Page 57 of Stranded with the Resort Owner

"It was your vision." Lucas remains by the doorway, watching me with an expression I can't quite decipher. "You saw what this space could become."

"We saw it together." I tilt my head back, gazing up at the canopy of stars beyond the glass. "This might work."

"It already is." His voice comes softer and closer as he moves to stand beside me.

Our eyes meet in the gentle light. The moment stretches, fragile and perfect—a bubble of possibility suspended betweenwhat was and what might be. Neither of us moves to break it; perhaps we're both afraid of what will happen when reality returns.

Dawn finds me in the lodge's small lounge, curled in an armchair after only an hour of restless sleep. My mind refuses to quiet, racing with tasks, contingencies, and unspoken questions about what will happen when the wedding ends and we return to our separate lives.

Lucas appears in the doorway, freshly showered and looking rested despite our late night. He pauses when he sees me, then enters with two steaming mugs.

"Thought you might need this." He offers coffee, and our fingers brush in the exchange.

"Thanks." I cradle the warmth between my palms, breathing in the rich aroma. "Big day ahead."

"One more day." Lucas settles into the chair across from me, his eyes holding mine over the rim of his mug.

I nod automatically, mind already cataloging seating charts and vendor check-ins. "I know. Final dress steaming, rehearsal timeline, dinner setup—everything has to run like clockwork."

He doesn't respond right away. Just watches me. Steady. Quiet.

I frown slightly, mistaking his silence for stress. "Hey—we've got this. It's all coming together."

But when I glance up again, something about his expression tugs at me. Like he's on the edge of saying something else—something not about table linens or flower deliveries.

Still, I push forward, already mentally reordering the to-do list. "And then it's showtime."

My voice is bright. Too bright.

He lifts his mug again. Takes a slow sip. Says nothing.

The silence stretches—gentle, but taut.

Outside, dawn spills over the peaks, painting the untouched snow gold and blush pink. The storm has passed, but somehow, the air feels heavier than before.

One more day.

I file it away as a reference to the wedding and completely miss how his eyes follow me when I look away.

Chapter 13

Under Pressure

A convoyof luxury vehicles snakes up the freshly plowed mountain road, their polished surfaces gleaming in the midday sun. I stand at the resort entrance, shoulders squared and smile fixed, as the wedding party begins to arrive. After a day and a half of frantic preparation, the moment of truth has arrived—and with it, my boss.

Miranda steps from a sleek black SUV, her tailored wool coat and designer boots immaculate despite the journey. Her critical gaze sweeps over the resort exterior, cataloging imperfections only she can see. Her lips press into a thin line of disapproval when her steely gaze lands on me.

"Amelia." She air-kisses my cheek, the scent of her exclusive French perfume momentarily overwhelming. "You look... rustic."

"Blizzard chic." I attempt humor while gesturing toward the entrance. "Everything is prepared for the Mortons' arrival. They should be in the next vehicle."

"I certainly hope this last-minute venue change won't disappoint them. The original reception hall was a key selling point." Her eyes narrow slightly.

Before I can respond, Lucas appears at my side, the picture of confident hospitality in a tailored charcoal sweater and dark jeans. "You must be Miranda. I'm Lucas Reid, owner of The Haven."

"Mr. Reid." Her professional smile emerges, the one reserved for important clients and potential revenue sources. "I understand we have you to thank for accommodating our event despite the weather challenges."

"The credit belongs to Amelia." His hand rests briefly at the small of my back, a subtle show of support that doesn't escape Miranda's notice. "Her adaptability and vision transformed what could have been a disaster into something truly special."

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