Chapter 27
Chapter Twenty-Seven
ELI
The conference room hadn’t changed much.
I thought back to all those meetings when Jules and I sniped and sparred with each other in this room.
Back when we had been enemies instead of whatever we were now.
Same scratched oak table, same faded nautical prints on the walls.
Yet we had gone from adversaries to lovers to… ex-lovers?
I shifted in my seat, trying to channel my usual easygoing vibe, but my leg wouldn’t stop bouncing under the table.
The air crackled with a mix of hope and nerves as my family filed in.
Harper’s lips were pressed into a thin line, all business.
Braden’s eyes held that familiar glint of hopeful ambition. And Mom looked… wary.
When Jules walked in, my heart did its usual flip-flop. Her bun was extra severe today, not a hair out of place. Desperate for some connection with her, I caught her eye and winked. “Looking sharp, Verne. Did you iron your pencil this morning too?” Yeah, that damn mouth of mine.
But I caught the hint of a smile as she slapped back without missing a beat. “I see you’ve combed your hair for once, Coleridge. Special occasion?”
Since my heartfelt confession last week about my misery, we hadn’t talked again.
I knew how she felt—the only way forward was for us to be accepted as a couple.
Except I couldn’t figure out how to make that happen.
So I played the part that was expected of me, clutching my chest in mock offense.
“You wound me. I’ll have you know I run my fingers through it at least twice a day. ”
Chase was the last to arrive, dropping into the seat next to me with a nod, and once again dressed in a suit and tie. The room fell silent, that moment before the plunge.
I cleared my throat. “Well, gang’s all here. Shall we get this party started?”
Harper shot me a look from Chase’s other side. “This isn’t a party, Eli.”
I pointed to the sheet cake in the middle of the table.
I hadn’t liked that idea, afraid of jinxing our decision, but Harper had overruled me.
We’d met as a family two days ago and come to our decision.
Very democratically, very un-Coleridge-like.
I smirked back at her, indicating the cake.
“Could’ve fooled me. We’ve got cake, right? ”
Braden snorted. “I could get beer if anyone’s thirsty.”
Mom sighed. “Children, please. This is serious.”
The laughter died away, leaving that prickly anticipation.
My stomach churned. We’d made our decision but now came the hard part—actually following through.
I glanced around the table, taking in the familiar faces.
My tribe. The people I’d do anything for, even if it meant embracing change that scared the hell out of me.
Chase cleared his throat, his eyes scanning the room. “Well, I suppose we should get down to business. What’s the verdict on the renovations?” In keeping with family solidarity, I hadn’t said anything to him about what we’d come up with, but I hoped he’d be pleased.
The air in the conference room seemed to thicken.
I held my breath, waiting for Harper to speak.
As general manager, it was on her to make the announcement.
She straightened in her chair, her usually warm eyes now reflecting determination and caution.
“After careful consideration, we’ve decided to proceed with a limited renovation through your firm, Chase.
We’ll focus on essential repairs and upgrades—the roofs, HVAC systems, and guest room beds and linens.
To finance this, we’ll secure the necessary loan. ”
Chase nodded, his expression professional. “That’s a solid plan. It addresses the most pressing issues while keeping costs manageable.”
“Exactly,” Harper agreed. “We’re balancing the need for improvements with our financial constraints.”
I caught Braden shifting in his seat, his blue eyes sparking with that familiar determination.
Here we go.
“I hear you,” Braden started, his voice casual but firm. “But I just want to reiterate what I said before. Sometimes, a bigger risk can lead to bigger rewards.”
I couldn’t help but nod. He had a point.
Braden continued, gesturing animatedly. “Look at Tidal Hops. When I started, everyone thought I was crazy to take out such a big loan. But now? We’re thriving and I’ve already paid it back. If I’d played it safe, who knows where we’d be.”
The room fell silent, considering his words. I found myself torn, caught between our cautious plan and the allure of a bolder strategy.
“Braden’s got a point,” I heard myself say. “A more comprehensive renovation could really put us on the map. Give us that competitive edge we’ve been talking about.”
Mom’s eyes narrowed slightly, and the worry lines deepened around her mouth.
But before she could speak, Harper jumped in.
“I understand where you’re coming from, guys.
Really, I do. But we have to consider the financial implications first. This isn’t just about the next few months.
We need to think long-term stability. We already made the decision, remember? ”
Mom leaned forward, her silver-brown braid falling over her shoulder. “Braden, honey, I’m so proud of what you’ve accomplished with Tidal Hops.” Her smile was warm and proud, but I noticed a slight tremor in her hand as she reached for her glass of water.
“But?” Braden prompted gently.
Mom cleared her throat and set her glass back down firmly.
“No more buts, just a push for caution. I know you’ve all wanted to strangle me at points for the last few months, but I’ve come around.
I’m still not thrilled with getting a loan, but…
I’m sure I’ll get used to the idea. As long as the loan is for the smallest amount possible. ”
My chest tightened. I’d never seen Mom look so vulnerable, so unsure. She’d always been our rock, the one with all the answers. Now, seeing her struggle, I felt a rush of empathy. This wasn’t just about business for her. It was about protecting the very heart of who we were.
“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 will directly 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 Hunter was 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 how proud I 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 actually fidgeted in 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, yeses rang out. Then we all turned to Mom. This was it—the moment that could change everything.