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“We’re here for the weekend to see the show,” Slater said. “We’re leaving tomorrow for a short stop in Bridger Falls up in Wyoming. I’ve got a buddy there who’s selling a plane I’m interested in. Then we’re flying out for Milo and Nora’s wedding.”

“Well, not all of us,” Maisie said with a dramatic pout. “My doctor won’t let me fly. I hate that we’re missing it. Technically, Axel could still go…”

“I’m not leaving you alone,” Axel said firmly. “What if you go into labor while I’m on the other side of the country?”

“I won’t go into labor,” Maisie insisted. “There’s no reason for me to go into early labor.”

Reece and Alesha listened politely as the two continued their lighthearted argument, but it didn’t last long. The crowd began moving again, and soon everyone was drifting toward the exit.

By the time they reached the lodge, the conversation had shifted to upcoming holiday events, travel plans, and general small talk. Eventually, the group split off in different directions.

Once they were back in the room, they shrugged off their coats, and Alesha kicked off her shoes before walking over to the bed and sitting down.

Reece pulled his sweater over his head, and the way she watched him made his pulse jump.

“If you keep looking at me like that,” he teased, “this is going to be over quickly.”

“I can’t help it,” she said shyly. “You’re just… wow.”

With one knee on the bed, Reece leaned closer, his hands sliding slowly up her sides. When he reached the button of her jeans, his gaze met hers.

“There’s a part of me that wants to strip you down and make love to you right now,” he admitted quietly.

She hummed approvingly.

“But we have all night,” he added. “No rushing. We can take our time.”

“I like the sound of that.”

She tugged her sweater over her head and tossed it aside. Reece followed her onto the bed, easing her gently onto her back until they were chest to chest.

“Alesha…” Her name was half whisper, half growl.

“We’ll have all night for slow and sweet,” she murmured. “But right now… I want that other option you mentioned.”

Clothes were quickly forgotten as they moved together—laughing, kissing, tangling in the blankets.

And for a while, the rest of the world faded away.

six

“So?” Martin asked as he set his coffee on the counter. “How was your weekend? Did you enjoy the resort?”

It was Monday morning and Alesha had come to the bookstore early to share coffee with her father. He came in ahead of opening to accept a delivery and she arrived not long after.

“It was…” She paused, letting out a happy sigh. “Amazing. I wish we could’ve stayed longer. Our suite was gorgeous and had its own fireplace, the dinner was incredible, the show was magical…and the whole time it felt like I was living inside a Christmas movie.”

He chuckled. “Yeah, those boys really did something special when they took over the resort. There were a lot of years when nothing much was happening up there. Walker’s grandparents just couldn’t keep up anymore. Most of us figured they’d swap out a few pieces of furniture, slap on a coat of paint, and reopen.” Pausing, he shook his head. “No one expected this level of transformation. But we’re grateful for it. They’ve really brought new life back to the town.”

“I’m telling you, I wish I’d booked a longer stay,” she said. “I know we can go anytime—and Reece gets some perks—but there are guest-only things I’d love to try.”

“Like what?”

“Making s’mores around a campfire, hiking up the mountain trails, or taking one of those sunrise seaplane flights.” She took a sip of her coffee. “And inside the lodge there’s always something going on—game nights, trivia, arts and crafts. I could easily spend several days there and never get bored.”

“Then you should,” he said simply. “Life’s too short not to do the things that make you happy.”

“Dad…”