Scarlet Springs—population 1,448, give or take a few—might not have a Starbucks, but what it lacked in lattes, it more than made up for in scenery. The town sat in a valley at 8,936 feet elevation surrounded by the Indian Peaks, the summits of which gleamed white with snow year round. Lexi had taught Vic their names last year, but Vic had forgotten them.
The door of Rose’s New Age Emporium opened, and a woman Vic recognized as Rose stepped out and hurried across the street, all flowy skirts and long silver hair. Austin and Lexi had asked her to officiate at the wedding.
She embraced Vic, kissed her cheek. “It’s so good to see you again, Victoria. I’m glad to see you and Eric together.”
Vic tried to explain. “Oh, well, we’re not—”
“Come by sometime, and I’ll give you a free reading. I’m doing that for everyone in the wedding party.”
“That’s sweet of you. Thanks.”
“Vic!” The back door to the Forest Creek Inn flew open, and Lexi ran out, wearing a tank top and shorts, a bright smile on her face, her long red hair pulled back in a ponytail. She gave Vic a big hug. “Sorry I couldn’t pick you up myself.”
“Eric told me what happened. How’s your dad?”
From inside the house came a man’s raised voice. “Leave me be, woman!”
Lexi rolled her eyes. “He is himself.”
“Too bad the doctors couldn’t cure him of that.” Eric chuckled at his own joke. “Where do you want her bags?”
“We put her in the Matchless Suite,” Lexi answered.
Eric gave a little whistle. “Someone’s getting the special treatment.”
Vic lifted her chin, teasing him. “Iamthe maid of honor.”
She said farewell to Rose, then followed him and Lexi through the door into the Jewell family’s kitchen, where Bob, Lexi’s father, sat at the table glaring up at his wife, Kendra, Lexi’s stepmother, while Britta, Lexi’s younger sister, sliced tomatoes. The three of them looked toward the door, their expressions turning to smiles when they saw her.
“Welcome back, Victoria.” Bob got to his feet. “How was your flight?”
“It was quick. Thanks. How are you?”
“If the females of this family would quit pestering me, I’d be fine.”
“Just ignore my father.” Britta glanced up from her slicing. She looked so much like Lexi that they might have been twins, though her hair was strawberry blond rather than outright red. “He scared the bejesus out of us this morning.”
Kendra stayed where she was—standing, hands on her hips at her husband’s side. “Nice to see you again, Vic. I’m trying to get Bob to lie down, but he won’t budge.”
“The doctor said to rest. He didn’t say to lie down.”
“Mmm-hmm.” Kendra’s eyes narrowed. “And you think that standing on your feet doing dishes counts as resting?”
Bob chuckled, and it was evident to Vic that he was enjoying the attention. “Does that mean you don’t want my help doing dishes?”
“Not today.”
Bob grinned, settled back in his chair. “Okay. If you insist.”
Kendra shook her head. “The man doesn’t have a lick of sense. Lunch will be ready in about ten minutes if you want to get settled.”
The Jewell family’s home was on the bottom floor of the house, while the bed-and-breakfast operated out of the top two floors. Vic had stayed here last year and had no trouble remembering her way around. There were two ways to reach the upper levels—the great staircase just inside the front entrance and a small elevator.
Vic, Lexi, and Eric took the elevator together. If it had just been the three of them without luggage, this would have been easy. But because of Vic’s bags, they had to crowd together. By the time the doors closed, Vic stood with her back pressed against Eric’s chest, his body hard against hers, the spicy scent of his shaving cream or aftershave teasing her.
Her ovaries sighed.
She ignored them. “It looks like those two are getting along.”