” Lay asked as he settled into a chair and sighed.
“We have a great kitchen here, the best in Menora, you get three home-style meals every day and if you have any dietary recommendations, feel free to let us know. You can have them here or the restaurant, dependent on you.”
“And what if I want to eat five times a day?” Kai asked.
The bellboy chuckled, “By all means, but it will cost you. The more you eat, the more you pay.”
Xavion smiled and tipped the boys. “Thanks, that will be all.”
When the door was shut on the bellboys, Xavion said, “I guess it’s time to get this vacation started.”
Chapter Eleven
“Why are you in such a hurry?” Maxwell asked his granddaughter.
“Busy day today,” Emma told him as she settled on one of the porch seats to slip on a pair of brown booties. She looked up at him as she pulled her hair into a ponytail, “There are the riding lessons this morning and then, the Castillo couple. They are coming in today and we really have got to impress. They have to choose Price Emerald for their wedding.”
Maxwell waved her worries away and took a sip of his tea. He’d had his breakfast on the front porch with the twins before Maria had whisked them off to preschool. Maria’s mother had been released from the hospital so she was back full-time with a spring in her step.
“Every day is always busy day for you, my dear. We’ve hosted many weddings before, this should be a breeze.”
