Page 1

Chapter 1

Lila

There are worse ways to lose your family business than being auctioned off as a wife in front of half the town.

I just can’t think of one.

“Absolutely not.”

My uncle ignores me.

“Hank.”

He raises his whiskey toward Wyatt Cooper, who is standing onstage with a microphone and the expression of a man who has just been handed the best entertainment of his life.

“I’m serious.”

“So am I,” Hank says.

“You’re drunk.”

“I’m inspired.”

“You’re going to be dead.”

He grins. “Your mother used to say the same thing.”

I snatch the whiskey from his hand.

Unfortunately, I’m about four drinks too late.

The annual Devil’s Peak bachelor auction is already loud. The event hall is packed, the bar is three people deep, and every woman within fifty miles seems to have shown up with cash and questionable intentions.

Normally, I’d be enjoying myself.

Tonight I’m working.

Dawson Hunting Lodge has a table near the entrance covered in brochures, discount cards, and photographs carefully selected to hide the roof that needs replacing.

Historic Mountain Lodge

Hunting. Fishing. Hiking. Weddings.

I left out foreclosure.

That isn’t as charming on a brochure.

The bank called at nine fourteen this morning.

I have thirty days to bring the loan current or they’ll begin proceedings against the property my grandparents built and my parents spent their entire lives running.

I haven’t told Hank.

At least, I hadn’t.

Until he found the letter on my desk.

“Lila.” He reaches for his whiskey.