Page 4 of Snowbound Hearts
“How was your trip?” he asks.
“Did you know they only give you pretzels on the airplane now? What’s wrong with peanuts?” Florence asks. “I like peanuts.”
“I did know that. I think it has something to do with people’s allergies. Pretzels are a safer bet.”
“Hogwash! It’s about saving money. Sure, they save money, but do you think they pass those savings on to the consumers? No, of course not,” Florence keeps arguing.
“Hush, Flo.” Gladys waves her off, too. “Mason, I’m so sorry to hear about your parents, but I’m glad you’re back in the good ol’ US of A, safe and sound.”
I look over at Mason and he glances at me and then back to Gladys. “Thank you.” He quickly changes the subject. “Let’s get you ladies checked in, shall we?”
“Tell me you have an elevator or you’re going to be carrying four fat ladies and their luggage up those stairs.” Betty points across the room.
Mason’s laugh is like a warm hug, but his bright smile charms the pants off all four of them. “I see no old or fat women. Only beautiful young ladies in my presence.” He quickly glances at me. “But I saved two adjoining suites for you all on the first floor.”
“Oh, a suite. How nice! Why aren’t you married, yet Mason? You’d make a great husband.” Joan asks and I have to walk away as my heart falls.
Why isn’t he married? Maybe he is and they just don’t know. I never bothered to look for a ring or even ask, not that it’s any of my business. Hell, he probably is married with kids and the whole package.
Mason was always the full package. I was just so stupid all those years ago.
Chapter 4
Mason
It’s been years since I’ve been back home. Since the day Sydney broke my heart and I left for boot camp. When I got the call about Mom and Dad, I immediately came here to the lodge to handle their final affairs. I had no intention of ever going back to Hibiscus Harbor, but we seem to have a mini reunion going on in the lobby today.
“Okay, ladies, you’re all set. Dinner will be at six in the dining hall,” I tell them as I load all their luggage into their suites.
“It’s free, right?” Florence asks.
I smile and nod, “It’s included in your stay, yes. Everything is, including ski lift tickets.”
“I’m already too close to the Grim Reaper as it is, you’re not getting me on those toothpicks you call skis, but I’ll sit and watch the hunky ski instructors if you’ve got any.” Gladys says as she wiggles her eyebrows.
“Sorry, Gladys. The ski instructor is off for the holiday because of the wedding.”
She snaps her finger, “Crap. I was hoping for a hot cocoa and some eye candy. I guess you’ll have to do.”
I smile and bow, “I’m at your disposal.”
Closing the door behind me with the group of feisty ladies all settled in their suites, I go looking for Emily. Instead, I find Sydney sitting in front of the fireplace with a mug of something steaming in one hand and her tablet in the other, but she’s not paying any attention to either. She’s staring off into space.
Seeing her with my staff, the bride and groom, and Emily earlier today as they decided on the placement of the altar, more decorations, and all the other things that go along with setting up a wedding, I noticed her confidence in her work and herself. She’s good at what she does and her love for her job clearly shows.
When we were dating, she always loved to throw a party or host a picnic. Sydney’s personality is gregarious and comforting. She can talk to anyone about anything. Always could. It’s one of the many things I love about her.
Loved about her. One of the many things Ilovedabout her.
“Everything okay with your drink?” I interrupt her daydream.
She looks at me and stares without answering me for a moment and then looks down at her mug as if she’s just now noticing it in her hands. “Yes. It’s fine. Thank you.”
I nod with a quick smile and turn to leave.
“What happened with your parents, Mason?” She asks and I stop in my tracks.
“Car accident.” I answer quickly with my back to her. This isn’t a topic I want to talk about. It’s been years since the accident, but it still hurts.
