“That’s the hope,” Sarah said cheerfully. “Our goal is to provide you with a peaceful, creative space, help you connect with your readers during your signings at the library, and just immerse you in the small-town charm that is Snowdrift Summit—the perfect location for a future book, I might add.”
“I’d say we’re well on our way to achieving those goals,” Tawnya confirmed with an appreciative smile. Several nods bobbed up and down across the room.
For the first time that day, Sarah finally felt like she could unequivocally agree with that statement.
And when she looked over the space, her satisfaction only deepened when she glimpsed Lance standing at the very back of the small gathering of people.
She wove her way through the melee and stepped up to him.
“I think we’re off to a terrific start,” she said, not even attempting to mask the pride that bubbled within her. “Everyone seems so happy to be here.”
“I’m going to start sounding like a broken record, but I’m not at all surprised.” His fingers lighted on her shoulder, brushing back a lock of hair. “I remembered that you said this was the time for your break, so I thought I’d stop by just to see how things were going. I hope I’m not intruding.”
“Not even a little bit.” She took hold of his hand. “I was going to grab one of the lunches Sterling prepared and enjoy it on the back porch since it’s so nice out. Want me to see if he has an extra?”
“That sounds great.” Lance’s gaze flicked down to his watch on his wrist. “I’ve got some time before I need to head back to the shop.”
As she’d anticipated, Sterling had over-prepared, having several additional meals on hand. Lance went for the vegetarian option, while Sarah chose the sandwich combo.
The rear porch on the old Victorian boasted the most spectacular view, with expansive vistas of the Summit. Rows of trees stood tall, their tips speckled white. The sky was the clearest blue it had been in days, and the sun shone so brightly that sunglasses almost seemed like a necessity. If Sarah could have custom-ordered the perfect weather for the first day of the retreat, this would have been exactly what she would have requested. It didn’t get any better.
“How are things at the shop?” She bit into the first delicious bite of the sandwich, her tastebuds perking up at the hint of rosemary in the focaccia bread. “Busy?”
Lance sat next to her in a white outdoor rocking chair and opened the lid on the quinoa and vegetable medley. “Actually, the opposite. Today is one of the slowest days we’ve had in a while, which is weird because weather like this usually brings hordes of people up the hill. Not really sure what’s going on.”
That was a shame. She knew that this was typically considered busy season at Major Hart Mountain Sports, and that they had a small window to capitalize on the winter excursions that helped sustain the business.
“I’m sure it will pick up,” she assured. “Especially if this beautiful weather keeps up.”
He smiled, moving the wrap to his mouth. “It was great to see you at work in there, even if only for a quick moment. Your passion for this really comes through.”
“I hope it does. I want everyone to feel welcome and comfortable. And for them to leave a good review about the entire experience when all is said and done.”
“I give you five stars,” Lance said, his eyebrows lifting on his forehead in such a flirtatious way, Sarah felt her cheeks blush with heat. “Is there any chance I can see you tonight?”
“I wish, but we’ve got the floral bouquet making activity down at Joyful Blooms.”
“That’s right.” He took another bite. “That’ll be fun.”
“I hope so.”
Lance chuckled softly. “You keep saying that you hope so, but I think at this point, you can confidently say that youknowso. You keep proving yourself over and over, Sarah.”
Could she say that? Sarah wasn’t quite sure she’d ever get to that point where she relied on more than the hope that things would go well.
“Who’s got Laney tonight?” Lance asked.
“Mom and Dad…again.”
Lance sat silently for a moment, then asked, “Would it be okay if I came by the cabin to spend some time with her and give them a break?”
“I’m sure they would absolutely welcome that, but you don’t have to—”
“Don’t have to, but I want to,” Lance insisted before she could get the protest fully out. “I want to take care of youandLaney, Sarah.”
Sarah couldn’t find the words to express her gratitude for the generous and kind soul of a man sitting next to her, but her heart felt every ounce of that appreciation.
All of the pieces were finally sliding into place, both in Sarah’s work life, and in her personal relationships. It was as though she was in the middle of penning her perfect chapter, where every well-chosen word was bringing her beautiful, book-worthy story to life.
