Chapter 2
“ L ooks like you’re sticking around longer than you expected,” Andrew states. “There’s no chance my best man is skipping out on my wedding.”
“Guess I don’t have much of a choice, do I?” I reply, feigning reluctance.
“Nope,” he says with a smirk.
My original plan was to check on Grandma and fly back to California tomorrow. The holidays aren’t exactly my favorite time of year, and I’ve managed to avoid celebrating them until now. But between Andrew’s Christmas wedding and my grandma’s love for the season, there’s no escaping it this year.
Andrew’s still talking about the wedding, but I’m having trouble focusing on what he’s saying, distracted by the sweet smell of peppermint and lavender wafting through the air, causing me to clench my jaw. It’s the same scent that’s been etched in my memory for the past four months, despite my efforts to erase it.
I should have known better than to stop by the Monroes’ place. The plan was to go straight from the airfield to the inn, but when Andrew found out I was coming to town, he suggested I have my rideshare drop me off at his parents’ and he would drive me the rest of the way since Whispering Pines Inn is a ways out of town.
The last thing I expected was for Lila to answer the door. Her leggings hugged her curves, and her doe-eyes lit up when she saw me. My fingers itched to trace her collarbone when I noticed that her sweater had slipped off one shoulder, revealing a glimpse of her creamy skin.
She’s more beautiful than I remember.
Running a renowned film production studio means that I’m not easily rattled. I’m frequently challenged with high-stakes decisions and have learned to stay composed, even when everything is on the line. I’m laser-focused on my business, leaving no room for distractions.
Until now.
I’ve been haunted by flashes of Lila’s smile and her lyrical laughter echoing in my mind for the past four months. The worst part is I’ve rejected every woman I’ve had the chance to spend the night with since then, unable to shake the feeling that none of them would compare to her. It’s absurd that after spending only a few minutes with Lila, and kissing in a photo booth, it’s become impossible to think about anyone else.
“Brooks, are you coming?” Andrew waves a hand in front of my face to grab my attention.
I blink several times. “Where are we going?”
He shakes his head with a chuckle. “We’re going to Whispering Pines so Lila can show us her vision for the event space and get the rundown of how we can help prepare for the wedding.” I glance around, noticing the rest of his family gathered by the entryway waiting on us.
When I join them my eyes immediately find Lila. She’s sitting on the bottom step of the stairs, bent over to slip on her boots. I bite back a grin when I notice the reindeer on her socks and the candy cane pattern on her leggings. It’s evident by her wardrobe choice that she loves the holidays.
My fingers flex at my side when her shirt rides up, revealing a sliver of skin. The image of one hand on her hip, pulling her flush against me, as I run my other through her sun-kissed hair, tipping her chin up to meet my gaze, peppering kisses along her jawline plays through my mind.
What the hell was that?
“Brooks, you can ride with Hannah and me.” I whip my head around to see Andrew heading out the front door.
“I’m coming.” I grab my suitcase and follow after him.
God, that was a close call…way too close. I’ve only been in the same room with Lila for five minutes and I’m already finding it challenging to keep my self-control in check.
I’d do well to remember that she’s only twenty-five—eight years younger than me. She lives on the other side of the country, and chances are her family wouldn’t be too pleased if they knew I had any interest beyond helping her with the wedding.
Here’s to hoping the car ride to the inn will give me the space I need to clear my head.
Whispering Pines Inn hasn’t changed much since I was here last. Rustic wooden beams stretch across the ceiling, wrapped with garlands of pine and holly, and wreaths with red ribbons hang from every doorway, adding a festive touch to the space. The lobby’s floor-to-ceiling windows showcase a panoramic view of the serene lake and mountains in the distance.
A group of guests is gathered by a table across the room, where a pitcher of apple cider and a plate of gingerbread cookies are set out. Several people have moved to the seating area, complete with leather chairs and couches positioned around a grand fireplace. Its mantle is decorated with twined evergreen garlands strung with cranberries and bells.
The embroidered stockings my grandma made for my brothers and me are hanging from the hearth. My eyes drift to the one on the end with a train on the front. Grandma made it for my dad when he was a kid. Christmas was his favorite holiday, and it feels like just yesterday when we were here together, hanging lights and decorating the inn for the holidays, Grandma rewarding us with hot chocolate and homemade biscotti when we finished.
Lila’s melodic laugh breaks through my gloomy thoughts. She’s next to the reception desk, where she’s speaking with family discussing wedding prep.
She’s in a pink coat that matches her energy, effortlessly lighting up the room. Her blonde hair is loosely braided, a few wisps framing her face, and I fight the urge to cross the room and tuck them behind her ear.
“Brooks, what a pleasant surprise.” Grandma steps into the lobby, holding a fresh plate of gingerbread cookies. After adding them to the refreshment table, she comes to greet me, pulling me in for a tight hug.
“Why didn’t you tell me you were coming to visit?” she asks.
A fresh wave of guilt washes over me for avoiding this place for so long. Until now, I’ve only been back once since my dad died. It felt like reopening an old wound that I wasn’t ready to face.
“When were you planning to tell me or Jameson you were sick?” I ask point-blank. “We talk on the phone every week, yet you conveniently failed to mention you were hospitalized last month after experiencing chest pain and shortness of breath.”
“I should have known better than to let Lila talk me into going to a fancy cardiologist in the city, who would go and tattle to your brother,” she mutters.
Jameson is coming out on Christmas Eve but asked if I could check on her sooner. Our younger brother, Calder, is on one of his extreme adventures, scaling mountains in Nepal. He’s off the grid until the New Year, making him unreachable, which leaves me to handle things on my own until Jameson arrives.
The truth is I’m not sure if I ever would have come back if it hadn’t been for Grandma’s health scare.
“You’re making a big deal out of nothing,” she adds after a beat. “I’m doing much better now, so there’s no need to worry,” she replies with a wave of her hand.
I shoot her a skeptical glance. “Grandma, you had a heart attack. That’s not something you can brush off like it’s nothing.”
“A mild heart attack,” she corrects me. “The doctor said as long as I take it easy, I have nothing to worry about.”
“And you consider running an inn on your own, taking it easy?”
She scoffs. “Please. I have Lila.”
I furrow my brow. “She’s just the event planner.”
Grandma playfully squeezes my cheek. “Oh honey, she’s my right hand. I couldn’t do this without her.”
“What do you mean?”
“Aside from event planning, she handles everything from bookkeeping to managing the staff. Remember how she used to run around here, always eager to help out?” Grandma asks. “Well, now she does. Some days I think she’s got it figured out better than I do. But she has other aspirations, I just wish she’d share them with me. Still, she takes such good care of me and the inn.”
Regret settles in my chest as her words sink in. I should have put my grandma first, instead of my own discomfort over being back here. It’s not right that she’s had to rely on someone other than my brothers and I to take on the role of helping her.
I don’t expect the added guilt I feel for letting Lila take on this responsibility alone. Although I wasn’t aware of the extent of her involvement in looking after my grandma, I should have paid closer attention.
Grandma raised my dad on her own, and now that he’s gone, my brothers and I are the only family she has left. Although she’s made trips to visit us all, Starlight Pines is her home, and nothing would make her happier than to have all her grandsons under one roof again—even if just for a visit like the ones we shared growing up.
It’s hard to say if that’ll ever happen. Losing Dad hit us all hard, and we each found our own way to cope. We didn’t talk about it much, and over time, we drifted apart.
Jameson poured his soul into medical school, specializing in pediatric surgery. He thinks that if he can give his young patients a fighting chance at survival, it might somehow quiet the emptiness he’s been carrying.
Calder has distanced himself by traveling, drifting from country to country. He calls to check in every few months, but I haven’t seen him in person since the Christmas after Dad passed.
As for me, I dove headfirst into my career. It was the easiest way to distract from the pain of losing Dad and the shame of avoiding Starlight Pines.
Out of the corner of my eye, I notice a guy around my age, with annoyingly perfect hair approach the reception desk. He taps Lila on the shoulder to get her attention, and she turns around, greeting him with a broad smile. When he starts to speak, she leans in, listening intently.
Damn, I wish I could hear what they were saying.
My grandma clears her throat, her gaze following mine to the reception desk. “Funny, I don’t remember you being this interested in the front desk when you used to visit,” she teases with a smirk.
I snap my head in her direction. “I’m not,” I insist, feeling my cheeks warm under her scrutiny, hoping she’ll drop it.
“Whatever you say,” she says skeptically. “I really am glad you’re here. Although I wish you would have told me you were coming sooner. How long do I have you?”
“It was going to be for the night, but now that Andrew and Hannah decided to have their wedding this coming weekend, looks like I’m yours until the day after Christmas.”
“How nice of my grandson to spare some time for his grandma,” she says, with an exaggerated sigh.
“I didn’t mean it that way.”
“Don’t get your feathers ruffled, I’m only teasing. I understand your reasons for staying away for so long.” She runs her fingers along the blue pendant necklace my dad gave her. “The only problem is, I gave the last available room to a lovely couple who’s spending their honeymoon in the area, and no other guests are checking out until after the New Year.”
“Well, shit,” I mutter.
The closest hotel is fifty miles away, and Andrew’s parents now have relatives coming into town for the wedding, so I can’t stay at their place.
Grandma playfully smacks my arm. “Don’t make me pull out the swear jar,” she warns. “You’ve got the money to fill it now, but Santa might just save a trip and bring you coal.”
“Pretty sure I’m already on the naughty list.” I chuckle, stopping short when she swats my arm again.
She might be small in stature, but her presence commands respect, and she knows exactly how to use it to her advantage.
“Who’s staying in the cottage?” I ask, deciding it’s best to change the subject.
When my dad helped Grandma expand the inn, he made sure one was built at the back of the property so she could have some privacy. However, she refused to move in, preferring to stay in the cramped innkeeper’s quarters near the main entrance so she could personally greet the guests and be close by if they needed anything.
“Lila and Winston live there,” Grandma states matter-of-factly. “When I hired Lila, she commuted from her parents’ house but was looking for a place of her own. Since I rarely booked out the cottage, I suggested she stay there. It’s been a tremendous blessing having her so close. I expect you to behave yourself and not stir up any trouble while you’re here.” She wags her finger at me. “Lila has been my constant, and I consider her family. Whatever you do, make sure you treat her right, or you’ll have to answer to me, got it?”
“You’re worried for nothing,” I say, trying to reassure her. “I’m just here to visit you and to support Andrew. That’s it.”
Even I don’t find that convincing.
“Is that so?” Grandma asks skeptically. “Then care to explain why you didn’t tell me you ran into Lila during his engagement party.”
“How did you know about that?”
She beams at me. “Lila mentioned it. And now you’re in Starlight Pines, unable to keep your eyes off her. What do you think I should make of that?”
I sigh, rubbing at my temples. “I mean it. There’s nothing happening between Lila and me.”
“Whatever you say, dear,” Grandma says, patting me on the arm with a knowing look that suggests she’s not buying it for a second. “Now, about the sleeping arrangements. I rearranged the storage room last week, and there’s a cot in there you can use. It’s not one of those fancy presidential suites you’re used to, but it’s all I’ve got, so you’ll have to make do.”
I stare at her, hoping I heard her wrong. “You want me to sleep in the storage room?”
She nods enthusiastically. “It’ll be far more comfortable than the limited space in my room,” she assures me.
Well, this is just great.
Despite my lack of enthusiasm, I manage a small smile. “Thanks, Grandma. I appreciate it.”
The last thing she needs is to deal with my sour mood. The whole point of my visit is to make sure she’s well taken care of, and I don’t want to add to her worries. I can handle a little discomfort for her sake.
I frown when I hear a whining sound and am confused when I spot Lila’s dog, Winston, sitting at my grandma’s feet. As soon as she looks down, he rises to his hind legs and swipes his front paws in the air.
Grandma claps her hands like he’s just performed the trick of a lifetime. “Winn, you’re too much.” She chuckles as he yips, pawing the air again. “Not to worry, I have a special treat for you.” She pulls a Christmas tree-shaped dog biscuit from her apron pocket, and Winston eagerly takes it from her outstretched hand, wolfing it down like his life depends on it and licking his chops when he’s finished.
“Do you think it’s wise to reward him for that kind of behavior?” I inquire.
Winston whips his head in my direction, shooting me a sharp glare for daring to intervene with his snack time. With a flick of his tail, he turns back to Grandma, nudging his head against her leg, effectively dismissing me.
She leans down to scratch him behind the ear. “Don’t listen to him, Winn. You deserve as many treats as you want,” she says in a sing-song voice.
I roll my eyes. “Why does it seem like you’re choosing a side, and I’m somehow losing to the dog?”
“Don’t take it personally,” Lila chimes in, strolling over to stand next to me. “Winston has had your grandma wrapped around his paw since the first time they met, and I’m afraid you’ll have to settle for second place.”
“Nonsense, Lila. You’re my second favorite by far. Maybe someone would rank higher if he actually showed up to visit me on occasion,” Grandma says, casting me a mock-serious look.
“Glad to know whose side you’re on,” I mutter just as Winston looks up and gives me a low growl. “I think your dog needs to work on his manners.”
“Oh, please.” Lila shakes her head, laughing softly . “Winston loves everyone, even the mailman. It must be your grumpy disposition that rubs him the wrong way,” she quips. “That or the fact that you haven’t offered him a single treat. He loves treats.”
Winston barks, spinning in circles at the sound of what must be his favorite word.
“No need to get yourself in a tizzy, Winn,” Grandma says. “Let’s go to the kitchen and get you another biscuit.” She walks away with Winston padding after her. “Please do try to behave yourself, Brooks,” she calls over her shoulder.
Unbelievable.
I shouldn’t be surprised she has a soft spot for Lila—who wouldn’t, with those big blue eyes and her bright outlook? Winston isn’t the only one acting differently around me. After the photo booth incident, I’d hoped Lila would be happy to see me. Then again, my abrupt exit after we shared an explosive kiss might explain why she’s acting like she’d rather be anywhere else.
If you weren’t such a jackass, maybe she’d be more excited to see you.
Clearly, my conscience has no problem calling me out.
“Where’d your family go?” I ask Lila, noticing they’re no longer in the lobby.
“They went back to my parents’ place. My aunt Tilly is driving down from New Hampshire, so Mom wanted to get the guest room ready before she arrives. Andrew saw you talking with your grandma and didn’t want to interrupt. He said he’d catch you tomorrow morning at the gym and back here in the afternoon for the day’s wedding festivities. Here’s the full itinerary.”
She hands me a piece of cardstock with Andrew & Hannah’s names in golden script across the top, the paper still warm from the printer. I skim through the activities listed leading up to the wedding day. Every day is jam-packed with events.
“When did you have time to put this together?” I ask, holding up the itinerary.
“You’d be surprised what I can pull off when I’m on a deadline. I kept some of the activities I originally planned but added a few that I know Andrew and Hannah would enjoy, like the sleigh ride.” She taps on the highlighted item.
“You’re really pulling out all the stops, huh?” I nod toward the itinerary. “What’s next? A life-sized ice sculpture of the happy couple?”
When Andrew and Hannah decided to get married this coming weekend, I didn’t anticipate a full schedule. I figured I’d be assigned a few quick tasks leading up to the Christmas wedding but could spend most of the time catching up on work. This detailed schedule is far more than I bargained for.
Not to mention, with a packed itinerary, Lila’s going to require extra help. My resolve is already hanging by a thread, and there’s no telling what could happen if we’re stuck in close quarters for too long.
She lifts her chin, meeting my gaze head-on. “Listen, Brooks, I know that you’d rather be anywhere else other than stuck helping me. And if you’re only going to make things harder, I’d rather you didn’t help at all.” She plucks the itinerary from my hand and slips it back into her binder. “This wedding has to go off without a hitch, and I refuse to let you get in the way.”
Panic coils in my stomach as she begins to walk away. “Lila, wait.” I catch her wrist, and she turns around, meeting my gaze with a guarded expression. It bothers me that she’s retreated into herself, and more than anything, I want to see her smile again.
“What is it?” she asks.
“I didn’t mean to make things harder for you. What you’re doing for Andrew and Hannah is incredible, and I shouldn’t have been so dismissive.” I rake a hand through my hair, briefly glancing at the ground before meeting her inquisitive gaze. “I’ve never planned a wedding before, but it’s obvious it’s an enormous undertaking to organize one in such short order. I’d still like to help you if you’ll have me.”
“Last I checked, you were more interested in arguing than wedding planning,” she counters, hugging her binder to her chest.
“Fair point,” I admit. “But if you’re willing, I’d like another chance. I promise I’ll be on my best behavior.” I extend my arm for a handshake. “Do we have a deal?” I add when she doesn’t respond right away.
I’m beginning to think she’s going to reject my apology, but after what feels like an eternity, she places her hand in mine.
“Deal,” she says. The hint of a smile she offers is like an addictive drug.
The softness of her skin against my rough palm has me absentmindedly grazing my thumb across her wrist. Her breath hitches as her eyes stay locked on mine. The familiar urge to kiss her slips into my mind like it has nearly every day since the night of the engagement party.
That’s when I see my grandma near the reception desk watching us, an amused twinkle in her eye.
I blink rapidly, pulling my hand back to my side. “I have to make a few calls and notify my team I won’t be back in California until after Christmas. I’ll be free to help you with wedding preparations tomorrow,” I inform her, spinning around and hightailing it out of the lobby without giving Lila a chance to reply.
I’ve only been in town a few hours, and I’m already in danger of crossing lines I shouldn’t.
So why does it feel impossible not to?