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“People are looking for things to do at the holidays, and we could provide that.”
“I thought that’s what the light display was supposed to be,” I said carefully, not liking where this conversation was going.
Marley’s eyes sparkled with mischief. “That’s a great addition to the farm. But I thought since we held the movie nights for the community, it would be nice to have a date night event.”
“I don’t like the idea of a dating thing,” Emmett said.
“I don’t either,” I was quick to add.
“I think it could be fun. We’d be drawing in a different demographic. It keeps the farm fresh in everyone’s mind. People come for a tree and maybe shop at the store, but they leave and have no reason to return. This will be an additional event for them to attend.” Marley’s hands gestured wildly as she spoke.
I didn’t mention the light display again because Marley wasn’t listening to me or Emmett. I had a feeling she was used to the pushback she got from Emmett and was prepared to bulldoze through any objection we raised.
“It would be fun to do a bachelor or bachelorette auction. Men could vote on a date with a woman,” Marley continued.
“Then they could have the date right here on the farm. We could set up a few romantic areas: the pond, the gazebo in the woods…” Ireland said excitedly.
“Oh, what about the hot tub?” Marley threw out, and I saw red.
“The hot tub is something we built, but no one uses,” I said, my voice tight.
Marley’s cheeks turned red as Heath threw an arm over her shoulders. “I don’t know about that.”
I gripped the back of my neck, willing my temper to stay in check. The thought of someone bidding on Hanna and then having a romantic date with her in the secluded hot tub in the woods was too much for me to handle. I was starting to see why Emmett reacted so strongly to any suggestions for change. “This is the worst idea I’ve heard for the farm yet.”
Marley flinched, and Ireland took a step back from the force of my words.
Hanna shot me a reproachful look. She was disappointed in me, but she couldn’t see that a bachelorette auction was cheesy. “We’re not a reality TV show.”
Mom frowned. “I don’t know. I love those dating shows. I think this would be tasteful and romantic.”
I shot her an incredulous look.
“I think it will be all in good fun. We’ll have several romantic dates planned for them so they won’t have to wait to go on their dates. Isn’t that what everyone wants for the holidays? Someone to spend their time with?” Mom asked.
“No one will be alone at midnight on New Year’s. That could be our slogan. Come to Monroe Christmas Tree Farm and find that special someone to spend the holidays with,” Marley said.
I shook my head. “No. No. No. I don’t like it.”
Marley shot me an exasperated look. “I expect this kind of pushback from Emmett, but not from you, Sebastian. I thought you were the one who said we needed to make more money for the farm.”
My jaw tightened. “That’s true.”
Marley smiled triumphantly. “And I’m a wiz at this marketing stuff. Leave this to me.”
I clenched my teeth so hard I thought I’d crack a tooth.
“For what it’s worth, I don’t like it either, but no one listens to me anymore,” Emmett grumbled.
“I’m with you,” I said to Emmett.
Since Emmett was the oldest and the one in charge of the trees, his word held more weight. But ever since my brothers started pairing off, their significant others’ opinions were becoming increasingly stronger, and Mom felt more confident supporting their suggestions.
“Who knew you were such a curmudgeon?” Hanna said rhetorically to the room at large.
I felt a twinge of shame. But then I remembered I didn’t want Hanna being auctioned off.
“We can use the money to freshen the paint on the barn and do a few other cosmetic changes. I’d like to create a new sign for the entrance,” Marley said.
