Page 75 of Meet Me at the Grand

“But we could show you a small example with the gazebo,” Dani said.

Murmurs went through the group as Liam pointed toward the octagonal structure, with its shingled dome roof, its white pillared columns, and its turned spindle railing encircling all but the front, where three steps led to its elevated spot off the ground.

“Dani told me how meaningful the gazebo is to the community. How long it’s been around, how it’s been a favorite spot for weddings and gatherings. And we didn’t want to do anything to change that.”

“Only to enhance people’s ability to make use of it.” She waved her hand in invitation. “Let us show you.”

They all walked the brick-laid pathway toward the steps, where Liam and Dani stood at the top.

“As you can see, we got an electrician out here and made sure the wiring on the gazebo worked,” Liam said. “Thankfully, it only took a bit of work to get things up to snuff.”

“And that’s when we hung the lights.” Dani pointed to the tasteful bulbs now hanging from the ceiling. When they’d tested them last night, they’d provided a warm, romantic glow that had only added to the clearing’s natural beauty. “Because as anyone who has ever been out here at night knows, it’s pitch-black, and you have to use your phones as flashlights.”

Tara tapped her chin, nodded. The hint of a smile danced around her mouth.

Arms crossed over his burly chest, Patrick walked closer, peering up at the lights. Inspecting. Martha and Janine did the same. Meanwhile, Seb smiled as he watched Liam and Dani.

They were hooking them. Now to reel them in. Liam continued. “Anyone who’s been out here also knows how cold it can get. We wanted guests to be able to enjoy the gazebo at all times of the year, so we installed an infrared heater. It’s nonintrusive but will provide consistent heat during certain hours of the day and evening.” He nudged Dani, and she hurried to flip the small switch. The heat was immediate, and the group oohed and aahed at the difference.

“And Dani here even had the thought that the hotel could place a basket with blankets under the bench. Maybe even place a firepit and chairs over there”—he pointed to a spot in the clearing—“and hold evening gatherings out here for guests with complementary beverages and appetizers.”

“Speaking of that…” Dani turned to the back of the gazebo, where she’d had Aunt Elise leave two thermoses of hot chocolate, some cups, and fresh-baked cookies. She grabbed up a cup and one thermos. “Who wants refreshments?”

Everyone said yes—even Janine—and Liam helped distribute the treats while Dani prepped them. They really did make a good team, didn’t they?

“You’ve outdone yourself here.” Patrick took a giant bite of his cookie and munched while his eyes roved the gazebo once again.

“Agreed. I love it.” Tara shook her head. “You really have managed to enhance the convenience without destroying the historical integrity of it. If this is what you’re going to do with the hotel, well, then I’m offering my full support.”

“Thank you, Tara.” Liam squeezed Dani’s hand, determined not to let his excitement show. “And what about the rest of you?”

“What about the added cost of the heat and lighting?” Seb asked. “The added cost of all the extra amenities, in fact.”

“I can show you the numbers when we get back to the conference room, but it will be minimal, especially when you consider how much more we can charge for rooms and services than in the past because we can bill this as a luxury resort.”

Seb put out his hand for a shake. “If that’s a fact, then you’ve got my vote.”

“Mine too,” Patrick said. “I like the feel of this. Seems it’ll attract tourists with deep pockets, which will be good for all of us. But it won’t be some modernized resort that isn’t fully Jonathon Island.” He turned to his sister-in-law. “Come on, Martha. Say you agree so we can grab something to eat. I’m starving.”

Martha scoffed. A breeze blew through her gray curls. “You’re always starving.” Then she wiggled her fingers in the air toward the gazebo. “I suppose you’ve done a nice enough job compromising so we are all happy.”

Liam nearly chuckled. The woman couldn’t give a compliment to save her life. “So does that mean…”

“Yes, yes.” Martha huffed. “You’ve got my vote too.”

“And what about me?” Janine asked. “I know you’ve got your majority, but does my vote mean nothing?”

“On the contrary, Janine.” Liam approached her, hands folded. He glanced at Dani, whose eyes had widened. “We would covet your vote, though I’ve heard how averse you are to the addition of technology.”

Janine harrumphed. “I am that. But…” She pursed her lips, looking at the gazebo. Then something softened in her eyes. “I suppose I can also appreciate innovation when I see it. And while I am not wild about the changes you’ve made, I recognize that most developers wouldn’t do as much as you have to immerse themselves in our town and become one of us in order to understand what’s important here.”

Whoa. “That is high praise coming from you.” Liam pressed a hand over his chest, which ached just a little. “Thank you.”

“It doesn’t mean I won’t be carefully watching the construction to ensure things remain as historically accurate as possible.” She pointed a finger at Liam. “But I suppose you’ve got my vote anyway.”

The group cheered and Seb held up his cup of cocoa. “Here’s to the revival of our home. And to Liam and Dani, who worked so hard to make this happen. I’m very proud of you both. And thankful.”

“Hear, hear!” Tara said with a smile as she tapped her cup against Seb’s and then Martha’s cups.

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