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“Is there a reason you’re making her favorite meal today?”

I was prepared for this answer.

“The announcement of our relationship was not supposed to be revealed the way it was, and I fear that my lifestyle is to blame for the attention it has received today.” I sigh to really sell it. “Grace has already been fighting attention; she didn’t deserve this. It should have been announced in a way that made her happy.”

Brooke’s features soften.

“Oh. That’s sweet.”

“I try.”

“Well,” Brooke says with her hands on her hips and nods, “if you need to apologize to her for how this all went down, you’re going to need backup.”

“Oh,” I say and wave my hand in the air. “I think I should be alone for⁠—”

“You’re going to need a fresh loaf of my cheddar jalapeño sourdough garlic bread.”

Fuck, that’s a mouthful and not at all what I thought she was going to say, but if she thinks it’ll help…

“I’m in.”

I can admit when I’m going to need help, and when it comes to my new fiancée, I’m going to need all the help I can get.

Chapter

Eight

GRACE

Let the media take center stage while we do what we really want behind the scenes.

Preston’s words played on repeat for me today. The bride and groom I was supposed to meet with didn’t make it because of the weather, so I spent most of my day preparing pitches for possible partnerships. Some are with locals in town and some are with businesses across the country. There is a bridal chain I think would be great to partner with. Something simple, like brides who purchase from them are offered a special wedding package or pricing at the lodge. Not to mention the convention the retailer holds each year—the lodge would be a great host.

My dad never believed in discounting anything or partnering up officially, but your wedding day should be stress-free, and if I can help improve that, even with a small discount somewhere, I want to.

I also made notes of a new wedding package that consists of my dream wedding.

I would have made notes on where I want to open the second lodge, too, but right now, I just need to get this place fully booked again, and I’ll take all the new ideas I can get.

But at this exact moment, all I want to do is go home, make a snack plate, add in some chocolate, and soak in a nice hot bath in complete silence. This day has been busier than usual, physically and mentally.

And I didn’t even have to interact that much with Preston himself. It was the congratulations throughout the day while I was alone that got me. Even then, I simply smiled and said thank you because I didn’t want to say something that could come back on me later.

On us later.

Ugh. I need a moment to regroup and rewire my brain for this.

My chest fills with joy when my front door comes into view, and I know that as soon as I open it, my couch will welcome me. The cinnamon-scented candle that seems to give off more fragrance when it’s not lit will surround me and make me feel all cozy on this chilly day.

It will just be me and my thoughts, and I can successfully—shit.

I open the door. The lights assault me, and there, sitting right on my couch, is Preston.

I sigh and close the door.

In all honesty, I’d only forgotten that he was staying at my place. If I knew of a way to get him into one of the lodge’s rooms, I’d do it, but I fear that would just raise more questions for both of us, and that’s the last thing I want.

He forces a smile and holds up a bowl, the fork in his hand dangling noodles mid-air.