Snow in Love

By Michelle Cornish

Can a second chance at love melt an icy heart?

 

Jules Hartley, a resort manager with a heart as cool as the snow-laden slopes she oversees, returns to where she grew up to tend to her mother's affairs after her death. Her icy guard is threatened when she discovers she's inherited her mother's business partner—Bennett Walker, the man who once melted her heart.

 

In the midst of the Pacific Northwest winter, Jules's fortress is put to the test. The enchanting holiday season brings more than twinkling lights and festive cheer; it also brings Bennett back into her life. Once her high school sweetheart, Bennett represents the past she's worked hard to forget.

 

Thrust into close quarters, Jules and Bennett navigate secrets, shared responsibilities, and nostalgic holiday events. With each snowflake that falls, their icy standoff starts to thaw, revealing the glowing embers of a love that never fully extinguished.

 

As they work together to turn Wonderland Lodge into the holiday haven it once was, they find their frozen past melting away, replaced with a second chance they never thought possible.

• Language: English
• Publisher: SolVin Creative
• Release date: Nov 25, 2023
• ISBN: 9781990221330

Book preview

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Copyright © 2023 by Michelle Cornish

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in reviews and certain other non-commercial uses permitted by copyright law.

Published in Canada by SolVin Creative.

Snow in Love is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or people (living or dead) is entirely coincidental. 

Cover design by Deborah Bradseth.

Proofreading by Kay Cornish. Remaining mistakes are mine alone.

Discover other titles by Michelle Cornish at www.michellecornishauthor.com.

Paperback ISBN: 978-1-990221-34-7

E-Book ISBN: 978-1-990221-33-0

Contents

One

Two

Three

Four

Five

Six

Seven

Eight

Nine

Ten

Eleven

Twelve

Thirteen

Fourteen

Fifteen

Sixteen

Seventeen

Eighteen

Nineteen

Twenty

Twenty-One

Twenty-Two

Twenty-Three

Twenty-Four

Twenty-Five

Twenty-Six

Twenty-Seven

Twenty-Eight

Twenty-Nine

Thirty

Thirty-One

Thirty-Two

Thirty-Three

Thirty-Four

Thirty-Five

Thirty-Six

Epilogue

About the Author

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One

Jules

The world always feels softer under a fresh blanket of snow. Each flake, unique and fragile, drifts from the heavens, alighting on my cheeks, my eyelashes, as if to whisper ancient secrets. I stand on the wooden balcony of Wonderland Lodge, the winter haven of my childhood, and inhale the crisp, pine-scented air.

I close my eyes and I’m transported back to my teenage years when I stood here as an innocent young girl so many years ago.

I dare you, said a voice, warm against the cold.

Bennett.

When I turned to face him, our gazes met. His eyes, such a deep shade of hazel, challenging and playful all at once.

I brushed snowflakes from my hair. Dare me to do what?

With an arched brow, he said, To catch a snowflake with your tongue. It's not as easy as it looks.

Rolling my eyes, I laughed. You're such a child, Bennett.

He grinned, the corners of his eyes crinkling. Says the girl who built an army of snowmen yesterday.

Before I can retort with my excuse that the snowmen were for the enjoyment of the guests staying at the lodge, he stuck out his tongue, tilting his head back, trying to catch a snowflake. The sight was ridiculous, endearing.

Chuckling, I followed suit, letting the cold snowflakes melt on my tongue. Such a silly, innocent challenge, and yet in that moment, there was a palpable magic between us. When a snowflake landed perfectly on my tongue, I cheered and pumped my fist. I got one!

Bennett laughed, pulling me into a gentle embrace, our cold noses brushing. Always the overachiever, he murmured, his breath warm against my frozen cheek.

His hand found mine, our fingers intertwining, as he guided me to the edge of the balcony. Below us, the silent world a white kingdom of snow. Promise me, he whispered, that no matter where life takes us, we'll always find our way back to Wonderland.

I gazed into his eyes, seeing our future, our dreams, the world we planned to build together. I promise, I replied, squeezing his hand.

At the time, I thought I’d never leave Wonderland Lodge, and the promise seemed as eternal as the mountains around us. But we were young, and the world is vast. Neither one of us could have seen what was to come.

Sometimes, promises are like snowflakes—beautiful, unique, and short-lived. Yet the memory of that day, of that promise, had become a shard, buried deep in my heart.

And now, standing on the threshold of Wonderland Lodge once more, the weight of that shard, that unkept promise, presses heavy against my soul.

A sarcastic snort escapes my nose as I look out over the balcony at the vast, blanketed mountainside. Looks like I kept my promise after all. After Bennett and I broke up all those years ago, I made it my mission to get as far away from Wonderland Lodge as possible. I never intended to come back, but my mother had other plans for me. Though she couldn’t have known about the promise, she would be happy to know I’d kept my word after all. She always loved Bennett.

The wood beneath my boots creaks as I step inside Wonderland Lodge, and the familiar woodsy scent, mixed with the cozy warmth of a crackling fireplace, envelops me. For a moment, I close my eyes, letting the memories wash over me. Every corner of this place seems to echo with laughter, whispered secrets, and the ghostly touch of long-gone winters and summers.

I remember hiding under that grand staircase during a game of hide and seek, the giddy thrill as footsteps passed me by. I remember curling up with a book in that corner by the fireplace, the world fading away as I lost myself in tales of distant lands and brave heroes. But more than anything, I remember me and Bennett, stealing glances, sharing secret smiles, and dreaming of a future that seemed so certain.

Shaking off the nostalgia, I approach the reception desk. Julianne Hartley, I introduce myself, forcing cheer into my voice. Everyone calls me Jules. I'm the new owner. My stomach fills with butterflies at my half-truth. "One of the new owners." My parents started the resort with Bennett’s parents before either one of us were born. Bennett’s parents were killed in a car crash just after Bennett and I graduated from high school. I’d heard rumors that a European conglomerate had purchased their share, but that was never confirmed. I stopped caring about the lodge after Bennett and I broke up.

The young lady behind the counter, her name tag identifying her as Cameron, looks up with wide eyes. Oh, Miss Hartley. We weren't expecting you until tomorrow.

Call me Jules, I remind her. I plan on being as hands on as possible with this place while I’m here, so I don’t see the need to be overly formal with the staff. I wanted to get a feel for the place before officially taking over. I smile, but my heart races. I've prepared for this moment, practiced speeches in front of mirrors, but now, words elude me. I never planned to come back here, let alone run the place, but nobody can know that. If I’m going to be an effective owner and keep the profitability of this place up, the staff need to think I planned to take over for my mom all along. I’m sure that’s what Mom had led everyone to believe. Even my partner in the business, whomever that might be. I should have pressed the lawyers harder to find out, but there isn’t much I can do about that. I’m not in a position to buy their half. If it’s the European conglomerate like I’d assumed, I’m a bit surprised they haven’t offered to buy me out yet.

Cameron nods. Let me get your keys.

While she busies herself, my gaze wanders, taking in the familiar surroundings with fresh eyes. The main hall hasn’t changed much. The chandeliers still hang grandly from the ceiling, casting a soft, golden glow. The walls, adorned with pictures of winter landscapes, seem to whisper stories from the past.

I absentmindedly run my fingers along the wooden banister, the grain smooth and polished under my touch. It's like being embraced by an old friend, but the feeling is bittersweet. I can't help but think of the last time I was here and the promise Bennett and I made. The one I broke.

Miss Hartley?

I jump, whipping my head around to face the front desk, startled out of my reverie by Cameron’s voice.

Sorry, she giggles, a hint of embarrassment coloring her cheeks. Didn't mean to startle you. Here are your keys. She hands over a set of old-fashioned brass keys. The keys to Mom's suite. It’s nice to see that some things haven’t changed.

Thank you. I take a deep breath, steadying myself. Would you mind giving me a tour? Refresh my memory? My memories are fine, but I’d like to get a sense of the place from someone else’s point of view.

Of course. But there’s someone else who might want to join us. She glances over her shoulder.

I frown, about to ask who would be joining us, when a voice behind me—deep, familiar, and utterly unexpected—asks, Would that be me?

I turn, and my heart stops. There, with the same hazel eyes and an easy grin, though perhaps a touch more matured, stands Bennett Walker. Mature looks good on him, as much as I hate admitting that.

Memories rush back—the laughter, the joy, the heartbreak. The walls of the lodge seem to close in on me as I wrestle with my shock. If only he hadn’t seen me, I’d run for the hills and never come back, sell my half of the lodge as quickly as possible. I might still do that.

Bennett, I manage to say, my voice barely a whisper.

He chuckles, though there's a hint of uncertainty in his eyes. Surprised to see me, Jules?

I shouldn’t be surprised. Wonderland Lodge was his favorite place at one time too. Over the years, I’d asked Mom not to talk about Bennett when I called to check on her. When she finally did stop talking about him, I assumed it was because he’d moved away, and she didn’t see him around the lodge anymore. He’d always wanted to be an architect, and he would have had to leave Wonderland for all that schooling.

To say the least, I reply flatly, taking a moment to collect myself. You know what they say about people who assume things. It makes an ass out of you and me. But somehow, I’m the only ass in this situation. Bennett seems to be enjoying himself. What are you doing here? I ask.

He raises an eyebrow, a playful smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. I could ask you the same thing . . . His voice drops off and he breaks eye contact. Except I already know. God, Jules, I’m such an ass.

Did he just read my mind? How is he in my head right now?

He steps closer and reaches his arm out as if he wants to touch me then thinks better of it. I’m so sorry about your mom.

Thanks, I say.

An odd feeling comes over me, one I can’t quite explain. He never answered my question, and I fear that’s because he knows I won’t like the answer. I ask again. What are you doing here?

When our gazes connect, I’m met with a blast as cold as the snow outside. I don’t believe in coincidences, and it makes sense now why Cameron said there was somebody else who wanted to join us. It’s you, isn’t it? You’re . . . My words drop off. This can’t be happening.

Bennett nods, his smirk growing wider. Looks like we're going to be partners, Jules.

Partners? With Bennett? How is this possible? Did Mom set this up? It would be just like her to do something like this, to tie me and Bennett to Wonderland Lodge together. She always did have a twisted sense of humor.

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Two

Bennett

Walking side by side with Jules, I can't help but feel like I've been thrown into a time machine. She still carries that air of confident elegance, although time has added a certain worldliness to her features. Or perhaps what I’m sensing is coldness, not that I blame her. The teenager I once knew has transformed into a stunning woman. But despite her beauty, there's a visible strain, a tension in the curve of her lips, the set of her shoulders. The revelation of our shared ownership can’t be easy for her. I hadn’t wanted her to find out this way, so suddenly. She’s been through enough with her mom dying.

Okay, if you both will follow me, Cameron says, her voice cheerful, seemingly oblivious to the undercurrent of tension between me and Jules. I can’t say that I’m not happy to see her. I’ve looked forward to this day for a long time. I just wish it was under different circumstances, that she wasn’t forced to be here because Eleanor left Jules her share of the lodge. She’ll kill me when she finds out I knew Eleanor’s plan all along.

Jules gives a tight nod, forcing a smile, and I can't help but feel a pang of guilt. I should've handled all of this better. I should've ducked down the hall as soon as I saw Jules and hid out of view until Cameron led her away. Then I could have broken the news of our joint ownership in private, more gently. But the moment I saw Jules again, I was knocked off balance and all thoughts of any kind had flown from my mind. I wasn’t prepared to see her today. She was supposed to arrive tomorrow.

Cameron begins the tour, pointing out the new additions and changes made over the years. She talks about the updated rooms, the renovated spa, the state-of-the-art gym, and the various eco-friendly adaptations that have been incorporated. Of course, none of these changes are a surprise to me. I’ve been pretty involved with the lodge since I turned twenty-one and had the option of stepping in as a partner with Eleanor, something my parents had stipulated in their wills.

Every now and then, Jules chimes in with a question or a comment about the changes and when each one took place, her professional demeanor slowly taking over. I keep my eyes on her throughout this impromptu tour, and I watch as her fingers trace over the familiar wood. Is she remembering the times we used to play hide and seek around these corners, like I am? Or the way we'd whisper secrets on the balcony, and the countless snowball fights we engaged in?

God, I’m such a sap. I’ve missed her, but I hadn’t realized exactly how much until I laid eyes on her.

What's this room? she asks, stopping in front of a door with a brass plaque that reads Private.

Cameron clears her throat. Oh, that's Mr. Walker's personal office.

I appreciate Cameron’s formality, but it’s not necessary. Hardly anyone calls me Mr. Walker. Cameron, please, you can call me Bennett. She normally does, which tells me this is all for Jules’s benefit.

Jules tosses a glance my way, her eyebrows raised in question.

I shrug. It's just a small workspace I set up, I explain. It's where I do some of my design work, separate from the lodge operations. I realize this might sound a bit elitist, so I add, It’s quieter.

She gives a nod, but her gaze lingers on the door a moment longer.

You’re not jealous, are you? I ask. You can have your mom’s old office. There I go being insensitive again. If it’s not too painful for you, I add.

She rolls her eyes as if I’m being a sissy. It’ll be fine, I’m sure.

It's not lost on me that this space, my office, used to be our secret hideaway spot when we were teens. A place where we would escape the adults, share secrets, and dream of our future. Now, it's filled with architectural blueprints and models of buildings I've designed over the years.

As the tour progresses, I can feel Jules relaxing, her earlier shock and discomfort that we are now partners giving way to curiosity and interest. Every now and then, our fingers accidentally brush against each other, or our eyes meet, and the world stops for a split second. Memories, nostalgia, and suppressed feelings bubble to the surface, making it hard to concentrate on anything else.

Over here, Cameron gestures, is the new cocktail bar. It was added just a couple of years ago. It’s become quite a hit with the guests.

Jules lets out a chuckle. Of course, a bar. What took so long?

I can't help but grin. Guess we were too busy with snowball fights and building snowmen to think of it. I know her question was rhetorical. Back then we weren’t old enough to drink, plus, these types of changes weren’t up to us, even if our families owned the resort together. They never really cared what two teenagers thought when it came to business.

She smirks, looking at me from the corner of her eye. Is everything a joke to you?

Ouch. I feign hurt by pressing my hand to my heart, but that’s for Jules’s benefit. Her words do hurt, and I can’t blame her for that. The way we ended things was less than ideal, and until now, I hadn’t talked to her. I did keep tabs on her through Eleanor. It was impossible for me to not know what Jules was up to over the years.

The tour takes us outside to the gardens, now blanketed in white, where a few guests are engaging in snow activities. We watch a couple of kids sledding down a small hill, their laughter echoing through the air.

Jules pauses, lost in thought. It's still as beautiful as I remember.

Deep down, she’s not as icy as she’d have me believe. That’s a wall she’s erected to protect herself. Growing up, it was always her and Eleanor for as long as I could remember. Her dad left when she was a baby. Wonderland Lodge had only been operational for a few short years.

I look over at her, sensing the depth of emotion behind her words. All the extras and additions are just that, but the lodge never really changed, Jules. My words echo a deeper sentiment, one about my feelings for her.

Her eyes snap to mine, and there's a brief moment of understanding, of shared memories and unspoken words. But as quickly as it arrives, the moment passes.

Cameron, sensing the change in atmosphere, quickly jumps in. Shall we continue?

Jules gives a nod, but I can tell her mind is elsewhere. Cameron leads us back inside, and as the tour wraps up, we find ourselves back in the main hall. Cameron, sensing that Jules and I have a lot to talk about, makes a hasty exit, leaving me and Jules alone.

There's an awkward silence, filled with the weight of the past and the uncertainty of our future as partners in this Wonderland Lodge business venture. Taking a deep breath, I muster the courage to break the ice. Jules, I begin, my voice soft. I know this is a lot to take in. And I'm sorry for the way it was dropped on you.

She takes a moment, her gaze distant, before finally meeting my stare. Her eyes turn cold. You knew, didn’t you? You knew we were going to end up as partners.

Damn, she always could see right through me. Jules, I—

How long? she cuts me off. How long have you known?

Always. I’ve always known, but how can I tell her that. Not now when she’s clearly upset for being blindsided. I tried to convince Eleanor to tell Jules before she passed away, but the two of them haven’t always had the closest relationship, especially since Jules moved away.

Gathering my courage, I drag in a breath. As much as I don’t want to admit that it was always the plan for her and I to run this place together, I also can’t lie to her. I settle for something in between. It was in the works for . . . a while.

She huffs out a breath. Interesting. She stomps off, presumably to get settled in her room, but quite possibly because she can’t stand to be around me. I get it.

As I stand there, surrounded by my memories and the promise of the future, one thing is clear—Eleanor was right. She knew how to get Jules to keep her promise of returning to Wonderland. Now it’s up to me to convince her to stay.

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Three

Jules

The cold air hits me as I step out onto the balcony of my