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She might have missed it, but Jackson caught the way her parents looked at each other again, with that “uh oh” look that he’d seen other parents wear.
But their concerns didn’t matter, as Lexi’s words had buoyed his spirits. “I couldn’t imagine living anywhere else.”
Maybe he said that with more force than he’d intended, for her gaze dropped, and it became her turn to investigate her plate. And while he meant his words, he also knew he might have to. The bank’s deadline for alternative arrangements was drawing closer, and he remained as clueless as ever about what to do. But somehow, deeper within, he felt a strong conviction that God would work things out. God had provided for his mother, by placing the angel that was Lexi in the Reilly household. Surely God would provide a way for them to stay on the ranch.
“You know, I think the ranch would make a great farm stay,” Lexi said.
“A what?” Jasper asked.
“Ooh, yes,” Ellie said. “Our ranch is beautiful. I might be biased, but I think it’s got a much nicer outlook than the Darcy’s ranch next door. They apparently wanted to buy the property from Granddad, but he refused to sell any Reilly land.” This was said with a stern look in Jackson’s direction. “But I think people would love to come and stay. And it could provide some extra income.”
“But what would people do?” Jasper asked.
“Come on, Jasper. Use your imagination. They could ride horses, swim in the river, collect eggs, read books, watch movies, eat outside, and watch the sunset.”
“And you already have the bunkhouse accommodation,” Lexi said. “I think people would love to come.”
Ellie frowned. “We’d have to tidy up a few things.”
Mr. Franklin nodded, as if he too had caught the enthusiasm rippling around the dining table. “Superficial improvements should be easily managed. As long as it doesn’t steal too much focus from your usual routines.”
“You’d just need a way of letting people know,” Lexi said.
“That’s easy,” Ellie said. “Dermott, my oldest brother, his wife Mindy is great at social media. We could ask her for some ideas. I bet she’d know how we could market the place to attract visitors.”
“Or you could ask Tabby Thomas at the Lakeside Inn,” Mrs. Franklin said. “I understand they’re fully booked until Memorial Day, so she must know something about attracting guests.”
“Wait.” This was getting out of control. “Mr. Franklin is right. This might be a great idea, but I don’t have time to devote to this. I barely have enough hours in the day to sleep, let alone entertain visitors. We’d need someone who’d be happy to do that. And we can’t afford to pay more staff.”
The table fell silent for a few moments. He glanced out the window, catching a glimpse of Wainscott Lake.
“How many extra staff would you need?” Mrs. Franklin said. “If you make things fairly self-sufficient, like provide breakfast baskets, and don’t provide meals, then perhaps you could still make things work.” She held up her hands apologetically. “Of course, I’m no expert, but I have helped run this place for many years. Once you work out the logistics and your systems and can encourage people to look after themselves as much as possible, then things become much more doable.”
Hope fluttered around the corners of his chest. “It’s something, but it wouldn’t be enough.” Definitely not something enough by the time the bank demanded payment.
“I think it’s a great idea,” Ellie said. “I think we should talk to Mom and do it.”
“Is your father not around?” Mrs. Franklin asked.
How to kill the mood with one question. “He left when I was a boy.”
“I was a baby,” Ellie said. “I don’t remember him at all.”
“I’m so sorry,” Lexi’s mom murmured.
Ellie shrugged, but her face was hard. “He made it clear he wanted nothing to do with us, and we’re happy for it to stay that way. I don’t even know what I’d say to him if he appeared.”
“Surely he wouldn’t, not after so many years,” Jasper said. “Wasn’t he declared legally dead?”
Ellie nodded, her lips flat.
“Mom needed to do that in order to keep the ranch running,” Jackson said. “She spent years trying to raise us and keep the ranch afloat, but it’s worn her down. I took it on years ago, and have power of attorney, but it’s hard work.” He cleared his throat. “That’s why it’s such a blessing to have Lexi there to care for Mom when she gave so much of herself to us.”
There was a beat or two of silence. He tried to smile at Lexi, but her look of intense sympathy made him swallow again.
“Your mother will be in our prayers, as well,” Peter Franklin assured.
And from the nod of approval being sent his way, Jackson knew he would be as well.
