Page 1 of Practically Perfect Together

ChapterOne

Savannah

"Mountain Laurel Lodge offers not just a retreat space, but a transformative experience, Mr. Bennett." I keep my voice steady despite the way my heart hammers against my ribs. One meeting. That's all I need to land this account. "Your executives will return to the office with renewed focus and clarity."

Harold Bennett—seventy-two years old, CEO of Bennett Financial Group, and notoriously difficult to impress—stares at me over the top of his wire-rimmed glasses. The room feels suddenly too warm as he studies the proposal I've spent weeks perfecting.

"The numbers look good, Ms. Carter." He taps my meticulously crafted presentation with one gnarled finger. "But I've seen impressive numbers before. What I need is assurance of lasting value, not just a pretty view and some team-building exercises."

I resist the urge to check my watch. My entire career at McLoyd Event Strategy hinges on convincing tradition-bound clients like Bennett that working with boutique resorts like Mountain Laurel Lodge is better than booking the same tired corporate hotel chains. If I can secure this retreat contract, my commission alone will fund my downtown condo renovation and prove to my former bosses they were wrong to pass me over for promotion.

"Value is my specialty, Mr. Bennett." I lean forward, clicking to the next slide. "I've compiled analytics from our previous corporate retreats, showing a seventeen percent increase in team productivity post-visit."

"Impressive." He nods, but I can tell I haven't won him over yet. "Tell me, Ms. Carter, what do you know about Bennett Financial?"

"Founded in 1978, specializes in retirement planning and wealth management for high-net-worth clients, ranked fourth in client satisfaction for your market segment, and known for maintaining long-term client relationships—some spanning three generations of families." I deliver this without consulting my notes. Research is my superpower.

His eyebrows lift slightly. "And what's our company motto?"

"'Family values, financial futures.'" I smile, feeling the slight loosening of tension in my shoulders. I've got this.

"Exactly." Bennett leans back, folding his hands over his substantial stomach. "Family values are the bedrock of our business model. That's why I'm concerned about entrusting our annual leadership retreat to a... how did you put it? A 'boutique experience' with staff I don't know."

I fight to keep my smile from faltering. "Mountain Laurel Lodge is family-owned and operated by the Callahans. They've maintained this property for generations as well."

"Family-owned." He repeats the words with a nod, but his expression remains doubtful. "That's a good start. And what about you, Ms. Carter? Do you share these values?"

"Absolutely." My answer comes automatically, though my own family exists only in scattered text messages on birthdays and holidays.

"Good, good." He steeples his fingers under his chin. "I've found people who understand family commitment make more reliable business partners. My wife, Dorothy, always says you can tell a person's character by how they prioritize family relationships. Forty-seven years we've been married." His eyes crinkle with genuine warmth. "You understand the value of such commitment, I presume?"

Something in his tone makes me hesitate. Behind those grandfatherly glasses is a shrewd businessman, evaluating more than just my proposal.

"Of course." I nod, maintaining eye contact. "Family is..." I falter, searching for the right words.

"The foundation of everything worthwhile," Bennett finishes for me, his expression softening. "Dorothy's coming with me to this retreat, you know. We never spend a night apart. When you've found that person who completes you..." He trails off with a smile. "You understand, I'm sure. Are you married, Ms. Carter?"

The question catches me off guard. It's not the first time a client has tried to assess my personal life, but it's the first time I've felt my single status might cost me a deal.

"I'm actually—" I start to say "focusing on my career" as I always do, but something in his expectant gaze makes the words die in my throat. He's looking for someone like himself—someone settled, committed, family-oriented.

Someone I'm not.

But this account is too important. My fingers twitch toward my planner, my security blanket in times of stress. Twenty thousand dollars in commission. The validation I've been chasing for years. The chance to finally prove myself.

"—engaged," I finish, the lie slipping out before I can stop it.

His face transforms instantly, breaking into a broad smile. "Wonderful! Dorothy will be delighted to hear it. Nothing like building a life with your perfect match."

I smile weakly, heart racing. What have I done?

"When's the happy day?" he asks, closing my presentation folder with newfound enthusiasm.

"We haven't set a date yet," I say quickly. "We're taking our time with the planning."

"Smart, smart. Too many young people rush nowadays. Though I proposed to Dorothy after just six weeks." He chuckles, eyes twinkling. "When you know, you know."

"Absolutely," I echo, fighting the urge to loosen my collar as sweat prickles along my hairline.

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