Chapter 127 Part 127
Asher
Joel had presented his business idea to the family at dinner on Friday night. He’d gone as far as drawing up the layout of the cabin, listing local businesses where they could source the materials needed, and how he would advertise the cabins.
“I like it,” Thomas said, with a grin.
“What happens if you get a rowdy bunch of guys breaking away for the weekend, and they damage the place?” Dylan asked.
“There will be a deposit paid when they check in. Someone will have to do a walk-through with them and they sign, acknowledging the condition of the cabin. It will be part of our terms and conditions,” Joel said.
“And you’re sure that people will actually rent these cabins without electricity?”
“We connect everything to gas, it gives more credence to the rustic cabin getaway.” Asher watched Joel. The boy was in his element, and another surge of pride went through him.
“So, we’ll have a bunch of city people driving through our ranch to get to the cabins every weekend?” Blair asked him.
“Nope. They’ll use the western road. I’ve talked to Asher, and we’ll install a gate by that border fence so they won’t have access to the ranch at all,” he answered.
“They’re far enough away so that if they do decide to have a party, they won’t bother us,” Eden said, and glanced at Asher. He nodded his head in agreement.
“You did your homework, Joel. You got my vote,” Colt said. Dylan nodded his head in agreement.
“And if they’re troublemakers, I’m sure some sheriff’s deputy can lend a hand,” Finn added.
“That’s three votes for Joel. Pops?”
“I’m all for it. The kid has a good head on his shoulders for business. It makes sense to let him expand on it,” Thomas said.
“Eden?” Asher smiled at her.
“I’m in,” she said.
“Blair?”
He scratched his chin, the stubble threatening to give way to a beard if he didn’t shave soon. “I’m still a bit skeptical, but I’ll give it a shot.”
“Don’t I get a vote?” Winchester asked, and Asher chuckled.
“You ain’t a Fitzgerald, and this is Fitzgerald land,” Colt said, giving Winchester a look.
“I’m not a Fitzgerald by blood,” Joel said.
Colt stood up, pulled his knife from his pocket, and cut his thumb open. “Gimme your hand.” Joel held out his hand, and Colt made a cut on his thumb, and pressed their two fingers together. “There, you’re a Fitzgerald by blood.”
Asher chuckled, and shook his head. “What Colt meant to say was, Eden had just voted on behalf of your family unit. But what would your vote have been?”
“Hell, yes. It’s a fantastic idea,” Winchester said.
“When are you planning to start?”
“Tomorrow,” Joel said, with a twinkle in his eye. “The family gets an automatic 15% share. Asher explained how all new businesses on the ranch work, and it’s that money that keeps the ranch alive. The rest of the shares will be divided equally between me, Oscar, and Asher.”
“Why does Asher get a share?” Finn asked.
“He’s investing the cost of the first five cabins.” Joel crossed his arms over his chest, and everyone started laughing as he stared Finn down.
“Fine, but I would’ve invested, too.”
“You snooze, you lose, Finn.” Asher grinned at his youngest brother.
On the way back to the house, Joel kept talking non-stop about the cabins. Oscar shared his enthusiasm, and they were now discussing what kind of furniture to put inside, and to give the cabins names. He could only grin as they kept talking.
“Alright, I’m heading up. Don’t stay up too late, we’ve got chores in the morning,” Asher said.
“Goodnight, Asher,” they chorused, and headed to their bedroom.
He stood in the shower for a long time, the scalding water relaxing his muscles. He’d been pushing himself too much. He could feel it in his body, and he knew he had to slow down. If not for him, then for the boys.
They had the entire summer to get the cabins built, but he also knew it would take a while before they actually made any profit from them. That night, he slept peacefully, knowing that no matter what happened to him, those two boys would be fine. They’d have a source of income, and the rest of his family would take over and look after them.
He had a bad feeling that something big was going to happen, but he had no idea what it could be. It made him feel uneasy and on edge. Most days he was successful in pushing it to the back of his mind, but each night, he felt it.
The days blended into weeks, and before Asher knew it, it was July, and four of the five cabins had been built. Eden helped with the decorating part, and Asher had to admit, Joel did more than what was expected of him. He helped build, clearing the ground where the cabins would stand. He started advertising, and showed Asher the new website he’d made, and their first booking was made while Joel explained to him how it would work. His excitement shot through the roof when he confirmed that the deposit had been paid, and they officially had their first customer.
That first weekend, Joel met John Crawford and his wife at the cabin they’d rented. He did the walk-through with them, got the forms signed, and handed them a slim folder that contained information about the area, the dangers of the woods, and a listing of local shops and restaurants.
When the couple departed on Sunday afternoon, Joel did the inspection and refunded their deposit back to them. The woman had gone online and left a 5-star review.
‘The rustic cabin we rented was clean and spacious. The view was glorious and everybody in the small town exuded friendliness and efficiency. The young man that helped us, Joel Fitzgerald, was the epitome of friendly, helpful, and professional. I can’t wait to go back!’
Asher printed the review out, framed it, and hung it on the wall of Joel’s small office in the main barn. He’d never seen someone glow before, but Joel did, and Asher knew at that moment that he was going to make a huge success of the cabins.