Chapter 37
CHAPTER THIRTY-SEVEN
NOT SO SOFT
CAMDEN
The time has finally come…the soft opening for Windhaven Resort is this afternoon.
Our family, friends, and staff, as well as business owners from Windy Harbor and all over Minnesota and a few influencers, will all be spending the night.
It’s the first time we’ll be showing everything Windhaven Resort has to offer.
Before the doors open, Dad stands in front of my family, as well as Juju, Milo, and Erin, who all may as well be family by now, with tears in his eyes.
“When I brought the idea of this resort to you kids, I wasn’t sure I’d ever see this day.
But not only have you brought what I’d envisioned to life, and then some, but you and the crews you’ve each assembled have done it in record time.
” He looks at Milo and wipes his eyes. “Forgive me for getting so emotional. It’s been a big year.
” He laughs. “Cancer, beating it…” He lifts his eyes and does praying hands.
“And enlisting Milo, the most innovative architect I know…who’s still living, God rest your mom’s soul.
She would’ve loved you for the way you love our daughter and for your work,” he tells Milo.
“I’m blown away by what you’ve made possible. What all of you have made possible.”
He looks around at us and continues. “You’ve each contributed more than I ever thought possible. I thought it might just be me and Milo for a minute there,” he laughs, “and the next thing I knew, we were all building my version of Rivendell.”
He lowers his head and takes a breath. “I hope you carry a sense of pride and ownership at what you’ve built.
This weekend is our warm-up, time to have fun and give it a practice run, but I think we’ve got this one in the bag, kiddos.
You’ve already done the hardest part. There’s still work ahead, but from here on out, we can enjoy everything we’ve put in place.
It goes without saying that I’m proud of you, but I’ll say it anyway: I have the best family ever, and I’m so damn proud of each and every one of you.
” He points at Grayson. “And as for you, my favorite grandson…”
“I’m your only grandson!” Grayson says, and we all laugh.
“You got me there.” Everett chuckles. “I love seeing everything about this place through your eyes, little man. Thank you for being the sunshine for us all.”
Grayson nods solemnly. “I love you too.”
Grandma Nancy hands Grandma Donna a tissue, and they both blow their noses. Grandma Nancy leans in and whispers something in Dad’s ear, and he nods.
“Would you like to say anything, Mom, before we open those doors?”
“I sure would.” She holds out her hands on either side, and we all do the same until we’re one big circle.
“Get ready to change the lives of everyone who walks through those doors. I know Donna is the more positive of us two”—they share a laugh, and we all laugh too—“but she’s shown me that a kind word when someone’s down, or lending an ear when someone needs to talk…
it does heaps in terms of turning someone’s day around.
In some cases, it could even be saving a life. ”
She looks in each of our eyes with what she says next.
“All different kinds of people will come here needing to recharge, and some maybe even to find their way. I encourage you to lean in and shine as bright as that lighthouse out on the lake. You do that, and this place will be more than the beautiful resort it already is—it will be heaven on earth.” She looks up to the sky.
“Dear Lord, bless this place and everyone who comes through these doors. In Jesus’s name. Amen.”
“Amen,” we echo.
“I couldn’t have said it any better. Thanks, Mom,” Dad says, kissing her on the cheek. “Let’s open those doors.”
Guests are there as soon as the doors open, mostly the locals. Each of us take a group on a tour around the place. Juju and I have two influencers, Stacy from Duluth, and Tammy from St. Paul.
Their eyes are wide as they take in the high ceilings and the intricate decor.
“I like to call it a fairy bringing her dreams indoors,” Juju says, laughing.
“The intricate detailing of the wood, all the arches, and the little touches of the outdoors brought inside.” She points out the huge swing that fits two (or five) people in the lobby, and the moss and twisted tree trunks of the real trees that scale the walls.
“I love that,” Tammy says. “It’s fitting.
I love that even though it’s both cozy and, like you said, Juju, I could imagine a fairy popping out at any moment.
” We all laugh. “But all the light from the windows offsets the wood and the earth tones…” She shakes her head and points at the massive cream stone fireplace.
“The carvings in that stone. It’s like stepping into a movie. ”
Juju and I smile at each other. We show them the shop, and they decide to come back and explore more after we’ve given the tour. We stop by the concierge desk, where Dylan talks about all the excursions he’s organized.
“There are amazing things to do around here all year long,” he says.
“But this seventy-degree day is perfect for what we have in mind this weekend. We’ll have something for everyone—hikes, yoga, art classes, fishing, bike rides, kayaking, and so much more.
” He gives them a flyer with an itinerary, and we continue the tour.
“Oh my God, is that Tully Whitman?” Stacy comes to an abrupt stop.
Tully just walked in and has a few people following him already. He pauses by the fireplace, where a few girls swarm on either side of him as they take selfies.
“Are you a fan of the Minnesota Fierce?” I ask.
“A huge fan,” she says. “I have season tickets and never miss a home game.”
“Come on, let’s go say hi,” I tell her.
Her eyes bug out. “I don’t know. I’m not sure I—”
“He’s so nice,” Juju says. “Super down to earth…and there’s a drawing. Whatever name he picks gets a jersey and a meet and greet with the entire team.”
“Oh my God,” she whispers.
“Let’s just walk over this way,” I say.
I catch Tully’s eye and motion for him to come over. When he starts walking toward us, Stacy grabs Juju’s arm like she might go down. I make the introductions, and Tully smiles wide, looking like the hockey superstar he is…one who’s been blessed with still-intact teeth.
“Hey there. Tully Whitman, nice to meet you,” he says, holding out his hand.
She takes it and stares at him for at least thirty seconds before breathing and saying hi. I think we lose her concentration after that. She’s lost in Tully Land as we go to the restaurant and then walk through the garden down to the pavilion filled with artwork.
“If you need to talk to anyone while you’re here, Grandma Donna will listen. She keeps the Friendship Bench busy, even in the cold months,” I tell them.
“That’s the sweetest thing I’ve ever heard,” Tammy says, watching as Grandma Donna hands a man she’s been talking to for the past twenty minutes a knitted glasses holder.
Next to us, Noah starts a fire. Stacy sees him, and her mouth drops.
“Is everyone who works here unusually hot?” she asks Juju under her breath.
“Yes. It’s the Whitman family genes,” Juju says, giving me a look that makes me want to bend her over the bench, hike up that skirt, and see how fast I can make her scream my name.
Suddenly, I’m in a hurry to finish the tour.
“You okay?” Juju asks after Stacy and Tammy have gone inside the pavilion.
“You look so hot in that fucking skirt. What are you wearing underneath?” I ask.
“Wouldn’t you like to know?” she says, leaning in close but not close enough.
“I really, really would.”
“Hey, Erin! Ava!” Juju says, waving them over.
Ava reaches us first, and Juju points out Stacy and Tammy in the window.
“Do you think you could finish up the tour with those two girls? Really all that’s left is to show them to their rooms and point out all the high points.”
“Got it. We’re on it,” Erin says. She takes another look at Juju and then me and grins. “Mm-hmm. I see what’s happening here. You two hot and horny lovebirds go get some for the rest of us.”
Ava’s cheeks turn red and so do Juju’s, but she surprises me by hugging the girls and taking my hand, tugging me toward the resort.
“You’re a lifesaver. Thank you,” she calls, laughing as she pulls me inside.