He hesitated. He looked over to Ford, and Ford gave him two thumbs up. Sawyer smiled and turned back to the group.
“When Mark and I set out to make this place a reality, we didn’t know what to expect, and we certainly didn’t take into account the full impact all of you would have on this. If it wasn’t for many of you, this would not even be a possibility. So, thank you.
“Throughout the tour, you will find that there are several shops handing out gifts and mementos to each of the guests. Those are our thank you gifts. If you are wanting to reserve a room for your stay, whether it be this weekend or in the future, there will be several members of staff at the check-in desk that will be able to help you plan out your vacation. Your first two-night stay will be half off. That’s another token of our appreciation. If you have any questions throughout your visit today, you can reach out to one of our employees, and they will gladly help you out. Thank you so much for coming.”
Sawyer turned to Mark and in a lowered voice away from the mic, he asked, “Do you have anything to add?”
Mark nodded and Sawyer stepped aside giving space. “I just want to thank everyone, as Sawyer has done, for your hard work, dedication, and acceptance. This wasn’t an easy journey to get here, but from what I have heard, the support from all of you has been immeasurable. Give yourself a round of applause.”
The crowd erupted into applause.
Mark looked to Sawyer. “Now, Sawyer is going to do the honors of cutting this ribbon and celebrating the birth of Amber Falls Ski Resort.”
Again, everyone applauded. Mark stepped back and held out his hand gesturing to Sawyer. Sawyer moved forward, then stopped, he turned to his left and held a hand out to Ford. None of this would have been possible without his boyfriend too. Ford raised a brow, even as a smile appeared on his face, and walked over to him, slipping his hand into Sawyer’s, and the crowd clapped again.
“Hold on to one side, and I’ll do the same on the other, and we’ll cut it together, okay?” Sawyer whispered to Ford.
His boyfriend nodded, and together, they cut the ribbon. The crowd erupted into applause yet again.
Sawyer turned around and called out, “Enjoy yourselves!”
People moved forward, and Sawyer quickly darted out of their way, all while continuing to hold on to Ford.
“So, what’s next?” Sawyer whispered in Ford’s ears. It was all his planning, after all.
Ford’s eyes met his before going back to the guests that filtered past them. “I think I might have to help the staff. We aren’t at full opening capacity yet.” He shook his head. “This is crazy.”
Ford wore a proud smile on his face, and he deserved it. Being a project manager on such a large project your first time out was no small feat. And his wonderful boyfriend kicked it way out of the park.
“I’m gonna make sure everything is running smoothly,” Ford said.
“Let me know if you need anything.” Sawyer said but his boyfriend was already hurrying off.
Sawyer let his boyfriend go, even though they had already hired a very competent resort manager.
He turned and found Mark and Theresa headed towards him.
“I know that it felt like we were never going to see this day, but it happened,” Mark said. He laughed as he shook Sawyer’s hand. “Good job, man.”
Sawyer grinned widely. “Thanks for being here.”
Mark came in for a hug, “Wouldn’t miss it.” When he stepped back, Theresa hugged him, too, before they both walked away to enjoy the resort’s planned activities for the day.
He spotted Ford’s parents and walked in their direction.
“Good job, Son,” Doug said as Sawyer stopped next to them. Sawyer ruffled Callum’s hair, who was sitting in Ford’s mom’s arms.
That wouldn’t last. Callum had turned into quite the active, talkative one nowadays, and Sawyer couldn’t be happier.
“Thank you,” he said. “Are you guys going to stick around?” Sawyer asked.
“For a little bit,” Barbara said. “At least until we have to get home and get Callum to sleep. Does Ford know anything about the plans for tonight?” she asked.
Sawyer shook his head and smiled. “I appreciate you watching Callum tonight. Have fun with Grandma and Grandpa.” Sawyer kissed the top of Cal’s head. “Just in case I don’t see you guys before you leave, have a safe drive home,” he said.
He then moved past his family. There was no other way to think about Barb and Doug.
He strolled through the resort until he got to the far end where the old foundation had been located. And there it was, the one thing he couldn’t say no to the kids about.
Despite the frigid temperatures on the outside, the waterpark on the inside came with a heated pool, and at least thirty people, mostly kids, were running around the outer edges, with the others splashing around in the pool. It seemed to be going over well.
Sawyer hoped paying customers’ kids loved it as much. He was also grateful for the smaller cabins—although he wasn’t sure if the options of two, three-bedroom luxury chalets could be called cabins—still he was glad it was there for the guests that wanted privacy.
He double checked the lifeguards in the area and nodded when he saw them at their post.
“Sawyer!”
Sawyer turned around and saw Gavin hurrying over to him. Of course his brother was here. Gav had his swim shorts on, and he was already dripping wet. He was laughing and his eyes shone bright.
“Are you having a good time?” Sawyer asked.
“The best!” he said. “Watch this!” Without waiting for a response, Gavin hurried away from him. He practically
