They pulled into the Silver Creek Lodge parking lot just after three in the afternoon. It was a day of firsts for Charlotte. She’d never flown before and she’d never been to Colorado.

Flying had been exhilarating. She had a new appreciation for the pilots she worked with now. She better understood their addiction to flying. Why would anyone want to ride in a car for days when they could be somewhere in a matter of hours? Of course, she didn’t have the money to hire someone to fly her anywhere, but she would definitely consider flying commercial if she ever had the need to travel.

She stepped out of the SUV and took in the view. The lodge was nestled at the base of a tall mountain backed by even taller mountains with snow on their peeks. The lodge itself looked like a castle. She heard the gurgles of a river running not far away.

But it was air that gave her pause. There was something different about the air. Maybe it was the smell of pine and wood smoke or maybe the air was lighter from the elevation. There was also a cool touch to the air. Probably all of it combined.

As the guys unloaded their luggage, Julia came to stand next to her. “It’s beautiful isn’t it?”

Charlotte turned and smiled at the woman. “I’ve never seen anything like this.”

“A lot different from Texas. Mike and I both have always had a love for the mountains.” She took a deep breath of clean air. “Would you believe that our first kiss was here?”

“I thought you were from Texas.”

Julia laughed. “Yes. We’re from Texas. But we both spent the summer here one year. I was a senior in high school and he was a college student working here for the summer. They had some kind of program for college students back then.”

“You stayed in touch?”

“No. But that summer was something we never forgot. You know? I mean we stayed in touch for awhile, but I lived in Houston and he lived in Dallas. We both married other people. I got divorced after ten years and stayed single. His wife got sick and she died three years ago.”

“How did you reconnect?”

“Would you believe that we saw each other at a Barnes and Noble?”

Charlotte shook her head. “You actually recognized each other?”

“Immediately.”

“That’s an amazing story.”

“I know. We were meant to be.”

“That is incredibly romantic.”

“I just wish we could have been together all those years. But we would have been different people, wouldn’t we?”

“Maybe.”

“All right, ladies,” Jameson came around loaded down with luggage. “Let’s get checked in.”

Jameson led the way with Julia and Mike holding hands behind him. That left Ryan and Charlotte to walk behind them.

“So what did you think about flying?”

Charlotte grinned as she looked up at him. “I love it.”

He smiled back. “There’s nothing like it. It’s even better if you’re up front.”

“I can only imagine.”

“I’ll take you up sometime.”

Before she could answer they went inside the lodge and were greeted by a staff member. But his statement brought a flush to her cheeks. In the air. With Ryan. Alone. Definitely a flush.

They went to the front desk and waited while Julia and Mike checked in. They headed off to the honeymoon cabin while Jameson checked in next. He waved good-bye. “See you soon.”

“You bet.” Ryan stepped up. “Go ahead, Charlotte.”

Charlotte stepped up to the desk. “I don’t think think I have a reservation.” She had a sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach.

“What’s your name and I’ll check.” The gentleman behind the counter whose name was Nate according to his nametag offered with a kindness in his voice.

“Charlotte Cooper.” She glanced at Ryan. He shrugged.

“I don’t see anything under that name. What’s your name sir?”

“Ryan Armstrong.”

The man tapped on the keyboard. “Yep. Here it is under your name. You guys are in a king suite.”

Charlotte had reserved that room for Ryan. “Actually I need a separate room.”

“That might be a problem, dear.” He tapped on his keyboard again. “I might have a cabin.”

Charlotte held her breath.

“No, somebody already took that one.”

Charlotte squeezed her hands together. Surely something could be done. “But you have a room, right?”

Nate shook his head. “We are completely booked.”

“Not a problem,” Ryan took out his cell phone. “Hey Jameson. We’re short a room. Can I bunk with you?”

Charlotte couldn’t hear his response, but Ryan’s brows furrowed and he made a face. He disconnected and slipped his phone in his pocket. “His girlfriend is coming in.”

“When?”

“Apparently she’s on her way.”

Charlotte looked at Nate. “What do I do?”

“I can check some hotels in the area. But just so you know, they’re predicting snow tonight.” Nate picked up his phone.

“No,” Ryan said. “She’ll stay in my room.”