Page 56 of Just One Chance

"So no one thinks this is a crazy idea and waste of money?" I asked.

"If Kennedy thinks it's worthwhile, then why wouldn't we consider it?" Clara asked.

"What if no one cares about a snow room and it doesn't attract any more guests? But we still spent a ton of money on it?" I asked, more than a little irritated that my family was on Kennedy's side.

"We'd all have to look at the numbers and make a decision," Malcolm said reasonably.

"You're the one who's against taking any risks," I shot back.

"I'm not saying I agree with it. I'd have to see everything first," Malcolm said easily.

Why was he so calm when I felt more irritated by the minute?

Kennedy placed her hand on my forearm. "It was just a suggestion, and it's not a formal one. I'll present it to your parents when everything is ready. Then they can make a decision. It doesn't have to be done right now or even anytime soon. It's just a possibility," Kennedy said soothingly, but it was her touch that had sent tingles down my arm.

I wished we were alone, because I'd get lost in her and forget about snow rooms and changes. I wasn't ready for any of it.

"What did our mom think about the idea?" Clara asked Kennedy.

"She seemed interested. That's why I created a mock-up."

Kennedy worked hard on this idea, and I should've supported her. Wait, but she wasn't my girlfriend or someone I was planning a future with. Was my obligation to my family's inn or her?

Since we had an end date and this was my family's business, that should come first. But it was becoming less clear every day.

"I never would have thought of something like that. It's so unique. I feel like it makes our hotel exclusive," Clara said.

"That's the idea. What can we do that sets your inn apart from everyone else? All hotels have a fitness room or a pool. What do you have that will get people talking?"

"If they're talking about a snow room, no one is asking where the fitness room is," Callum said, and everyone laughed.

Kennedy was engaging and very good at convincing people that her ideas could work. I could admire that about her. But I didn't have to like the idea itself.

"Look, there's images of snow rooms with snow outside," Clara said to us, showing her screen. "Look how beautiful it is."

"A snow room would be so romantic. I could see there being proposals there," Hattie added.

Everyone started talking about how guests would use the snow room, and I felt like I'd lost control of the narrative.

"I take it you don't like it," Callum said to me.

"If we were in a warmer state, I could see it, but here? It doesn't make any sense." But I couldn't shake the feeling that I wasn't supporting Kennedy, and that didn't feel right either.

16

KENNEDY

Imoved closer to Boone, sensing he was upset. "I was hoping you'd like the idea or at least come around to it, especially since I asked that you be the one to design the trees and furniture in the room."

He glanced around the tub where everyone was chatting excitedly about options for the hotel. "I wasn't prepared for everyone to like the idea so much."

I nodded. "I'm a little surprised too."

His gaze returned to me. "You obviously have a knack for knowing what businesses need."

"It's a feeling I get. I've always been good at coming up with ideas that work."

"You've built quite a reputation for yourself. I researched you online the other day."