“Mom,” Ben said softly. “We understand. Really.”
“Julianne, what are your thoughts on the financial impact?” Harper asked, tactfully steering the conversation. “Is there a way we can mitigate some of the risk?”
Jules straightened in her chair, all business. But I caught the softness in her eyes as she glanced at Mom. “Based on my projections, we could offset a portion of the loan costs with a modest room rate increase. Given that guests willdirectly benefit from the upgrades to beds and linens, I believe we can justify a five to seven percent increase without significant pushback.”
“That’s not too much,” Austin mused, stroking the dark stubble on his chin. “We could market it as part of an Enhanced Guest Experience package or something. Pair it with my fishing charters or Eli’s dive trips.”
Mom nodded slowly, some of the tension easing from her shoulders. “And you believe this increase would be enough to cover the additional costs, Julianne?”
“Oh, no,” Jules replied crisply. “We’re still talking about a loan in excess of a million dollars. But rate increases are necessary to ease the burden. Combined with the projected increase in bookings from the renovations and more advertising, I believe we can manage the loan responsibly.”
My siblings exchanged glances, a mix of relief and cautious optimism on their faces. It wasn’t the grand, sweeping change some had hoped for, but it was a step forward. A compromise that respected both our dreams and our very real financial constraints.
Harper leaned forward, her eyes scanning the room. “I know we all wish we could do more. But this is a solid start. We’re addressing the most critical issues, and we can always reassess down the line.”
Brenna nodded, a lock of her auburn hair falling across her face. “Exactly. My bookshop didn’t become a success overnight. I started small, built gradually. Now look at it.”
“Same goes for Calypso Key,” Hunter chimed in from her side, his deep voice carrying easily through the room. “We’ve had our share of financial hurdles too. It’s part of the game when you’re running a resort.”
I couldn’t help but smile at the solidarity. And Hunterwas one of us now, nearly as much a Coleridge as he was a Markham.
Mom’s eyes glistened as she looked around the table. “I can’t tell you how much your support means to me and howproudI am of all of you. I just wish there were a less risky way.” She straightened in her chair. “But enough of my fretting. We’ve made our decision, and I stand by it. Sunset Siesta has weathered tougher storms than this.”
Chase loudly cleared his throat, drawing all eyes to him. He actuallyfidgetedin his seat. Finally taking a deep breath, he swept his eyes around the table. “What if there was another way?”
I turned to give him my full attention. What was he up to?
“Helen,” Chase continued, his tone careful but confident, “have you ever considered bringing on a partner? Someone to invest the funds needed for a full renovation in exchange for a share of the profits? Uh, someone like me, for example.”
The room fell silent. I gaped at my best friend, a searing hope igniting in my chest. This was the first I’d heard of this idea. How long had he been sitting on it?
“I…” Mom looked stunned, her eyes wide. “We’ve never had anyone but family involved in ownership.”
Before I could stop myself, I blurted out, “But Chase is practically family, isn’t he? I mean, he’s been part of our lives forever. This could be the perfect solution!”
Jules raised an eyebrow at me, her lips lifting in that adorable way that meant she was both amused and exasperated. I flashed her a grin, riding the wave of sudden possibility. I turned to Mom, whose eyes were the size of saucers. She looked like she was about to keel over on the spot.
Chase must have seen the same thing because he held a hand out in a placating gesture. “I’m not talking about an equal partnership here. More like twenty-five percent. Enough to make the renovations happen without you all taking on debt.”
I leaned back, mind racing. This was genius. It solved our financial issues and gave Chase—someone we all trusted—something too. Plus, if Mom was willing to consider this kind of change… I forced my eyes not to swerve to Jules.
Ben sat up straight in his seat. “That’s a hell of an idea, Chase.” His eyes shifted to me. “Did you two cook this up together?”
I laughed. “This is the first I’ve heard of it. Dude can keep his cards tight to his chest.”
Now Chase was positively blushing. “Being a bachelor, I don’t have any expensive needs. I’ve saved a lot over the years. And… I’ve felt stifled at work lately. I’ve been thinking about starting my own architectural firm. Sunset Siesta would be a great way to start.”
“It’s an intriguing proposal,” Mom said slowly, her brow furrowed in thought. She turned to Jules. “Julianne, what do you think? From a financial standpoint?”
“It could work beautifully,” she replied, her voice steady and assured. “The injection of capital would allow for comprehensive renovations without over-leveraging the resort. And Chase’s expertise would be invaluable moving forward.”
We discussed it a while longer, with Chase making sure we would be okay with partnering with a new firm. Austin pointed out that Chase was the one taking the biggest risk and no one brought up any objections.
“Let’s vote on it,” I said. “I say yes. Harper?”
Around the table, one by one,yesesrang out. Then we all turned to Mom. This was it—the moment that could change everything.
