“Sarah Hart?” Sterling had been crossing the foyer with an armful of freshly washed, embroidered towels, but the moment Sarah stepped fully inside, he abandoned his task and raced tothe door to prop it open for her. “What a lovely surprise. To what do I owe the pleasure?”
He transferred the towels to the check-in podium and then threw his arms open for a hug.
Sterling was an older man, tall and slender with a thin mustache that twisted up at the corners like a hook. She figured he was around her parents’ ages, give or take a few years. He was always dressed to the nines, whether hosting a progressive holiday dinner or out shoveling snow off the driveway. Today, he looked sharp as ever in his slate gray slacks, penny loafers, and burgundy wool vest fitted neatly over a crisp white button-down.
“I don’t take it you’re here to make a reservation?” He thumbed the end of his mustache. “I ran into Zeke at the market just last week and he mentioned you were moving back in.”
She didn’t necessarily like that her parents advertised that she was living in their home as an adult child, but she knew they meant well.
“Believe it or not, Iamhere to make a reservation. Several, actually, if you have the availability. I’m working at the library now, and we’re hoping to host a writer’s retreat in the next few weeks.”
Sterling’s eyes rounded with interest. “Why don’t I pour us some tea and we can discuss exactly what you have in mind?”
Sarah waiteduntil the very last kernel had popped before pulling the popcorn bag out of the microwave. She had already put Laney to bed, and her parents were with their weekly bunco group. It was a rare occasion that she had the quiet of the cabin to herself for an evening, but when Rachel Joy had texted to ask if she wanted to watch the premier of the new dating show thatmatched singles with celebrities, Sarah perked up at the thought of some much-needed girl time.
While she had several acquaintances back in Sacramento, she had few tried-and-true friendships. That was a void she was eager to fill. She’d always admired Rachel, even if her own brother had had a running feud with her back in the day. But now that Rachel was about to become her sister-in-law, Sarah considered it the best of luck that she would have both a new sibling and a built-in friend. It was the sweetest gift.
“Tell me more about this project you’ve got going with the library?” Rachel dipped her hand into the bag and popped a piece of buttery popcorn into her mouth. She crossed her legs beneath her as she curled on the big leather sofa. “Holden said something about a retreat?”
News traveled fast throughout the Summit, even faster through the family text thread.
“I’m organizing a writer’s retreat in conjunction with the library. So far, I’ve got four authors onboard, and the dates secured at the Inn. Still a lot to do, but I’m happy with the progress.”
She couldn’t believe how seamlessly things were coming together, and quickly at that.
“This sounds right up your alley, Sarah.”
“It really is. It was a big, lofty goal in the beginning, but the more I talked it out with Dahlia, and once I started contacting the authors, things just snapped into place.”
“I, for one, am thrilled for you. I think you’re right where you’re meant to be.”
Moving back to Snowdrift Summit was never on Sarah’s radar, but she knew Rachel could say the same. It was funny how this place seemed to beckon those who left it with simple reminders of the good times and beautiful memories made onthe mountain. And the men here might also have a little to do with it.
“How’s wedding planning going?” Sarah changed the subject. For as excited as she was about the retreat, it had consumed all of her thoughts lately, and she was only one day into planning. Admittedly, she needed a break for the evening. “Did you decide on a dress yet?”
“I haven’t. I was hoping you might be able to help me with that.”
Wasn’t that the role of the maid of honor? Sarah quietly thought about that, and when Rachel didn’t say anything, Sarah’s suspicions rose. “You want me to help you?”
“Of course, I do. That’s a bridesmaid’s job, isn’t it?”
“Bridesmaid?” This was the first Sarah was hearing of this. It wasn’t an official ask, but she could read Rachel’s expression, and knew what was coming. “You want me to be one of your bridesmaids?”
“Not onlyoneof them, the maid of honor.”
This unexpected invitation was just that, an honor. Happy tears lined the corners of Sarah’s eyes. She leaned across the couch and threw her arms around Rachel’s shoulders.
“I would love to be your maid of honor, Rach. And I’m so humbled you would ask.”
“I can’t think of anyone I’d rather have standing next to me on the most important day in my life, sis.” Rachel had recently started calling Sarah her sister, not only in relation, but as a term of endearment. It meant the world to Sarah. “I’ve got an appointment at the bridal boutique for next Wednesday evening, if you’re free.”
“I’ll make sure I am. I might have to bring Laney along, but I can busy her with some snacks and board books. You won’t even know she’s there.”
“You’llabsolutelyneed to bring Laney along, because she’ll need to be fitted for her flower girl dress.”
“Flower girl?” A lump formed in Sarah’s throat. “You want Laney to be your flower girl?”
“Yep. Holden and I discussed everything already, and our wedding wouldn’t be complete without our little niece as a part of it.”
