at ease from the moment she got there. Treating her like she belonged.
Of course, it only took a glance at the massive cabin—three times the size of Piney Falls’ lodge—to see they knew how to live well too. They could call it a cabin all they’d like with its log walls and rustic touch, but at a dozen rooms and more than a dozen baths, it had to classify as a mansion too.
But it wasn’t designed for boasting or showing off. This big piece of heaven in the woods, with all its fireplaces, bedrooms, and wide, open spaces, was designed for gathering. Connecting. Enjoying life as a family, even beyond their loss.
It was the sort of family Justine had dreamed of belonging to. The sort Burke had dreamt of too. And being part of the action and fun—it had felt like a fairytale.
Back at home, while she and Burke had played the part of an engaged couple, she’d had to remind herself that it wasn’t real. The sad thing was, Justine couldn’t exactly stop the familiar mantra from recycling again at random, unwelcome times. This isn’t real. She only wished she knew why it came and how to stop it. The voice threatened to steal her joy, something she did not want to allow.
Yet even now as she glanced at the reflection of lights over the frosted ground, a nagging thought pressed at her mind. Where would she and Burke live if they continued to hit it off and wanted to marry one day? He could say he liked Piney Falls all day long; that didn’t mean he’d want to raise a family there.
Stop, Justine. You’re doing it again. And that she was, sinking into all of the what ifs. Letting fear get in her way. She shouldn’t do that. But it was hard not to get hung up on the unknowns.
Tomorrow, Burke would take Justine home so she could prepare for Thanksgiving dinner with Millie and Gramps. He’d come back to the cabin to spend the holiday with the Bentons, and then return to Piney Falls in time for the tree-lighting. She knew that much.
And though she looked forward to their dance as princess and prince, and though she’d enjoyed their time up to this point, there was still a very distracting unknown: was Burke investing in something long-term, or would he—once the world knew about him—regard Justine, along with the town of Piney Falls, as a mere piece of his past?
Chapter 22
A deep wave of gratitude came over Burke as he walked Justine to the car. Her items had been loaded, the goodbye hugs had been given, and Dante and Diego were trotting with Lilly and Link with wild, waving hands.
“Bye, Justine and Burke,” Dante called out.
Diego stopped trotting and shot him a look. “Burke’s coming right back.”
“So,” Dante said. “He’s still leaving right now.”
Diego shrugged. “Bye, guys!”
The rest of the family had gathered on the porch out front to see them off. Zander and Kat, of course, were already outside with Sawyer and Betzy, hanging Christmas garlands and holiday lights along the massive porch banister.
“Have a safe trip back to Piney Falls,” Lorraine hollered.
“You mean Tiny Falls,” Duke said with a laugh.
Burke chuckled under his breath as Justine wagged a finger at Duke. “I’ll get even for that one,” she promised.
“Yeah, you better watch it,” Burke added. “You’re talking to the princess, you know?”
James gave Duke a nudge. “He’s just jealous that he’s never won prince of anything before.”
Duke took on a wounded looking pout. “Actually, I am jealous about that. But I shouldn’t call it Tiny Falls anymore. How about Piney Smalls?”
Justine laughed and shook her head. “You’re horrible.”
“That’s just how future brothers-in-law are supposed to be,” Duke said with a grin.
Funny, since they weren’t carrying on the fake engagement with the Bentons. In fact, the family members were all aware that he and Justine had only just met earlier that month. Still, Burke would be lying if he said he didn’t feel Duke’s suggestion somewhere deep in his heart. An exciting stir of warmth at the thought of marrying Justine one day.
A few last goodbyes, and soon they were tucked into the BMW and winding along the quiet road toward the private property’s security gate.
“Your family’s amazing, Burke,” Justine said while reaching for the Mentos, a pack she’d bought to replace the other. She handed one of the chewy candies to him before popping one into her own mouth and tucking it into her cheek.