Up to Snow Good - Kelly Collins Page 0,30
it comes down to me.”
“I see.” A spark of anger lit in his gut.
“I hope you do. You better figure out a way to make sure I’ve got a ring on my finger by the end of the year, or things at the lodge will get ugly fast.”
Chapter Twenty-Four
Lauren
Lauren sat in front of Sam’s desk, telling him about the possibilities for the lodge.
“A water park?” he asked.
“I’m not saying I will do it, but I have to do something. At least it’s a creative approach—a way to make the most of the land and to bring people into Moss Creek. We’d all benefit from that.”
He seemed to give it some thought, nodding with a sigh. “It’s not unthinkable, but where would the money come from? You’re mortgaged to the hilt as it is.”
“Well, you’re my accountant, I thought you might have some ideas.”
Sam scowled. “I got nothin’. You could play the lottery, I guess. Honestly, without the proper backing, I don’t think you can convert the place into a parking lot. The money’s just not there.” After a sad pause, he asked, “Are you moving forward with your winter village thing?”
“I can’t sit and do nothing.”
“I understand. Have you given any more thought to selling?”
“I have, but Max talked me out of it.”
“Max did?”
“Yes, he said I’d regret it, and I know he’s right.” She had a lot of regrets, but being with Max wasn’t one of them. For the last several nights, they’ve made love and slept in each other’s arms. Having him there had changed her entire outlook on life.
“Max Hunter talked you out of selling?”
“That’s right,” Lauren said, her palms clammy with nervousness. “We were friends, long before our fathers had a falling out.”
“Yeah, your father told me all about that, and how he outed Eaton for cheating on his wife.”
Lauren nodded. “Before that, we were close, the way kids can be. And now we’re close, the way adults can be.”
After a long, considered pause, he said, “I see.”
“It’s not you, I want you to know that.”
He chuckled. “Ah, the ‘it’s not you, it’s me’ speech.”
She felt bad, and though she’d never led him on, there was a tinge of guilt coloring her conscience. All Sam did was try to help her. “You’re a good man, a good friend, but this is something else, something deep. Please try to understand.”
He offered a friendly smile and a polite nod. “I do, and I’m happy for you, for both of you, but are you sure we can trust him?”
“I know, it’s odd timing, but this is when it happened.” She lifted her shoulders. “What can I do? Maybe it’s a case of something good coming out of something bad.”
“Maybe.” He didn’t sound convinced.
“I hope you’re not upset?”
“No, I’m just worried about you, that’s all. As I said, whatever you want, that’s what I want for you. I’m here to help in any way I can. If you feel you can rely on this man, that you love him, then I’m happy for you.”
Was it love she was feeling? The answer was unequivocally yes. “Thank you.”
“Be careful, Lauren. I don’t mean to be jaded, but Eaton Hunter is a powerful man, and he includes his son in all his business dealings. It’s said that the apple never falls far from the tree.”
“Things are different now,” she said. “He stood up to his father for me. And it appears that Eaton has given us his blessings.”
“If that’s true, then that’s wonderful.”
“It is, and it’s nice that people can rise to the occasion, and not always be so stubborn and predictable. It gives me hope.”
“Good, hope is important.”
Her next appointment was with Lucille, the wealthy widow, and one of the most influential people in the area.
“I was glad you called, darling,” Lucille said, “I’ve been hearing about this winter village attraction you’re considering.”
“We’re definitely doing the winter village. We have to bring more attention to the lodge and to Moss Creek.”
“Yes, about that. I know you mean well. You’re such a bright light, if I may say.”
Lauren didn’t see much reason to object, but she felt like one was coming.
“It makes one wonder how much attention we really want to attract.”
Lauren’s brows furrowed, leaving an aching crease in the center of her forehead. “It’s a resort town, why wouldn’t we want to bring in visitors?”
Lucille sighed. “Times have changed, surely you can see that. It’s not just the weather. Let’s be honest. Busier towns have bigger problems. Cities are plagued with homelessness,