Page 47 of Christmas at Pine Ridge Inn
“That’s beautiful,” Jenna said softly. “What happens now?”
“We’re going to stay here for a few more days, just the two of us. Then I’m going to visit her in Denver and see her life there.”
“I’m so happy for you,” Jenna said, and Lila could hear the genuine joy in her voice. “You deserve this, Lila. You deserve to have family and love and a place that feels like home.”
They talked for a few more minutes, Jenna asking questions about Sarah and then begging for a Brady update, which Lila was happy to give.
“So, you’re going to apply for the Breckenridge job so you can spend more time with both of them?”
“Yep. It would be the perfect situation if I can land it.”
“Everyone wants highly sought after Lila McAllister to turn their resort around,” Jenna said with a full vote of confidence.
They said their goodbyes, and Lila promised to call and update her after she spent a few more days with Sarah.
Her thoughts turning to Sarah, she wondered if Sarah was waiting for her at their usual spot for coffee this morning. Would it be awkward once she’d had another night to sleep on it?
Lila’s stomach did a little flip-flop when she saw the top of Sarah’s head in her usual chair at the end of the hall in the little nook.
Sarah turned as Lila approached. “Good morning,” she said with a warmth that made Lila’s chest tighten with emotion.
“Good morning,” Lila said, walking over to grab a mug for the machine. Suddenly, she was too nervous to look at Sarah. How were they supposed to act now that they both knew the truth?
“How did you sleep?” Sarah asked.
“Better than I have in months,” Lila admitted, pressing the start button and turning away from the machine. “What about you?”
“For the first time in thirty-four years, I didn’t spend Christmas night wondering where you were or if you were happy.” Sarah’s smile was radiant. “I slept like a baby.”
“Me too,” Lila agreed.
They both watched out the window in comfortable silence for a few minutes as a light snow started to fall outside. Lila had just retrieved her now full cup of coffee from the machine and turned back toward the window when two deer emerged from the tree line. It looked like the same mother and young deer from their first morning together.
“They’re back,” Lila observed.
“Maybe they were a sign. We just didn’t know it yet.”
Lila smiled over at Sarah. “I think you’re right.”
“Lila,” Sarah said as if broaching something even more sensitive than the conversation they were already having, “I want to run something by you.”
“Yes?”
Sarah turned to face her fully. “I don’t want to hide this anymore. I’ve spent thirty-four years keeping this secret, carrying this sadness alone. But I don’t want to hide my joy about finding you. This group has become like family to both of us this week. They’ve been part of this journey, even without knowing it.”
Lila felt her heart swell. “You want to tell them?”
“Only if you’re comfortable with it. But Lila, look what happened this week. We were strangers seven days ago, and now we’re sitting here as a family. Sophie and Miles, Kimberly and Kendall, even Ali and Mike—they’ve all been part of creating that magic. I think they deserve to know how the story ends, but only if you’re comfortable with that.”
Lila nodded. “I’d love to tell them. You’re right. They have become family.”
“There’s something else,” Sarah said, her voice growing more tentative. “I know you need to get back to your life in California and your work. But I was hoping ... would you consider staying in Pine Ridge for a few more days? Just you and me? I asked Carol already, and the inn is empty the next few days until some New Year’s Eve guests arrive.”
The invitation made Lila’s eyes well with tears. “I would love that. I don’t need to be back home until after the New Year.”
Sarah’s face lit up. “Maybe after we spend a few days here, you might want to come back to Denver with me and see a little of my life there?”
“Absolutely. I think that would be wonderful.” Lila took a sip of her coffee. “I was thinking maybe I’d ask Brady what he’s doing for New Year’s Eve.” She blushed at the thought of kissing him at midnight.
