Page 44 of Can't Fight the Moonlight

"I don't think we agreed. Just one kiss."

"We had a kiss last night. That's enough." It actually wasn't nearly enough, and her lips were already tingling at the possibility of his mouth on hers.

As he leaned in, she felt an incredible pull toward him, and then a loud, female voice broke the tension between them.

"Here you are!" the woman said.

Lizzie whirled around to see Justin's grandparents, Benjamin and Marie Blackwood, walking toward them. Marie was a tall, thin woman wearing gray slacks and a white short-sleeve top, her hair a rich, dark brown. Benjamin was also tall, but stockier, with a square face, white hair, and cool gray eyes. He was in black jeans and a short-sleeve button-down shirt. She was more than a little happy now that she hadn't taken the kiss Justin was offering. His grandparents would have gotten the completely wrong idea.

"What happened to your head?" Marie asked Justin, concern in her voice as she gave him a hug.

"It's not a big deal. I had a fender bender on the way here, but I'm fine."

"Are you sure? Did you see a doctor?"

"I did. Lizzie insisted."

"Good," Marie said, sending her an appreciative look. "Thank you for that. I'm so sorry we had to cancel last night, Lizzie. Of course, we'll pay for the day."

"Don't worry about that," she said. "I'm just glad you're here."

"It's rather warm inside," Ben said, fanning his ruddy complexion. "The front desk clerk said there's a problem with the heater."

"I'm hoping it's almost fixed," she replied. "Can I get you a margarita? We have plain, strawberry, and peach, and the fruit is all from local farmers."

"Strawberry sounds wonderful," Marie said.

"I'll take it plain," Ben put in.

"And I'll get their drinks," Justin told her.

"It's no trouble."

"Exactly. It's no trouble for me," he said pointedly.

Since Marie and Ben were watching their exchange with some interest, she simply nodded. "Thanks. I appreciate that."

While Ben and Justin headed over to the margarita machines, Marie said, "I saw the flowers you put in our room, Lizzie. That was so kind and thoughtful."

"You're more than welcome. Are you excited for your vow renewal?"

"Now that we're here, and Justin is here, yes. I was getting a little concerned last night when our flight got canceled."

"You can relax now. You all made it."

"Maybe not all." Marie lowered her voice, as she gave her husband and grandson a quick look. Justin and Ben were engaged in conversation by the margarita machines and not paying them any attention. "There's a chance that Justin's father and mother might come in on Saturday."

"Really? I wish you'd told me. The inn is full for Friday and Saturday night."

"I know. They might stay in Denver and just come up for the day, but we'll see. No one has been willing to commit to coming."

"Why not?" she couldn't help asking.

"There are a lot of problems in our family," Marie said. "Justin doesn't get on well with his parents, nor they with him. Ben and I are caught in the middle. We understand all sides, but we're not getting any younger, and we'd like to get everyone back together, have some healing."

"Weddings can be good for reunions," she said, more than a little curious what they all needed to heal from.

"I hope so." Marie paused. "Don't say anything to Justin. I don't want him to leave because he thinks they might come, and then they don't show up."

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