Page 23 of When You Were Mine

“How did you know those are my three favorite words?” She grinned at him. “I think we’re going to get along just fine.”

He’d met Chris earlier, so he recognized the man’s booming laugh as they approached the dining room, but he hadn’t met the assistant or the wedding planner since they’d spent the day working.

Just before they entered, he heard a woman say, “Hang on. Let me grab it. Be right back.”

His pulse quickened, and he couldn’t say why. There was something about that voice, something familiar, but in this context, this hotel in Iceland… It didn’t make sense.

Curiosity had him pulling ahead of Darby, wondering if it was someone he knew. But that was impossible, of course. He didn’t know anyone in this country, other than the Pullmans.

He didn’t get to see her, though, because just as he entered, the woman he assumed was the wedding planner whisked around a corner. He caught a deep teal dress and miles of thick blond hair.

His blood roared in his ears. His reaction didn’t make sense, but Chris was smiling at him and reaching out a hand in welcome. Trevor grasped it. “Thank you for making dinner for us. It’s much appreciated.”

“It’s what my ex-wife used to call my ‘creative outlet.’” Chris gestured to the empty chairs. “Sit, sit. We’re eating family style.” He grinned at his sister. “I made your favorite.”

She scanned the offerings, and when her gaze landed on one dish in particular, she brightened. “Mac and cheese?”

Chris lifted the casserole lid. “Yep. But it’s the grown-up version with lobster.”

“Oh, my God. I haven’t eaten anything that decadent in ages. Yum.” She wrapped her hands around the porcelain bowl and dragged it toward her. “So, what’re you guys having?”

Trevor laughed. “It’s all yours.”

“More of a meat man?” Chris asked.

“Totally. And he can’t stand cheese.” Darby shook her head. “Can you imagine? Who doesn’t like cheese?”

“Well, hopefully, you like elk.” Chris looked at him questioningly. “Not sure you’ve had that before.”

“I’m Wyoming, born and raised,” Trevor said. “If it’s got four legs and a tail, we eat it.”

Chris laughed. “Perfect.” He gestured to the platters. “Help yourselves.”

“Where’s the wedding planner?” Darby asked. “I want to make sure she can pull this off in under two months. That’s a big ask.”

Chris shot his sister an irritated look. “She’s not a wedding planner. I told you that. She’s a world-renowned designer, and I hired her to turn Gapi’s hotel into a luxury resort. Now, she’s generously agreed to renovate the place in time for the event, but that’s not her purpose here.”

“Okay, I’m sorry. But, Chrissy, I’m gettingmarried. Isn’t that crazy?” She reached for Trevor’s hand. “And look who I scored. Not only is he the most handsome man in the world, but he’s a really good guy. I can’t believe how lucky I got.”

“I’m happy for you. I am.” Her brother leaned forward and lowered his voice. “But I need you to understand how important she is to me. Please treat her with the respect she’s earned in her business the same way you expect it in yours.”

Darby’s cheeks turned pink. “Okay, I hear you. So, where is she? When do we get to meet her?”

“She went to get her tablet,” Chris said. “She’s got some ideas to show me.”

Trevor’s phone vibrated, and he discreetly checked the screen in case it was Cole. It was. His son sent a photo of all four girls sprawled on the couch with blankets, stuffed animals, and big silver bowls at their feet.

He smiled and shot off a text.

Trevor: Tell them we’ll go on a sleigh ride when I get back.

“Okay, here we go—” a woman called.

The designer swept into the room, bringing a fresh, clean scent with her. It held notes of a familiar flower. What was it?

Wait, isn’t that the same perfume my daughter-in-law wears?

It is.That’s lyantha.

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