Page 23 of Practically Perfect Together

She freezes, her back to me. "I don't know. I just... I need time to think."

I shove the bracelet back into my pocket and watch her walk back to the dining room, shoulders squared, composure restored. Only I notice the slight tremor in her hands as she sets down the plates. Only I see the brightness in her eyes that might be unshed tears.

Mom looks between us questioningly as I set the pie on the table. I give an almost imperceptible shake of my head, and her expression softens with understanding, though she doesn't know the half of it.

Throughout dessert, I sit quietly, the leather bracelet still in my pocket, the wooden mountain charm digging into my palm as I clench my fist around it. Savannah smiles and accepts compliments on the Bennett contract, answers questions about wedding venue preferences that make her voice catch, plays her role perfectly.

But when Bear rests his head on her knee again, I see her fingers hesitate before scratching behind his ears. When Mom hugs her goodbye at the end of the night, I see her hold on a moment too long. When she walks to her car, I see her pause, just for a heartbeat, as if she might turn back.

She doesn't.

I stand on the porch, Bear sitting glumly at my feet, as her taillights disappear down the winding road that leads away from the lodge. Away from me.

She never took the bracelet. Never acknowledged what we both know is true.

And as I turn to head back inside to a family that still believes I'm happily engaged, the wooden mountain charm still clutched in my hand, I wonder if all we'll ever be is an arrangement that ended too soon. A pretend engagement that felt more real than anything I've ever known.

Because you can't lose something that was never really yours.

Even if, for a little while, it felt like it could have been.

ChapterNine

Savannah

"And this will be your office."

Margaret pushes open the glass door, revealing a corner space with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking downtown Denver. The Rocky Mountains rise majestically in the distance, framed like a living painting.

"It's impressive," I say, running my hand along the sleek desk that dominates the room. Modern. Sophisticated. Everything I would have chosen for myself.

"As our new Regional Director, you deserve nothing less," Margaret says with satisfaction. "From here, you'll build our entire mountain states division."

I nod, taking it all in. Three days ago, I accepted the position over the phone. Today, I'm here to sign the final paperwork and begin the transition. The office is stunning—all clean lines and strategic placement. A designer leather chair sits behind the desk, positioned for optimal views of both the mountains and the city below.

"We've already lined up interviews for your assistant position," Margaret continues. "You'll meet the top three candidates tomorrow. Reception will be just outside, and the rest of your team will occupy the space being renovated on the floor below."

"The timeline is still two weeks?" I ask, glancing around at the empty shelves waiting to be filled.

"Yes, though we can be flexible if you need a few extra days to relocate," Margaret offers. "The corporate housing is ready whenever you are. Two-bedroom with mountain views, fully furnished."

Everything about this opportunity is perfect. The prestigious address, the substantial salary increase, the career advancement. Regional Director at thirty-two. A line on my resume that would open doors I haven't even thought to knock on yet.

So why can't I summon the thrill I expected to feel?

"Let's continue the tour," Margaret suggests, guiding me back into the hallway.

For the next hour, we move through the pristine office space. Conference rooms with state-of-the-art technology. A designer kitchen stocked with premium coffee. An entire floor still under construction where my future team will sit. Everything gleaming, everything new.

"We already have interest from Aspen Heights Resort and Vail Peaks Lodge," Margaret mentions as we return to the main conference room where several board members are waiting. "Once word gets out that you secured Bennett Financial, they'll be lining up for our services."

I smile automatically, though my mind drifts unexpectedly to Declan's Bennett Beef Wellington, to the pride in his eyes when everyone praised his creation. To Mia asking me about origami lessons. To Bear's head resting on my knee under the table.

To Jameson, watching me leave with hurt in his eyes and a wooden mountain charm clutched in his hand.

"Savannah?" Margaret's voice pulls me back. "You seem distracted. Everything alright?"

"Just taking it all in," I manage, gesturing to the sleek surroundings.

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