Page 82 of Just One Spark

"A hot cocoa stand?"I asked as he led us to the side of the tasting room where Jovie was standing at a table with a sign, Hattie's Hot Cocoa."What's this?"

"I thought we could use more options than just beer and root beer.We needed something sweet."

"I can't believe you did this," I said as Jovie handed us two hot cocoas with a smile.

He put an arm around my shoulder and pulled me into his side."I think it's perfect.You'll have to talk to Mom and Dad about adding hot chocolate to the inn's dining room.But first, I want you to know that we're bigger than any story in a small-town newspaper.They can print whatever they want, but it's not our truth."

"I like that."I loved that idea that we were writing the story.Not a reporter or even our families.It was up to us to take it from here.

He cupped my cheek and kissed me.

This was what it felt like to be loved and supported.

By the endof the night, only Rowan's family was sitting in the tasting room.

Judy and Raymond stood at the front of the room where Rowan had given his speech earlier.He hadn't stopped touching me the rest of the night.Now his arm rested over the back of my chair, and he occasionally leaned in to kiss my cheek or to whisper something into my ear.

I'd never felt happier.For the first time, I felt settled.As if everything was going to work out for me.

"We're thrilled with the opening of the restaurant and now the brewery,” Raymond began.

“But we want to ensure that the inn is keeping up with the changes,” Judy continued.

Rowan and Boone exchanged an uneasy look across the table.

Raymond nodded."So we've hired a hospitality interior designer to evaluate the inn and give us advice on updates.Ms.Barnes an expert on profitability and guest trends."

Malcolm's brow furrowed."Since when do we need someone on the outside giving an opinion on our business?"

"Isn't that what you did when you asked Beck to consult on the brewery?"Raymond asked him.

"This is different.Beck was a friend.We don't know anything about this woman."

"She came highly recommended.She'll be staying on the property to get a feel for the customer experience, and she'll be visiting the restaurant and the brewery, maybe even going for a hike or two, and touring local tourist destinations," Judy said.

Raymond nodded."It would be ideal if one of you could be her guide while she's here."

"I was thinking Boone would be perfect for this."

Boone raised a brow."Me?"

"You've been asking to design furniture for the inn for years.Now's your chance to see if it's feasible," Raymond said.

"I'd prefer to hang out in my woodshop all day, not spend time with some city girl who has opinions about how we do things here," Boone grumbled.

"We want to ensure that the inn is set up when we retire.We don't want to make a wrong decision and waste time and money."

"If it makes Mom and Dad feel better about retirement—" Rowan began.

"So we don't have a say in this?"Malcolm interrupted.

"She's a consultant.We don't have to do anything she recommends if we don't want to.As always, we'll vote as a family on her suggestions," Raymond said reasonably.

"But I want you to take her seriously.She came highly recommended, and she knows what she's talking about," Judy added.

Malcolm shook his head."I don't like this."

"There's not much you do like around here," Callum shot back.