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I wanted to get the website finished so I could start taking reservations for the spring.
Something could go wrong at any time and set the time line back. But I needed to plan for the future. I didn’t want to lose customers to the other hotels and inns in the area.
Piper’s brother, Henry, owned Mountain Haven Lodge, which catered more to the outdoorsy types who bought his adventure packages and tours. There were other B&Bs in town, but hopefully, there was room for more. Miranda had mentioned that townspeople were excited about the addition of another B&B, and I hoped that equated to paying guests.
The ski resort had the main lodge and cabins. But that attracted a different clientele than those who wanted to be in town, close to shops and restaurants.
My ideal customer was someone who wanted to visit the town but not necessarily ski or hike while they were here. There were already plenty of lodging options for those seeking outdoor adventure.
I wanted to draw in newlyweds or couples celebrating anniversaries and who wanted quiet time. I also wanted to make a communal space for those who wanted to dine with other couples for breakfast or sit around a fire at night. I wanted a romantic atmosphere. I wouldn’t exclude families, but I wanted to cater to couples.
Maybe I could advertise it as the perfect space for a wedding party. They could rent out the whole B&B just for one family or a bridal party. I could offer a discounted package for it. My mind churned with ideas.
Piper had told me to think about ideal customers and the feeling I wanted to convey, and I think I’d finally settled on it. I might not believe in love for myself, but my romantic heart wanted it for others.
I tried to think of what would draw couples in, like amazing rooms and luxurious bathrooms. Mac had been great about adding details, such as trim and paint, that made the rooms more elegant. I wanted people to feel pampered while they were here. As if they were staying in a five-star resort and receiving the one-on-one attention they craved.
I tried not to think about what that would mean for my life. I needed a profit before I could even consider hiring more help. Thankfully, I had an arrangement with Alice. I offered her reduced rent on the room in the front in exchange for her covering the front desk at times.
Early in the renovation, Sam suggested creating an amazing outdoor space as an advertisement for his new branch of the business. He’d wanted to do it for free, so I’d said yes. But now, I was wondering if it wasn’t the perfect draw for a romantic stay. I was beyond lucky that he’d offered.
I couldn’t afford to pay for it, but it would make for amazing pictures once it was completed. Sam wouldn’t start work on it until the rest of the renovations were complete. Mac said landscaping was done last, which meant we wouldn’t have pictures for the website for a while yet.
It was discouraging, but I could still feature the room and bathrooms when those were completed. Of course, nothing was picture-ready yet. How was I going to entice people without any interior pictures? My head ached. I’d been turning this idea in my head over and over all week. Each night, when Delaney was asleep, I’d get out my notebook and laptop and brainstorm ideas.
Tonight, I sat at the front counter, hoping the location would inspire something. I finally dropped my forehead onto the wood surface, wishing I already had it figured out.
The key turned in the lock, and I lifted my head. It was too late for Alice to be here. She was at home with Sam and Maggie.
Surprised to see Mac holding boxes as he kicked the door shut behind him, I asked, “What are you doing here?”
“I wanted to drop off a delivery we got at the main office. It was supposed to come here,” he grumbled.
I hurried around the counter. “Do you need help?”
“It’s just a few boxes. You sit down while I bring them in.”
“Are you sure?”
“I am.” He set the box next to the counter with a thump. “Besides, you look exhausted.”
“I am,” I said, sinking back onto the high stool by the counter.
“Give me a few minutes,” he said.
“Take your time.” I tried to pay attention to my screen, but the words were floating in my vision.
I was vaguely aware that he was coming and going. Finally, I gave up all pretense of work and watched him as he flexed while carrying the heavy boxes and carefully placed them next to the counter.
“Whew, those were heavy,” Mac said when he’d lowered the last box and closed the front door.
“What’s in the boxes?” I asked as he headed toward me.
“The fixtures for the bathrooms and kitchen.”
“I was just thinking about pictures for the website and how nothing is ready for a photographer yet.” My shoulders lowered.
He came around the counter, crowding my space. Then he began to knead the tight muscles. “Is this okay?”
