Chapter 1
FOUR MONTHS LATER
“ W inston, please hurry up; it’s freezing out here,” I beg from my parents’ back porch.
He pauses, tilting his head as if considering my plea before burying his nose back in the snow. His short legs keep sinking into the deep drifts, but that doesn’t stop him from digging with single-minded focus, ignoring the cold and my attempts to coax him inside. He’s a master of selective hearing unless peanut butter biscuits are involved.
I sigh, tugging my coat tighter around me, waiting for him to finish. While most dachshunds shy away from the snow, Winston treats it like his personal playground, undeterred by the bitter cold or the fact that the snow is almost as tall as he is.
I’m momentarily distracted from the chilly conditions when my phone chimes in my pocket.
A smile tugs at my lips when I see Fallon’s name pop up on the screen. She’s a private chef I met a few years back when clients flew her in to cater their wedding at Whispering Pines Inn, where I work as an event planner. We hit it off right away, and despite living in different places, we’ve stayed close ever since.
Fallon: Remind me why I thought moving to New York was a good idea?
Lila: Because you were tired of living in London and wanted a new adventure.
Fallon: As my best friend, it’s your job to stop me from making impulsive decisions.
Lila: How could I forget? Next time I’ll be sure to hop on a flight to remind you in person to think twice before moving to a different country.
Fallon: Now that’s more like it.
Fallon: How’re the holidays with your fam?
Lila: Great! You know I love this time of year!
Lila: Andrew and Hannah flew in yesterday, so I’m spending the day with them before I have to work through Christmas, handling a wedding party that arrives tomorrow.
Fallon: Have you thought any more about moving? You could always join me in New York and we can make questionable choices together.
Fallon: Or what about Southern California? With Andrew and Hannah’s connections, you could easily start your own event planning company out there.
I’ve been toying with the idea of moving for a while, but Starlight Pines is home, and the notion of starting over somewhere else is daunting. Besides, Kay Claus, the inn’s owner and a grandmother figure to me, had a health scare last month. I can’t bring myself to leave her alone to manage things on her own.
I live in a small cottage behind the inn, and aside from managing the events, I assist her with upkeep, running errands, and anything else she needs.
Lila: I can’t leave Starlight Pines right now, but I’m not ruling out moving sometime next year.
Fallon: I’ll hold you to it! You deserve to have an adventure of a lifetime.
Lila: Oh, like you’re doing in New York?
Fallon: Touché
Fallon: Omg! I forgot to tell you about my date last night. I couldn’t get out of there fast enough when he mentioned he lives with his mother and owns a pet tarantula.
Lila: I thought you were all about having an adventure?
Fallon: Are you saying you’d be fine sleeping in the same room as a giant hairy spider?
I shiver at the idea of it. Who the heck keeps a spider as a pet, or better yet thinks it’s a good conversation piece? News flash: It’s not.
Lila: Heck no! I’d run for the hills.
Fallon: My point exactly.
Fallon: Oh shit, I have to go.
Fallon: I almost burnt the chicken for my chopped salad, and my client will have a fit if he has to wait another minute for dinner.
Lila: No problem. Talk to you later!
Before I can put my phone away, a notification pops up, alerting me to a new work email. I frown when I notice it’s from Frankie, the bride set to get married on Christmas, which is only four days from now.
The wedding party is set to arrive tomorrow afternoon. They rented a large cabin nearby since the majority of the rooms at the inn had been booked out for more than a year. Holiday weddings, in particular, are popular at the inn, and we’ve had at least one every year since I started working there.
Weddings and Christmas are two of my favorite things. Nothing compares to a bride walking down the aisle surrounded by winter wonderland décor, with snowflakes falling outside the window as she and the groom exchange vows.
My shoulders slump as I skim the email. Frankie and her fiancé have decided to postpone their wedding, opting for a summer wedding in the Hamptons. She says her father already wired over the full amount they owe—which I guess isn’t a problem when he’s a pharmaceutical executive and money is no object. That doesn’t erase the disappointment washing over me and the sting when I realize three months of preparation have gone down the drain.
Winston’s barking interrupts my pity party. He’s pawing at the back door and whines impatiently when I don’t move fast enough.
I can’t help but laugh at his newfound urgency. “Oh, so now you want to go in?” He barks again, and I roll my eyes at his theatrics. “Okay, okay, I’m coming,” I assure him as I open the door.
He barrels inside, bypassing the kitchen, and zooms down the hall, disappearing into the front living room. Once I remove my shoes and hang up my coat, I follow after him.
When I get there, I’m welcomed by the warmth of the crackling fire. My parents are curled up on the plaid couch, and Andrew and Hannah are seated on cushions across from them. They’re all gathered around the coffee table, where a game of Scrabble is in progress. The Christmas tree we decorated last night is set up in the corner, adorned with twinkling lights, strings of popcorn, and red and white ornaments.
Andrew and Hannah don’t visit as often as they’d like, but they always make it a priority to spend the holidays in Starlight Pines with my parents and me. Now that they’re engaged, it’s even more special to have them here.
I can’t suppress the flicker of envy that creeps in. For the past seven years, I’ve helped brides from all over the country plan their dream weddings at Whispering Pines. Most of my childhood friends are now married and have moved away. Even my brother, who once swore he’d never settle down, has found his perfect match, begging the question if I’m destined to be forever the wedding planner and never the bride. A pang of remorse washes over me for letting my insecurities overshadow my excitement for Andrew and Hannah, knowing they deserve all the happiness in the world.
I notice that Winston has made himself at home next to my mom, devouring a peanut butter biscuit she must have had waiting for him. He wags his tail happily, ignoring my presence. You’d think I’d be his favorite since I let him sleep in bed with me, give him daily belly rubs, and replace his favorite toy hippo whenever he chews it to pieces. Instead, his loyalty shifts to whoever showers him with the most attention. Traitor.
My mom is a strong contender for his favorite person. She spoils him with his favorite snacks, keeps a ramp next to the couch for when he comes to visit, and makes him an impressive selection of sweaters. The blue and white one he’s wearing now, complete with hand-stitched reindeer, is proof that she treats him like her four-legged grandchild. And Winston isn’t shy about using that to his advantage.
My dad places his last tile on the board and jots down his score in his pocket-sized notepad. When he’s finished with his turn, he pushes his wire-framed glasses up his nose and looks at me. “We’re almost done, kiddo. You can take my spot for the next game,” he says.
I fold my arms across my chest. “That’s okay, Dad. I’d rather watch.”
He rubs his chin. “But you love Scrabble,” he reminds me. “And you might not get another chance to play before Christmas since you’ll be so busy working.”
The reminder has me exhaling deeply, and I pull my arms closer around myself. I can’t help but be let down by Frankie’s canceled wedding. Even though I’m still getting paid and should be thrilled about having more time with my family this holiday season, it’s hard not to think all the work I put in was for nothing.
“Is something bothering you, Lila?” my mom asks, her voice gentle.
Everyone in the room looks in my direction, waiting for me to answer.
I run a hand through my hair and drop my gaze to the floor. “I just got an email from the bride who’s supposed to be getting married on Christmas day telling me she’s decided to—” I’m interrupted mid-sentence by the chime of the doorbell.
My dad frowns. “Are we expecting someone?” he asks my mom.
“That’s probably Brooks,” Andrew interjects. “He’s in town to visit his grandma. I told him to grab a rideshare from the airport and get dropped off here, so we can drive him to the inn since it’s out of the way.” He turns to me. “Lila, could you let him in?”
Brooks is here?
My gaze darts to the door, and my heart skips a beat at the possibility. Kay hasn’t said anything about him or his brothers visiting, and I’m sure she would have told me if she knew they were coming. My hands grow clammy, and butterflies swarm in my stomach as the memory of Brooks and me squeezed into the photo booth at Andrew and Hannah’s engagement party drifts through my mind. Four months later, and it feels like a distant dream, a mere figment of my imagination.
I blink, slightly dazed when I hear Andrew’s voice. “Sorry, what did you say?”
He lifts a brow. “Brooks is at the door. Can you let him in?”
A warm blush spreads across my cheeks. “Yeah, of course.”
I move to the entryway on autopilot, my hands clasped tightly at my sides.
Winston is already there, his tail wagging with excitement, eager to greet whoever is here. He probably thinks it’s the mailman who always brings him a treat. Winston made it clear early on that he’ll gladly accept peanut butter biscuits or chicken treats in exchange for not barking his head off whenever he sees the mailman at my parents’ house or the inn.
My heart pounds in my ears while I hesitantly reach for the handle.
It’s not a big deal. I’m just about to face the guy I’ve had a crush on since I was twelve and kissed in a photo booth the last time we crossed paths. Totally normal, right?
You can do this.
The mantra plays on repeat in my head as I attempt to bolster my confidence. Despite my best efforts, my knees are unsteady, and I wish the idea of seeing Brooks again didn’t ignite old feelings I thought I’d buried years ago. Apparently, there’s no stopping a childhood crush from resurfacing, no matter how much time has passed.
Another knock echoes through the house, and I steady myself with a deep breath before opening the door.
Brooks Claus stands on my parents’ front porch, his tall frame filling the doorway. His tailored charcoal suit molds to his broad shoulders and the stern line of his mouth emphasizes the sharpness of his jaw.
He’s more handsome than I remember.
I manage a nervous smile. “Hey, Brooks.”
He gives me a curt nod. “Lila.” His cold greeting leaves me momentarily speechless, the silence growing more awkward by the second.
“Are you going to let me in, or should I stay out here and freeze?” he asks, leaning against the doorframe.
I swallow hard, caught off guard by his bluntness. “Right, sorry.” I move aside, motioning for him to come in.
Winston barks sharply when Brooks steps into the entryway, his disappointment clear that it’s not the mailman. He circles Brooks with the confidence of a ruler sizing up his subject.
Brooks drops his carry-on against the wall and scowls at him. “Great, a dog with an attitude,” he mutters.
“His name is Winston,” I correct him.
“Does he make a habit of acting like he runs the place?”
I put my hands on my hips. “For your information, he’s an excellent judge of character, and it’s obvious he’s unimpressed by you.”
Winston releases a dramatic huff, casting Brooks a skeptical glare as if to say he agrees this guy isn’t worth his time before trotting into the living room with an indignant flick of his tail.
“Brooks, glad you made it, man,” my brother calls from the living room.
I shut the front door and follow behind Brooks, watching as my entire family greets him. My mom gets up and pulls him into a big hug, unfazed by his stiff posture. He used to spend as much time at our house as he did at the inn during his visits in the summer and over the holidays, and my parents consider him one of their own.
Once we’re all seated, my mom turns to me. “Lila, what was it you were trying to tell us earlier?”
Everyone looks in my direction—including Brooks.
“The Christmas wedding we had booked at the inn has been canceled. The bride decided at the last minute she’d rather get married in the Hamptons this summer.”
My mom’s eyes soften with understanding. “I’m sorry to hear that, honey. Have you canceled with all the vendors?”
I shake my head. “Not yet. Thankfully, the bride’s father paid for the wedding in full, so everyone will be compensated.”
Usually, I coordinate directly with the vendors, allowing the brides to communicate exclusively with me regarding their wedding plans.
“The inn is the perfect setting for a Christmas wedding,” my mom says. “It’s a pity there won’t be one there this year.” She shifts her gaze to Andrew and Hannah. “Don’t you two agree?” Her tone is deceptively casual.
What is she up to?
It’s no secret that she’s disappointed they haven’t set a date or picked a venue for their wedding yet. I can understand, considering it’s been a long time coming.
Andrew met Hannah shortly after he moved to California. They remained friends for nearly a decade before Hannah admitted her feelings and gave Andrew an ultimatum: either choose to take the next step or let her go. They’ve been together ever since, and our family was elated when he finally proposed three months ago.
Andrew sighs. “Mom, we’ve talked about this, remember? Hannah and I will decide on a date when we’re ready.”
Hannah rests a hand on his arm. “The inn is gorgeous this time of year with its snow-covered trees and twinkling lights everywhere. It would make for the perfect romantic winter wedding, don’t you think? Our wedding,” she adds tentatively, watching him closely.
Andrew’s expression shifts from contemplation to a warm smile. “It’s a great location, but I figured you’d want to get married in California.”
Hannah shakes her head. “Honestly, no. Between your hectic work schedule and trying to coordinate our ever-changing guest list, it’s been impossible to set a date that works for everyone. Our engagement party was lovely, but it felt more like a networking event for co-workers and industry professionals than something that was just for us.” She pauses, giving his hand a squeeze. “I don’t want to wait any longer to be your wife, and the most important people in our lives are in this room.” She motions toward Brooks, my parents, and me. “What do you say, Drew? Marry me at Whispering Pines Inn on Christmas?”
Hannah is an only child and doesn’t have a relationship with her parents. So, over the years, our family has become hers.
Andrew leans in to kiss her on the forehead, a grin tugging at the corner of his mouth. “Anything for you, babe.”
My mom claps her hands together. “My goodness. This is the best news. Don’t you agree, Ryan?” She turns to my dad.
He chuckles. “Yes, dear, it’s great news.”
“What do you think, Lila? Can you put together a new wedding in four days?” Hannah asks, a hopeful smile crossing her face. “I’m sure we can use the majority of the decorations and activities you’ve already planned for the original wedding.”
I run a hand across my face at the realization. I was so caught up in the excitement about them finally setting a date that I forgot about the logistics. I’ve planned hundreds of weddings, but never on such short notice. It’s a good thing I haven’t reached out to cancel with the vendors yet, so in theory, I could repurpose the existing plans to pull this off. However, I’d never want Hannah to feel like she’s settling for anything less than her dream wedding.
I rest my hand over my heart. “I’d be honored to plan your wedding on one condition. This is your special day, and we’re going to make sure it’s tailored to your preferences the best we can on short notice. Whatever you want, we’ll make it happen.”
“Thank you, Lila,” she exclaims. “Will you be my maid of honor? There’s no one else I’d rather have by my side on the most important day of my life.”
A lump forms in my throat, but I still manage to say, “I’d love to.”
She is like the sister I never had, and being a part of her big day is a privilege I’ll cherish forever. Andrew won the lottery when he found her, and I can’t wait to help make their big day unforgettable.
“This is great,” Andrew chimes in. “I’ve already asked Brooks to be my best man, so he can help you with wedding prep. He’s staying at the inn, so it’ll be convenient.”
Brooks arches a brow. “Oh right, because wedding prep is totally in my wheelhouse.”
“Why not? You’ve got the experience running a whole studio, so planning a wedding should be a breeze.”
“Managing multimillion-dollar movies is a whole different ballgame than coordinating a wedding.”
“Oh, come on,” Andrew prods. “You could do it with your eyes closed.”
I put a hand on my hip and shoot my brother a glare. “It’s not that easy. There are guests to contact, decor to find. Not to mention favors to wrap and—”
Andrew cuts me off, turning to Brooks. “See, she needs your help.”
Brooks shakes his head. “It’s really not a good idea. Lila is the professional here,” he says, gesturing toward me without looking at me. “The last thing she needs is me getting in the way. Besides, I’m scheduled to fly back to California tomorrow.”
“What for? You said filming wrapped yesterday for the last project until the New Year. Anything urgent, you can handle when you have some downtime,” Andrew suggests.
Brooks glances my way, his hesitation palpable, before redirecting his attention to Andrew. “Fine, but only because you’re twisting my arm,” he grumbles.
I wince at his response; his words hurt more than they should. It’s apparent his reluctance is because of me.
I’m not sure what I expected when I saw him again, but reluctance wasn’t it. Now I’m wondering if I romanticized our brief encounter in the photo booth. Was I just clinging to an old teenage crush that was nothing more than an illusion? It’s painfully obvious that Brooks isn’t exactly thrilled to be here, let alone help me with wedding prep.
I’d be wise to remember that if he does stay in Starlight Pines for the wedding, it’ll be out of obligation to my brother—not because of the connection we shared at the engagement party. Thinking otherwise would be naive. To Brooks, it was likely nothing more than a fleeting lapse in judgment that he’s long since forgotten.
Kay likes to say that the holiday season is magical, but I’m beginning to think that’s just wishful thinking, dressed up in tinsel and good intentions. Yet, a small part of me still clings to the hope that this year will be different, and that the spirit of Christmas will work its magic after all.