Lucy stepped aside, her voice perfectly calm. “You should come in. It’s freezing out here.”
Inside, the inn glowed with soft lamplight and the faint savory scent from Kitty’s cooking. The foyer was small but warm, every corner whispering human effort. Helen lookedup from the reception desk, delighted. “Oh, we have company! How lovely.”
“Carly, this is Helen Bennet, one of the owners of the inn. Helen, this is Carly Hale, Braxton’s sister,” I automatically introduced them as manners dictated, even though inwardly I felt this was a bad idea.
Carly’s heels clicked on the wood as we moved forward. “Mrs. Bennet, what a beautiful property. It feels so authentic.”
Helen beamed. “We wanted to keep it homey.”
“Homey,” Carly repeated, as though tasting something rustic before giving an insincere smile. “You have captured that unpolished charm perfectly.”
Helen took it as praise, smiling wider. “Thank you. We like to think the Inn speaks for itself. We have been doing all the work ourselves.”
Carly glanced at Lucy, turning toward me again. “Dex always admires a woman with initiative. Isn’t this Lucy the same one who used to be your secretary? I hardly recognize her with the casual clothes and less refined hairstyle.”
Lucy’s hand automatically came up to touch her hair as she frowned.
Before I could redirect, Braxton’s voice came from the hallway. “Carly? What on earth are you doing here?”
“Little brother, are you still rescuing stray projects?” she said fondly, finally relinquishing my arm to step forward and kiss Braxton’s cheek.
He laughed, unaware of the sting. “Something like that.”
Helen was already bustling toward the kitchen. “You must stay for dinner. We never turn away family. I’ll get Meri to set another plate.”
Carly inclined her head. “How generous. It has been ages since I experienced a less than five star meal.”
Lucy’s jaw clenched harder.
“Why don’t I take you on a quick tour before dinner?” Braxton offered.
“Oh, what fun!” Carly grabbed Braxton’s arm. “Dex, will you be coming with us?”
“In a moment." I waited until Braxton had Carly’s attention, taking her to the reception room. I turned to talk to Lucy, but saw her just before she disappeared into the kitchen.
Sighing, I slowly followed Braxton and Carly.
Less than an hour later, we were in the dining room, sitting at the large scarred table with the family and honeymooners.
Carly looked around as if assessing a property for sale. “I adore what you have done with the restoration. It is so bravely rustic.”
“We wanted to preserve the original craftsmanship,” Lucy mentioned.
“How courageous. Most people would have replaced it to remove the imperfections,” Carly noted.
“Some imperfections tell the story,” Lucy said lightly as she passed a basket of bread rolls.
Carly’s smile held. “Story is everything in hospitality. That's what sells.”
“We think the inn is beautiful,” Mrs. Honeymooners complimented.
I stepped in. “Carly, why do I suspect this visit has more to do with work than family?”
Her attention pivoted instantly. “You know me too well. The Hale Group is expanding the local ski lodge. I want your firm to design the new wing.”
“Braxton and I are already booked through spring,” I replied.
She waved a hand. “Braxton can manage the office. You, on the other hand, have vision.”
