Sawyer frowned. “You’d be away for part of the summer?”
Savanna thought about it, then slowly nodded. “If you don’t want me to go, then I can tell her no. I just thought it’d be fun, but I didn’t really think about not being here for our first summer together. You know… just forget about it. I can go with her some other time.”
She started to turn away, her head lowered, disappointment written all over her demeanor. “Wait, Savanna,” Sawyer looked over at Ford and raised a brow. Ford shrugged and seemed to want to leave the possibility open. Sawyer faced Savie again. “We can certainly discuss it. If it’s a week right at the top of summer, we could make it work. We’ll definitely talk about it, hun.”
She smiled and nodded. “I’m gonna go unpack.”
“If you haven’t had breakfast, come on down when you’re done.” Ford called out as she left the room.
Sawyer turned to Ford. “Did I handle that correctly?”
Ford snickered. “You’re asking me? I don’t know much about teenagers in general, even less about teenage girls. I do know that what you said about talking about it was good. Besides, she is the only woman living in a house full of men. I think we need to be open to her going off with friends as long as we have family time too. So, yeah, babe, I would say your last suggestion was spot on; we’ll discuss it. Plus, we’re going to want to meet the other parents.”
“It’s hard being parents.” Sawyer walked over and lowered his head to Ford’s shoulder.
Ford's shoulders shook as he laughed. “Someone is being dramatic” He kissed the top of Sawyer’s head, “But, babe… we’re working through it. We’ll figure it out. Plus, them being your siblings does help”
Sawyer groaned. “Here’s hoping.”
They heard the front door close and then Gavin’s voice. “I’m home. Where is everyone?” he called out.
Sawyer smiled and led the way out of their room and met Gavin at the top of the stairs. “We’re right here.” Gavin smiled and then hugged both of them. “Did you have fun?” Sawyer asked.
“It was a blast. Asher has an Xbox and a PlayStation.” He gave them puppy eyes. “Can I have one, too, pleaseeeeeee?”
Ford shot a look at Sawyer, and they both burst out laughing, and that had Gavin frown. “What’s so funny?”
“We’ve just missed you,” Sawyer pulled Gavin into a hug.
A short time later, Barb and Doug stopped by to drop off Callum, who was ready for a nap, and surprise them with a dinner they could heat up later. Gavin had gone out to play with his Pop Pop while Barb chatted with Sawyer, Ford, and Savie.
When Gavin tired out and came back inside, Sawyer decided it was a good time as any to have the conversation he’d been wanting to have. Barb and Doug offered to watch Callum in his room so he could have the private moment. Not that they needed one, but he knew Ford’s parents were not ready to leave. And Sawyer was happy to have them over any time.
“Hey, you two.” Sawyer walked into the living room to join the kids and Ford.
“What’s up?” Savanna looked up from her phone.
Sawyer sat on the couch beside Ford and turned so he was facing the kids. “Well, we were discussing the resort last night, and we want this to be a family affair. We want you guys to be part of the whole resort experience. Share some ideas for a kids section maybe?”
Gavin’s eyes lit up. “Video games,” he immediately said. “A whole game room… ping pong… arcades… it’ll be sooo fun.”
Ford laughed. “Arcades. Got it.”
They turned to Savanna. “Any ideas, Savie?”
“A salon maybe,” Savie smiled, “People could get their hair done, their nails done…” She giggled. “It’ll be so cool.”
A smile danced on Sawyer’s lips. “It sure sounds like it,” he said. “I am sure that a lot of guests would really go for that.” Sawyer grinned. “Awesome idea Sav, we’ll definitely have to put that in the works.” He looked over at Gavin, “Just like I think many families with kids would love the idea of an arcade.”
“Any idea for something kids, both boys and girls, would like to have. Any thoughts on that?”
“Hmmmm…” Savanna said.
“Well…” Gavin started.
“How about ice cream?” It was Barbara, Ford’s mother that spoke up behind them. Sawyer turned around to look at her. “Ice cream?” he asked. “Like an ice cream parlor?”
“Well, yeah, but I’m thinking of something where people can find a large selection of flavors and get any toppings they could possibly hope for. I saw it on the Pinterest.”
“That does sound like a good idea,” Sawyer said, shooting a look to Ford. He couldn’t help smiling at Barb adding that she found it “on the Pinterest.”
Ford nodded in agreement. “Thanks, Mom.”
It didn’t have to be in the resort, but in town, maybe that could work.
“You’re welcome boys.” Barb smiled at them.
“How about an art studio,” Savanna’s face glowed with excitement at the suggestion. “You can have all sorts of arts and crafts. You could have finger painting for the younger kids. Maybe even have art classes for all ages. I would definitely want to come.”
“Or plays,” Gavin said. “You could have acting classes, or each year the lodge could put on a play. I would audition. Lots of kids would. Even adults could audition.”
Sawyer sat back as both Gavin and Savanna bounced ideas off of them. Some of it wasn’t usable, but he loved the kids’ enthusiasm. When they took a break, Sawyer laughed. “Ask and ye shall receive.”
“Huh?” Gavin’s forehead creased.
Sawyer chuckled at the look of confusion Gavin had on his face. “I asked you guys your thoughts, and you gave us a ton of great suggestions. Now, it’s just narrowing them down and seeing which ones are best to go with, but we could definitely use
