Page 1 of The Mountain Man's Curvy Boss

PROLOGUE

Darling Madison,

If you're reading this letter, it means that my time has come to an end. Please don't be sad. Although we haven't seen much of each other, I have always loved you and will cherish the times we spent together.

As you may know, I've dedicated my life to running Heartwood Lakefront Resort. It's been my pride and joy for decades, and I've poured my heart and soul into making it a welcoming haven for all who visit. Now, I'm entrusting this special place to you.

I've made arrangements for the resort to be passed on to you in my will. I know this may come as a surprise, but I believe in you, Madison. You have the strength, intelligence, and compassion to carry on my legacy and make Heartwood thrive.

Don't worry about running the resort alone. The staff here is incredible - they're more like family than employees. They'll be there to support you every step of the way. Archer, especially, will be a valuable asset. He's like the grandson I never had and knows this place inside and out. I know he'll be there for you, Madison, not just as a colleague but as someone you can rely on.

I've watched you grow into a remarkable woman, my darling. You have a kind heart and a sharp mind, and I know you'll find a way to balance the needs of the resort with your own dreams if you choose to keep it. It won't be easy, but I have faith in you.

Take the time to get to know the resort and the people who make it special. Listen to their stories, learn from their experiences, and let them guide you as you chart a new course for Heartwood. I've left some personal notes and mementos for you on the old oak desk in my office. I hope they'll provide comfort.

Remember, the resort is more than just a business - it's a place where memories are made and lives are changed. It's a place where people come to reconnect with nature, with loved ones, and with themselves. Cherish that magic, Madison, and let it guide you in your decisions.

I know you'll face challenges along the way, but don't be afraid to lean on others for support. The staff and the local community are there for you. And know that even though I'm no longer with you physically, I'll always be watching over you and Heartwood.

Take care of yourself, Madison. Remember to find joy in the little things and chase your own happiness. You deserve all the love and success in the world.

With all my love,

Grandma Eleanor

1

MADISON

Istep out of my rental car, the crisp mountain air hitting my face as I stare up at the rustic wooden sign: Heartwood Lakefront Resort. A sense of nostalgia washes over me. It's been years since I last visited Grandma's beloved retreat.

Glancing down at my outfit of a silk blouse, pencil skirt, and heeled boots, I realize just how out of place I must look. Well, there’s no turning back now. I grab my designer handbag and take a deep breath before heading towards the main lodge.

Two steps in, my heel sinks into a patch of thick mud. "Damn it," I mutter under my breath, yanking my foot up. The soggy earth clings to my expensive leather boot. This is definitely not how I wanted to make my grand entrance.

Gingerly picking my way across the dirt path, I finally reach the lodge's wide front porch. The weathered wooden boards creak beneath my feet as I push open the heavy oak door.

Inside, the lobby looks just as I remember —all honey-colored wood, a stone fireplace, and overstuffed furniture in warm, autumnal colors. A wave of childhood memories washes over me.

"Welcome back, Madison."

I jump at the sound of my name and spin around to see a matronly woman smiling at me from behind the front desk.

"Oh... thank you. It's good to be back," I say automatically, even though my mind is still reeling. I glance at her name tag, which looks like it was created in the 1970s: Ivy. I don’t remember an Ivy at all. How does she still remember me?

"Let me know if you need anything, dear. We're all so sorry about your grandmother."

Her kind eyes fill with sympathy, and I nod, a lump rising in my throat. "I appreciate that. I wish I’d been able to spend more time up here with her. She loved this place."

Eager not to prolong the conversation, I hurry out of the lobby and back into the brisk air. As I wander the grounds, I take in the charming, rustic cabins dotting the lakeshore, the large barn that hosted summer camp activities, the boat house, and the dock.

It's all so achingly familiar, like stepping back in time. Part of me assumed things would have changed more. That Grandma would have made some updates and renovations over the years. But it seems frozen in the past, locked in a simpler time.

Don't get me wrong—there’s a certain nostalgic charm to it all. But I can also see the peeling paint, the outdated decor, and the general wear and tear. As much as I hate to admit it, the resort could definitely use some modernizing to appeal to today's guests.

The question is - am I the right person to make that happen? Or would I be better off washing my hands of it completely and selling it to the highest bidder? Would that be sacrilege, or would Grandma have expected me to do that? I wish I knew why she’d left the resort to me in her will.

I stop at the end of the dock and stare out at the pristine, mirrored surface of the lake. In the city, life moves at a frantic pace. When I'm not rushing from meeting to meeting, I'mhunched over my desk, staring at spreadsheets late into the night. Here... here, I feel like I can finally breathe again.

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