Chapter 9
9
Nick whistled in amazement. “Wow. We offer all this here? It all sounds so... fun.”
Chris, still engrossed in his brochure, nodded. “So much has changed. I guess I should read the emails a little more closely.”
Frankie glanced up, her eyes sparkling with admiration. “Joe... this is fantastic.”
Dressed in matching red gear stamped with "Christmas Inn at Three Kings Ranch," Chris, Nick, and Frankie stood near the front desk, flipping through glossy brochures like kids discovering the wonders of a candy store. The common area buzzed with the infectious energy of the holiday season, festive lights twinkling all around. Meanwhile, Joe and Abe were in full swing, handing out walkie-talkies with the efficiency of Santa’s elves preparing for a big day. The excitement in the air was palpable, setting the perfect tone for the busy day ahead.
“I’d actually pay to stay here,” Nick added with a grin. “Well, you know what I mean. It’s great!”
Abe, handing out the last walkie-talkie, chimed in, “The daily excursions and shuttles to town were a game changer. Much more convenient for guests.”
“It takes the guessing out of traveling,” Frankie agreed. “I can only imagine what this has done for the town.”
Joe nodded, a hint of pride threading through his modest tone. "It’s worked well for all of us. It’s truly a team effort and a co-op of sorts."
Chris glanced over at Joe with newfound respect. “And you came up with all of this?”
Abe couldn’t help but smile. “He sure did. Your brother here is a visionary and an incredible businessman.”
Joe shrugged off the compliment. “It’s called survival, and it’s been hard. Really hard. But it’s paid off. The town counts on us.”
Chris’s expression grew serious. “And we haven’t been here for them, not all of us.”
Nick nodded slowly, the realization settling in. “It’s all starting to make sense now. I get it, Joe.”
“Get what?” Joe asked, puzzled.
“All of it,” Chris replied. “What you’ve done here, why you’re tired, why you want change. You’re just one guy, brother.”
Nick’s eyes lit up with determination. “We need to bring back Christmas. The way it used to be. A King Family Christmas.”
“It’s quite literally our last chance,” Chris added. “After seeing all this, I have no doubt the ranch will sell.”
“And fast,” Nick agreed. “This was a bigger job than just one of us, yet one of us did it... all of it.”
Abe nodded in agreement. “He sure did.”
Nick turned to his brothers, his voice filled with resolve. “So, we’re all in agreement? We’re bringing back the King Christmas spirit to Bethlehem Falls one more time?”
Joe’s voice softened as he admitted, “One of us never gave up on that spirit. The town needed it, but feel free to join in.”
A brief silence fell over the group as Joe’s words sank in. Frankie, still absorbed in the brochure, broke the quiet.
“Joe, you have created the best of both worlds. People get to stay at a Christmas resort or get the full experience with these excursions.”
Joe nodded. “It’s helped business.”
“I’d say so,” Frankie replied, enthusiasm in her voice. “You need to market this. Coming to the ranch, experiencing all of this... it’s a luxury.”
Joe looked a bit overwhelmed. “Market it? That’s a little over my head, more your arena.”
Chris stepped in with support. “She’s right, Joe. This place is so much more than people probably imagine. There’s opportunity here.”
Joe sighed. “Again, not my specialty. We’ve survived this long off of history and word of mouth.”
Frankie’s mind was already whirring with ideas. “I’ll look at your website and brainstorm a bit. I’ll shadow you today, Joe, if that’s okay?”
Joe hesitated, uncertainty flickering in his eyes as he mulled over Frankie’s request. Just as he was about to respond, Abe glanced at his watch, his expression shifting to one of urgency.
“Well, look at that,” Abe said, interrupting. “Already time for the first shuttle run. We all better get going. No time to waste.”
Joe checked his watch as well. “Oh wow. I have to get going, too. You boys can handle the front desk? Not much has changed there.”
Chris nodded. “I’m here until your guy, Devyn, shows up.”
Joe began to speak, but Abe laid a gentle hand on his shoulder, shaking his head slightly.
Nick jumped in, “I’ll tag in after the breakfast rush and cover the front desk for Chris.”
Joe took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the day lift slightly. “Okay. I guess we’re all set. I’ll be back later to check in. Don’t... ruin anything.”
With a shared grin and quick nods, the group scattered, each bursting with energy as they headed off in different directions, ready to dive into the day's festive tasks.