Page 30

Clever.

I can’t believe I fell for it.

I slip on my coat and button only a few of the middle buttons before I quickly make my way to the main lodge.

Maintenance was clearly out here early. All the sidewalks are shoveled, and if it weren’t for the amount of snow on the ground, you’d never know we were in a storm last night, given the way the sun is shining.

The lodge is busy when I enter through the employees’ entrance. With the power restored to the town, I’m sure people are rushing to check out. A few members of the cleaning staff pause when they see me. I nod and give them a genuine smile before they pull themselves together quickly and move on with their day. Me? I head directly for Grace’s office.

I’m not expecting us to have to put on a show right out of the gate, but we need to be prepared either way.

Her door is ajar, and through the small crack, I see my new fiancée sitting at her desk, eyes gazing down at her laptop. She’s got a smile on her lips that’s been a rare sight for me.

What is she looking at?

I let out a breath before I knock on the doorframe and push the door open to announce my entrance.

Her smile drops immediately.

“I’m going to guess you aren’t looking at our announcement photo.”

She leans back and crosses her arms as she smirks.

“I am not.”

“What is it then?”

The room fills with silence.

She finally gives a defeated sigh. “I was looking at some pictures from one of the couples who had a winter-themed wedding here last month. Our photographer always sends her favorites to me so I can pick some for the websites and social platforms.”

“Can I see?” I ask, and Grace doesn’t even hesitate to turn her computer.

I move closer, leaning my palms on her desk to get a good look.

Every single photo looks like it came right out of a magazine.

“These are incredible, Grace,” I tell her. “Who does your photography these days?”

“We have a few local moms in town who do it on the side. We let the bride and groom pick who they prefer based on portfolios.”

Keeping this place connected to the locals was always high on the list for Grace, and I love that she’s doing it.

“Well, they look …”

“Happy,” she finishes for me. “And I know it’s because they are in love and just did this huge life-changing thing together, but I’d like to think that the lodge played a big role in making this day the one they dreamed of.”

“Oh, it absolutely did.”

Her gaze flicks to mine and then back to the laptop.

“I’m scared our choices last night will take this away from people,” she admits and closes her computer.

“They won’t, as long as we stay on the same page.”

She nods.

“And that means texting me when you say you are. I know you forgot to tell me when I could head over here.”