Page 15 of When Forever Comes

The slightest brush of Olivia’s arm against mine is like a direct hit to my nervous system. She smells like the vanilla lavender candles my mom used to burn. Despite her obvious anger toward me, I feel grateful for this potential opportunity. Even if I crash and burn, God has answered part of my prayer.

When the concierge, Mindy, knocked on my office door and informed me there were two guests who lost their room due to a double booking, I thought my newest employee was being naive. People are always trying to get in without making a reservation. But when she explained they were the guests who booked the private plane package and then asked for me by name, I didn’t have a choice but to handle the issue myself.

I walked to the front desk and Mindy pointed to the names of the supposed double-booked reservation. My eyes landed on Olivia Swann and Brad Washburn with the asterisk beside their names, noting they had a honeymoon suite, and it felt like someone had taken a sledgehammer to my chest.

Olivia’s social media pages revealed they were engaged and that their wedding was scheduled for yesterday. But this is the last place I thought they’d go on their honeymoon. I don’t advertise this resort. My marketing is via word of mouth. We have a website for online reservations, but that’s it. One reason it’s so exclusive is because our guests want full privacy. It’s the way it was when I took it over and the reason I invested in this resort — I want my own privacy.

So, no, I did not expect to see a couple from my old town here at my resort. Let alone the woman I loved on her honeymoon with my high school nemesis.

But when it was Dana I saw on Olivia’s arm as they approached me at the front desk, all I felt was relief. Until Dana informed me of Olivia’s predicament and how she had experienced the ultimate betrayal less than forty-eight hours ago.

I steal a glance at Olivia’s reflection. Her eyes sparkle as they sweep over the landscape. As if she’s fallen in love with this place as quickly as I did.

The elevator dings and I focus on the opening doors before she catches me staring. Having her here with me is better than I could have hoped for. Our history is something I’ll never forget but our future is what matters most. Before I plan our future, I need to focus on the present. Right now, she’s furious and confused, and I need to make things right.

It’s been ten years, but she’s here with me. At my resort, on my island, and I will do everything in my power to keep her here.

We step out into the foyer and Dana storms over to us, wielding a bread knife.

“Oh, it’s just you.” She wipes her brow. “I thought you were one of those rogue resort employees.”

“You need to stop listening to those true crime podcasts,” Olivia deadpans.

Dana looks between Olivia and me. “Wait. It’s you and West.”

Olivia’s eyes widen. “So you did recognize him!”

“Maybe.” Dana gives me a side eye.

None of us speaks for several long breaths.

I cross my arms and finally break the silence. “Did you have something to do with this?”

Olivia copies my pose.

Dana puts her hands up in defense. “I did not plan this honeymoon, if that’s what you’re asking.”

“You refused to cancel the reservation.” Olivia turns on Dana. “Why?”

Dana shrugs. “I told you. Everything was non-refundable.”

“It says on the website there are certain exceptions. Like a canceled wedding,” I say.

Dana’s eyes go round, as if she knows she’s been caught. “Okay, fine. When I looked up the phone number for the resort, I saw that Weston Lockwood owned it. So instead of canceling everything, I convinced you to take me, instead. I wasn’t going to pass up the opportunity to reconnect you two.”

Despite the lies she told to get Olivia here, I can’t help but feel grateful for Dana’s meddling.

“To be fair, I didn’t realize you were going to give up your home to keep us at your resort,” Dana says.

I lift a shoulder and drop it. “When I realized who you were, I knew I had to make sure you were both taken care of.”

“You’ve always been thoughtful. I shouldn’t be surprised that you’d give up your space for us, but that’s still very generous of you.” The sincerity in Dana’s voice makes heat creep up my neck. I loosen my tie.

Dana turns to her sister, her smile growing larger by the second.

“There it is,” she says, gently shoving Olivia’s shoulder.

“There what is?” Olivia asks.

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