Note to self: when attempting to reboot your life by selling everything you have, cashing in your 401k and moving across the state to refurbish a massive, old inn, it might be good to check place out first. Lark Lake Lodge was the only thing I ever got out of my dumpster fire of a marriage to my selfish, lying ex. And okay, maybe I daydreamed a bit too much about a charming hideaway that merely needed a good cleaning and some throw pillows. Instead, I got a post-apocalyptic refuge for inhospitable creatures. And don’t get me started about the broken windows, bug infestation, and actual trees growing indoors.
But the most unexpected thing I found upon arrival was Harlan. My woodsy, taciturn, bookish, hot dad neighbor was always at the ready to help me when I needed it. On one hand, the side of me wanting to be an independent badass bitch was reluctant to take his help. On the other, he was really handy, and I was in a constant state of jelly-legged, red cheeked, crush energy when he was around.
While my new home near Saugatuck, Michigan was picturesque, and the adorable Bassett hounds Harlan bred stole my heart, I quickly learned that a relationship with two people who’ve been destroyed by uncaring exes can turn into a roller coaster ride of complications.
