The football star is already carrying Ryan and four bags. I smirk, knowing he enjoys being the packhorse of the group. It’s quite a handy talent when we travel.
My friends take their time strolling into the lodge, taking in the splendor of our new surroundings. Stacy’s mouth drops open and Ryan’s eyes are so big I think his little head might explode.
There’s a fireplace in the center of the large open foyer. The stone hearth is two-sided and so large even Jake could easily walk beneath it. Through the crackling flames I can see a lobby bar, the front desk and the twinkling lights of a few expertly decorated Christmas trees.
Even I’m a bit in awe. This place really is something special.
“It’s gorgeous,” Chloe murmurs next to me.
Ethan chuckles as he falls into step beside me. “Like what you see?”
Though we told him we could handle the bags, he’s grabbed one anyway as he casually guides us toward the front desk. Ahead of us, I can hear Miss Price chatting eagerly, her words rambling together as if she can’t spout them out fast enough.
I shoot him a sage grin and nod. “Actually, I'm going to be quite honest with you, Ethan. I more than like what I see. How about you and I sit down and talk shop a bit?”
“Talk shop?”
“Donovan Dunn,” I say, extending my free hand. “My fiancée and I run Dunn Advertising, and I think we could really help your business reach its full potential if we tweak a few minor details about your advertising campaign.”
Ethan laughs and lifts a hand, gently cutting me off. “I'm flattered, but I don’t talk business with guests. I'm sure you can understand that.”
“Sure, sure. Of course, I know you have to say that. But believe me, Dunn Advertising can help you get that retreat vibe you’re selling to more customers. We’re the best in the biz.”
Ethan’s dark brow crinkles as he surveys me with amused green eyes. I like his easy demeanor. He doesn’t seem nervous or intimidated by me—something I’m not used to. Yet, I find it . . . refreshing.
He leans close, whispering so that only I can hear him. “Listen, I’ll make you a deal, Donovan. You experience this place first. If you feel like it’s somewhere you’d honestly recommend to friends and family, then we’ll talk biz. Okay?”
I nod, but my head is still churning. I'm a businessman. I know what Ethan’s getting at. He’s saying that I should relax and experience the magic. Fine. I’ll do that.
At least until after Christmas.
I’ll play along for now because I can already see dollar signs in our future. Under my guidance, this place could be a goldmine.
Patience is a virtue and I'm keen to see how it pays off.
Maybe Chloe and I can even secure this deal together, just like old times. It might be just the thing we need to rekindle that spark that brought us together.
Jacob Eckart
I’ve gone back to the helicopter with Eric to thank the pilots and collect the last of our belongings. Sucking in a deep breath of crisp Pine Island air, I admire the stunning views. It certainly is easier to breathe out here.
Already I feel at ease. This place is so remote I’ve already let my guard down. There won’t be any paparazzi lurking about in a place like this.
Nostalgia washes over me so swiftly I find my eyes suddenly teary. Pine Island reminds me so much of the place upstate Jenny used to take me to when I was a kid.
I’m so glad Stacy was on board for making this happen. Ryan is going to have the time of his life here.
As Eric and I head back with the last of the luggage, I can’t help but smile. Ahead of us, Everett’s Christmas Lodge & Tree Farm looms majestically. Strung lights glimmer through the delicately falling snow and wreaths are hung in each of the large windows. Even from outside, I can see the flicker of warmth emanating from the fireplaces. A few staff members mill about, each of them in ugly red Christmas sweaters that they still manage to pull off marvelously.
I remotely wonder if I can get one in my size. As corny as it sounds I really love the idea of doing a group photo in matching sweaters.
Stacy, Ryan and Morgan are out front again exploring the grounds. I watch Stacy slowly halt just to admire the snowy splendor for a moment. I’m so glad she suggested this place. At first I was worried my practical fiancée had lost her mind, but she was right. It’s nice to get out of the city for a change. I know we’ve only just arrived but the simplicity of small-town life is already appealing to me.
I wonder if Stacy’s feeling the pull, too.
My beautiful fiancée catches my eye as I approach and grins. I slip an arm around her waist, one hand protectively stroking her belly as I press a kiss against her cheek. “What do you think?”
Her eyes are misty when she looks up at me. “It’s like being at the North Pole or something! All I can think about is how much fun Ryan is going to have.”
As if on cue, a snowball suddenly collides with the side of my cheek. Stacy jumps, one hand flying to her face before she starts to laugh as chunks of snow drip down my face. Grinning, I whirl around, quickly spotting Ryan hiding behind a tree. He’s doing his best to stay concealed, but his brown hair peeks from behind the trunk of the young fir and I can make out the edges of his red jacket. Beside him, I can just barely see a tiny tail wagging, too. It seems like Darcy enjoys a little Christmas mischief just like my nephew.
“I’ll avenge you, Jake!” Eric hollers.
He drops to his knees, forgetting the suitcases he was lugging to scoop up a ball of snow.
