Page 54 of The Moment That Changed Everything

Just looking at the lodge made her feel weak in the knees. No way could she afford to stay here. Luxury, the place screamed it. There were lots of windows and landscaping.

“Why are you not moving?” Sawyer returned to where she stood staring at the building. “Everyone is going inside to check in.”

“I can’t stay here.”

“Why not?”

“It’s… I can’t afford it.”

“Well, it’s lucky I can. Let’s go.” He slung the strap of his bag over his shoulder and then picked up hers. Large fingers wrapped around her wrist, and he started walking.

“I’m not letting you pay for me, Sawyer.”

“It’s done and paid for.”

“It will be really expensive.”

“Yup, and I have the money, so shut up and move your feet.”

“You sound arrogant. Add that to the grumpy Yeti persona and it’s not flattering,” Birdie said, trying to shake free. “Stop dragging me around.”

“I wouldn’t have to if you moved. Those people in Lyntacky got it wrong. You’re not Little Miss Sunshine, you’re Little Miss Awkward.”

“I’m only nice to people who deserve it.” Pulling free, she walked up the steps and into the lodge because she wanted to. “Seriously, Sawyer. This place must cost a fortune.”

“I can handle it.”

“I don’t know. It just doesn’t feel right to have you pay for me.” Her eyes were moving around the foyer. High ceilings, beautiful artwork, more natural tones like the outside of the building had been.

“Birdie.” She looked at him. “I can afford this, and I’m the reason you are here. So how about you enjoy the break, and let me worry about the rest?”

“You’re not serious,” she hissed so no one else could hear. “How am I supposed to enjoy this knowing you paid for it? Knowing you think I can’t.”

“Can you?”

Her teeth snapped together.

“And I’m deadly serious. Now be a good girl and shut up while we check in.”

“Hey there, Sawyer.”

The large, dark-haired man walking toward them wore a steel-gray suit. He was close to Sawyer’s size but way more polished, with no beard and immaculate hair. His shoes were so shiny Birdie was sure she could see herself in them.

“Ted.” Sawyer shook his hand. “This is Birdie McAllister.”

“Hi.” She managed a smile.

“You brought a date?” Ted looked surprised. Clearly, not only Lyntacks knew Sawyer’s reputation for being a solitary grumpy bear.

“A friend,” Sawyer added.

“Nice. You ready to walk your girl down the aisle, Sheriff?” Ted asked as he turned to speak to the rest of their party.

The Sheriff of Lyntacky’s smile was huge. He’d only found out he had a daughter a year ago, but he was a natural at being a dad, or so Ryder had told her. Asher Dans was often in Ryker Falls visiting Autumn and his grandson, or she was in Lyntacky.

“Ready,” the lawman said, looking happy.

“Here are key cards to your rooms,” Ted said. “You need anything you let me know. The rehearsal dinner is in the main dining room starting at 7:30 p.m.”

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