Page 101 of Unexpected Entanglement

“How did my life become this complicated?” Rowan laughed. “It used to be so ordinary. Lately, I’m lucky if something doesn’t break or if I don’t injure myself. Add in a feud with an old, crotchety misogynist, a fake engagement, and a secret half-sister I just met. Sometimes I don’t recognize this life at all.”

“You forget you live in this beautiful house you helped create and wake up to this view every morning.” Chris moved her headto look at the cove. “And though it is a lot of work, keeping this inn must be more satisfying than…”

He frowned and asked, “What did you do before this?”

Rowan chuckled. Sometimes, she forgot they’d only known each other for ten days. “Store merchandizing. But you’re right. I’d rather be here.”

She turned to him and looked into his tranquil, multicolored eyes. “Thank you for reminding me about the good things.”

“I wasn’t done.” Chris looped his arms around her waist.

“There’s more?”

“You also met this awesome guy who plays the role of your fiancé to perfection.”

The laugh that came to her was automatic, but so was the tightness around her chest. The urge to pull him in for a kiss was strong. And leaning into his embrace had become a habit. Though there was nothing else she wanted to do more right at that second, she resisted. He was leaving in a few days. It was time to wean herself off Chris Sullens.

She started stepping away and saw the shuttle emerging from the woods in the distance. “Here they come.”

Chris didn’t let her go. Instead, he said, “Hey, look at me.”

Rowan turned her gaze back up to his face.

“We got this,” he assured her again.

Rowan nodded. “Yeah, we got this.”

As the shuttle approached the house, they stood side by side like a unit.

Yes, for now.

The first guests that arrived were mainly the wedding party. Chris and Rowan greeted Meredith, the bride, and Sam, the groom, and their respective parents together. But it quickly turned hectic that they had to divide and conquer.

Rowan went into hostess mode while Chris managed the intake. Alex, also a good friend of Meredith, helped with the greetings and pleasantries while moving people along toward the refreshments she and her team had prepared. There weresome confusion among the hastily trained staff, but things went smoothly once they found their groove.

Nobody even wondered about who Chris was. Today, he was just one of the staff. He simply introduced himself as Chris when he checked people in and told them he would be happy to help with everything they needed. Rowan had nothing to worry about.

Once they’d settled the rooms and luggage delivery, Rowan took Meredith, Sam, and their parents to tour the garden and the gray barn where the ceremony and reception would take place. They’d had excellent weather the past week. It should hold for this weekend, but Jane had made sure they were ready for a contingency plan if necessary.

A few more people would arrive on the last afternoon ferry. Chris had checked the reservation program and sent Tim for them with the shuttle about a half-hour ago. Now he was just waiting while checking for tomorrow’s arrivals.

“Here.” Alex suddenly showed up at his side, pushing a small plate with mini sandwiches and savory pies they’d served as snacks, and a glass of lemonade. “Have some food while you can. You haven’t had anything since breakfast.”

“Thanks,” Chris said gratefully and accepted the plate.

“Sit down for a minute, for god’s sake.” Alex pushed him to the sitting area next to the lobby. She sat down with him and watched him eat the food.

“These are great, Alex.” Chris polished off the first pie and picked up a sandwich. “They’re the perfect afternoon pick-me-up. The guests love them.”

“They’re always popular when we cater an event. A little taste if you just need a nosh, but you can pile them up if you want more.”

“You’re ready for tonight’s service?” Chris asked.

“Oliver is managing the preparation as we speak. My team is doing great, but tonight will be the real test.”

“I wouldn’t worry. I’m amazed at how fast you whipped up this mix-match team,” Chris said.

“You mean us?” Alex corrected. “We are pretty randomly and hastily put together. Rowan, Oliver, you, and I. I could be generous and include Kieran in the mix, but the four of us are really pulling this team together.”

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