"Sure, of course."

Lizzie turned her back on Keira and led Paula into the office. She wasn't quite sure where the conversation would go. There was a good chance she wasn't just going to lose her heart today, but also her business. It was time to stop living in a dream world and face reality.

* * *

Justin smiled as his grandparents posed for yet another photo. They'd taken pictures with just about everyone in the crowd, including several with himself and with his parents. It was probably the first family photo they'd taken in twenty years. There was still awkward tension between them, but they had managed to get into the same shot. Maybe there was hope for more. And he was beginning to think he might want more.

His grandmother broke away from the group and joined him. "I want to thank you again for staying, Justin. It meant a lot to me. And the toast you made was beautiful."

"I meant every word."

"I love you so much, honey." Her eyes got teary.

"Hey, no crying."

"I always cry at weddings."

"Not at your own."

She shrugged. "I cried the first time with happiness, and this time I feel it even more deeply, because I know how precious love is. I want you to feel this, Justin. I hope you'll find a way to open your heart."

"The ice around my heart might be cracking just a little," he admitted.

"I'm so glad. I knew Whisper Lake would work its magic on you. Or was it Lizzie who did that?"

He smiled at the gleam in her eyes. "It might have been both. I've definitely changed since I got here."

"Change is good. It keeps life interesting." She let out a sigh. "I just love this inn. It feels like home."

"That's what Lizzie wants every guest to feel."

"Is that how you feel?"

"I know you're trying to get me to say something, Grandma."

She grinned. "Then say it already."

"I can't."

Her humor faded. "Well, I'm sorry to hear that."

"Not until—" he began, stopping abruptly when Keira knocked into him.

"Sorry, Justin," she said quickly. "I wasn't watching where I was going."

"It's fine. Are you all right?" She had an odd look on her face.

"I'm all right, but I don't know about Lizzie."

"What does that mean? Where is she?" he asked, suddenly realizing she was nowhere to be seen.

"She's in her office. She's having a meeting with my friend from Falcon Properties."

"What? Are you serious?"

"I think she's going to sell the inn, Justin."

"She can't do that," he said.