Page 20 of Practically Perfect Together

"No, that's everything." I step back, recognizing the dismissal. "The Bennett contract is finalized. All the details are in the file."

"Great. Congratulations." His words are professional, but his mind is clearly elsewhere as he grabs his keys and jacket. "Tell Jameson I'll be late for dinner tonight."

Before I can respond, he's brushing past me, his long strides carrying him quickly out of the office. I'm left standing alone, surrounded by the silent aftermath of an argument about much more than budget lines.

I pick up the Bennett files I've just delivered, running my fingers along its edge. Inside is the culmination of weeks of work, the successful conclusion of what brought me to Mountain Laurel Lodge in the first place. My job here is done. The contract is signed. The charade of engagement is over.

And tomorrow morning, a video call that could change everything.

* * *

Seated at my desk in my Juniper Falls apartment, I smooth my crisp blue blouse and check my hair one last time before the video call begins. It's only 11 a.m., hours before dinner at the lodge tonight. My conferencing software chimes, and Margaret's face appears on screen, joined by Thomas Reid, the company CEO—a rare appearance that confirms my suspicions about this call.

"Savannah, exceptional work with the Bennett contract," Thomas says after brief pleasantries. "Securing a client of their caliber speaks volumes about your abilities."

"Thank you," I respond, maintaining my professional composure. "Mountain Laurel Lodge really sold itself."

"And there she goes, deflecting credit again," Margaret says with a knowing smile. "Which is exactly why we need to be direct about this opportunity."

Thomas nods. "We're moving forward with the Denver office, and we want you to lead it as Regional Director. Full autonomy, team-building authority, and of course, a significant compensation package."

Even though I'd anticipated this, hearing it stated so plainly sends a jolt through me.

"The Rocky Mountain luxury retreat market is exploding," Margaret continues. "Your work with Mountain Laurel Lodge proves you understand the destination business. You're exactly what we need in Denver."

"When would this start?" I ask, buying time to process.

"That's the challenging part," Thomas admits. "We need you in Denver within two weeks to begin setting up operations."

Two weeks. The timeline hits me with unexpected force.

"It's everything we discussed in your last review," Thomas reminds me. "Your exact words were that you wanted 'increased responsibility and a chance to build something from the ground up.'"

He's right. Those were my words, carefully chosen to demonstrate ambition. Words spoken before Jameson, before I knew what it felt like to belong somewhere.

"The board needs an answer by Monday," Margaret says. "We're hoping it's an easy yes."

I maintain my professional smile. "I appreciate the opportunity and the time to consider it. This is certainly the direction I've been working toward."

After the call ends, I let out the breath I've been holding. My phone immediately pings with the official offer. The salary figures make my eyes widen, along with comprehensive benefits and a furnished corporate apartment.

Everything I've worked for.

I open my planner to make a pros and cons list, the way I've approached every major decision in my adult life. But my pen hovers, unable to reduce what I'm feeling to neat columns.

How do you quantify family dinners where no one checks their watch? The way a child's face lights up when you teach her something new? The feeling of dancing under string lights with someone who sees the real you?

My phone buzzes with a text from Jules:Don't forget dinner tonight! Declan's going all out to celebrate the Bennett contract.

Followed by one from Jameson:Bear made you something. Well, I made it, but he helped by stealing the supplies. See you tonight?

I glance at the Denver offer still open on my screen, then back at Jameson's message. In two weeks, I could be in a sleek downtown office instead of a mountain lodge. Building my career instead of whatever has been growing between Jameson and me.

Tonight might be my last chance to experience a Callahan family dinner before everything changes. Before I have to make a choice between the future I've planned and the one I never saw coming.

I text Jameson back:Wouldn't miss it.

But as I set my phone down, I wonder if I'm just delaying the inevitable. If I'm strong enough to walk away from a career opportunity I've worked years for. Or if I'm strong enough to walk away from Jameson.

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