We Three Kings: Inn for Christmas

It’s not all sleigh rides and jingle bells, for Joe King, owner, operator, and resident humbug at "Christmas Inn at Three Kings Ranch” as he confronts a yuletide dilemma. Juggling more than ornaments, his heart is empty, burdened by responsibilities weighing heavier than a fruitcake.
Joe's estranged brothers, Chris and Nick, return home to Bethlehem Falls for Christmas, learning it may be their last as Joe unveils a shocking plan to sell the cherished family ranch. Destiny takes a whimsical turn when Frankie Malone, Joe’s high school sweetheart, returns from the city with her own tinsel to untangle.
With the ranch, and family bonds at stake, Frankie aims to revive traditions from mistletoe mishaps avoiding her own jingle jangle of problems. As frosty feelings thaw, changes of heart emerge in the King brothers, but festive cheer turns to chaos when the identity of their scheming potential buyer is revealed, jeopardizing the King family legacy.
In an epic holiday plot twist, Frankie might be the key to saving it all, including a future with Joe. Will stockings be filled with new relationships and happily ever after’s just in the “nick” of time, or will it be an avalanche of coal this stormy holiday season?

CHAPTER 1: “I’m heading to the train station to pick up the guys, Abe. You good here for a while?” Joe King, the eldest of the three King brothers, asked as he shook the snow from his jacket as he entered the lobby, his voice carrying the unspoken weight of responsibility.
He approached the check-in counter where Abe Caswell, an old family friend with a heart as big as his smile, was busy preparing for the influx of holiday guests.
Abe glanced up, his eyes sparkling with a hint of mischief. "Last I checked, I was still on Santa’s good list — but I suppose time will tell."
Joe chuckled, a rare smile breaking through his usual stoic demeanor. “You mean… you haven’t been caught yet. You’re just as ornery as my granddad was, only better at hiding it.”
“That’s why we were best friends until the end,” Abe replied, a note of fondness in his voice. “He could keep a secret, you know.”
Inside the lodge, the lobby was pure holiday magic — a festive wonderland wrapped in rustic charm. The massive open space buzzed with the warmth of a roaring fireplace, its crackling flames inviting guests to gather ‘round in cozy, overstuffed chairs. Laughter and the sweet murmur of conversations filled the air as people sipped on steaming mugs of spiced cider, their cheeks flushed from the cold outside but glowing with the warmth of the season.
Garlands of evergreen and holly cascaded from every ledge and banister, their rich green offset by the vibrant red of berries and ribbons. Christmas trees, in every size and shape, twinkled from every corner, their branches heavy with a mix of ornaments — some old, some new, each one telling a story. The largest of them all, a majestic spruce that seemed to touch the ceiling, stood proudly by the fireplace, its boughs weighed down with decorations and memories from Christmases past. The room was alive with the spirit of the season, a perfect blend of nostalgia and joy, where every glance brought a new discovery of festive delight.
“Yeah,” Joe murmured, his smile fading. “He was a good man. First Christmas without him — it already feels... wrong.”
Abe’s expression softened, concern etching lines into his weathered face. “Are you sure this is what you want? Christmas is the right time to tell your brothers?”
Joe nodded, determination flickering in his eyes. “It’s the first time they’ve been back to the ranch in years, other than the funeral. It’s now or probably never.”
Abe studied him for a moment, then nodded. “How are they going to take it?”
“I don’t know,” Joe admitted, his voice quiet. “But it’s not something I can do over the phone.”
“They’ve chased their dreams — it’s your turn, Joe. They might surprise you.”
Joe nodded, giving Abe a small wave before heading out the door. The sprawling grounds of The Christmas Inn at Three Kings Ranch awaited him, the lodge’s rustic, grand structure standing proudly atop the hill. As Joe walked, the magnitude of what he was about to do settled in, heavy like the snow that blanketed the town.
“It’s now or never.” He said to himself as he climbed into his truck and drove off.
***
Joe cruised through the small town of Bethlehem Falls, the place looking like it had been dipped in holiday magic. The fresh snow sparkled under the streetlights, making the whole town twinkle as if it had been plucked straight from a Christmas postcard. He turned up the heat in his truck but rolled down the window just enough to let in the sweet holiday cheer that Bethlehem Falls was famous for. The air was alive with the sound of cheerful Christmas music — jingle bells and festive melodies drifting through the streets and mingling perfectly with the joyful atmosphere that wrapped the town like a cozy scarf.
Laughter echoed through the crisp air as children glided across the frozen pond at the town center, their cheeks rosy from the cold, eyes bright with excitement. Joe couldn’t help but smile at the sight. The scent of fresh pine from the Christmas trees lining the streets mixed with the rich aroma of hot cocoa and something sweet — gingerbread, maybe — wafting from the nearby café, making the whole town smell like Christmas in a cup. It was the kind of place that made you believe in holiday magic, whether you wanted to or not.
Joe pulled into the train station, feeling the festive energy he didn’t quite connect with, buzzing all around. He checked his watch — early. Great. He shrugged off his seatbelt and slumped back, eyes narrowing as he waited for the final train of the day to arrive.
The station was alive with holiday hustle, a flurry of cheerful faces, and eager movements. Joe’s gaze swept over the crowd, a mix of curiosity and skepticism tugging at him. What brought all these people to Bethlehem Falls? A picture-perfect holiday postcard, sure, but he couldn’t help but wonder what they saw in it that he didn’t.
As he watched, a faint smirk pulled at his lips. People with big-city energy trying to soak up some small-town charm. He could almost predict their stories — a reunion, romantic getaway, maybe a holiday escape from reality. The town worked its magic on everyone, or so it seemed. Joe wasn’t so sure it still worked on him, but hey, maybe this Christmas would be different. Or not.
Joe’s gaze landed on a well-dressed man sitting on a bench, his luggage neatly stacked beside him. The guy was utterly absorbed in his cellphone, the screen’s glow reflecting off his contented expression.
Joe chuckled, shaking his head. “Typical, Chris. Some things never change.”
The distant whistle of an approaching train broke the peaceful quiet, followed by the gentle hiss of brakes as the train glided into the station, its wheels whispering against the snow-covered tracks. Chris finally looked up from his phone, a smile spreading across his face as the train doors slid open. Out stepped a hipster-esque man, dressed like he’d either just come from the city or wrapped up some nomadic adventure but ready to dive headfirst into the small-town holiday spirit.
Joe grinned, muttering to himself, “Welcome home, Nick.”
From the warmth of his truck, Joe watched as Chris and Nick’s eyes met on the platform. In an instant, they closed the distance, embracing with an infectious laughter that was like champagne bubbles on New Year's Eve. Passersby couldn’t help but share in their joy, smiles spreading through the crowd like a wave of holiday cheer. Joe’s younger brothers were finally home, at least for now.
As the two brothers made their way down the snow-dusted steps, Bethlehem Falls seemed to come alive around them. Main Street was a winter wonderland brought to life, with shop windows aglow in twinkling lights, doors adorned with lush wreaths, and garlands draped over lampposts like festive jewelry. The whole town looked like it had stepped out of a Christmas movie, every corner bursting with holiday spirit.
But to Joe, the crown jewel of Bethlehem Falls was, without a doubt, The Christmas Inn at Three Kings Ranch. Nestled behind a grand wrought iron gate, the sprawling property was a sight to behold. The winding drive led through expansive grounds, past charming barns, cozy log cabins, and picturesque gazebos, each one kissed by snow and decorated as if by Santa’s best elves. At the top of the hill stood the main lodge, a grand log-style building that seemed to glow with warmth and welcome, its windows casting a golden light out into the wintery night. The inn was the heart of the town’s Christmas spirit, a place where holiday dreams came true and memories were made to last a lifetime.
As Nick and Chris crossed through the gates and into the public area just outside the train platform, Joe let out a sigh, swung open his truck door, and stood outside, waiting for them to spot him.
He whispered to himself, “Here goes nothing.”