Honeymoon Mountain Bride

“That said, I’ll be watching every nickel and dime,” Temple warned. “Every nickel and dime.”

“I guess that means I can’t write off pedicures,” Jilly said.

Vivian snickered, but Temple squeezed her forehead as if she were in pain.

* * *

After an extensive discussion with a local electrician, it appeared that all the cabins might require rewiring and possible plumbing repairs. The job of fixing one cabin was growing by the minute. Vivian went into town, concerned because the man she’d called wouldn’t commit to putting a priority on the full project if necessary. Plus there was the issue of choosing new fixtures to replace the out-of-date ones.

She walked into the Honeymoon Hardware store and headed toward the electrical section. Staring at the array of fixtures, she felt overwhelmed. There were even more choices here than online.

“Hey, how ya doing?” asked a male voice from behind her.

Vivian’s stomach clenched. She knew that voice. She knew it was Benjamin’s. She took a deep breath before she turned to face him. “Hello. What are you doing here?” she asked.

“I could ask the same,” he said. “I’m picking up some paint for the kitchen at the bar. What about you?”

“I can’t decide on anything. And I need a faster electrician.”

“I can help with that,” Benjamin said. “I’ve got the fastest electrician in town.”

“How did you find him?” she asked. “Everyone wants to charge us extra because we live on the mountain.”

“Give the guy a room while he does the work,” Benjamin said. “He can enjoy the amenities when he’s off the clock.”

Vivian blinked. “Why didn’t I think of that?”

“Because you don’t fish or hunt,” he said.

Her stomach took a dip as she looked at him, but she sure didn’t want that response. “I guess you’re right. But I still need to choose the fixtures.”

“Choose the most long-lasting, not the prettiest,” he told her. “Just a thought,” he added.

Vivian nodded. Sounded like words of wisdom to her. She made notes as she walked down the aisle.

“I heard about the fire. Sorry.”

“Thank you. It was upsetting to say the least.”

“Tough timing,” he said.

She nodded. “So,” she said, feeling a bit awkward, “I didn’t get to ask you about how you’ve been. The bar seems to be doing well. What about you?”

“I’m good,” he said. “I’ve purchased a couple of businesses other than the bar, so that keeps me busy.”

“What about your sister?” she asked, remembering what Millie had told her.

Benjamin seemed to freeze.

Vivian took a big step backward internally and gave a shrug. “I have two sisters and you have a sister, and I thought it was just considerate to ask about yours. I never met her because I was always at the lake.”

His shoulders lowered just a bit. “She’s doing okay.”

“Millicent told me your sister is creative and artistic. Maybe she could create something for the lodge.”

Benjamin tilted his head from one side to the other. “Maybe. So, your sisters are all in about you fixing the lodge? The last time I talked to you, you said you were leaving.”

“Jilly and I are in. We are dragging Temple. She’s an accountant, but after the fire, it just didn’t seem right to abandon the lodge.”

“I’m impressed that you’re going to try to fix it. Your dad would be proud,” he said, his gaze locking with hers.

“I’m scared. Especially financially.”

“You can make it happen. I’ll help you when I can,” he said.

She felt a sense of relief. “I’ll accept that offer, and since you’re here, help me select fixtures. Yes?”

“Sure, if you’ll go for coffee with me afterward,” he said.

Her stomach dipped at the intent expression on his face. It was just coffee, she chided herself and shrugged. “Why not?”

Chapter Three (#ued1e06bd-f7d7-55cc-a1c1-bbd3b0c4489e)

“So, how do you feel about living in such a small town?” Benjamin asked after they sat at a small table in the local coffee shop.

“I’m okay with it for now,” Vivian said. “I’m still telecommuting with my firm in Atlanta and will have to return for some major events. Eventually I’ll need to cut the ties. I’m actually kinda glad to get away from the big city.”

“Really?” he asked and took a long draw from his cup. “You didn’t like Atlanta?”

“I did and didn’t,” she said. “Who would love that traffic? At the same time, I loved the sense of history and culture. I was raised in Richmond, so of course I loved that city.”

“Why not go back to Richmond?” he asked.

She shook her head. “Oh, no. No. My mother lives there and that would be an invitation to...well...insanity, in the worst way.”

“That bad?” he asked.

She nodded. “Yes. Well, she’s quite the perfectionist.” She took a breath. “But enough about me. I still can’t figure out why you didn’t go pro with football.”

“My mom was sick.”

“I heard about that. I’m sorry. But after that,” she said. “Couldn’t you have gone pro after that?”

“I had other obligations by then,” he said, his expression moody.

“Do you wish you had continued playing?”

He shrugged. “Depends on the day. Mostly not. It would have been physical torture. Why all the questions?”