Maggie sat on one of the benches nestled in the gardens at the lodge. John had painstakingly planted the mass of foliage and flowers for his wife. Valerie had always loved wildflowers. John said she was a bit wild herself and he’d never questioned her obsession. Only fed it.

Her mind slowly wandered from John and Valerie to their son. What in the hell had just happened with Ben? Her heart raced, remembering their sexual encounter in the maintenance room. It had been incredible, breathtaking…and way too intimate despite the location.

This was no longer short-term, for her anyway. That’s why she’d run, escaping the small room as soon as she’d gotten her clothes back on. Her emotions were raw and running faster than her own two feet. She needed room to sort everything out.

Being intimate with Ben was one thing but sharing what they had with nothing between them, physically, had been too much. He’d seen through her, wanted more, needed more. She could see it in his whiskey colored eyes, hear it in the way he’d called her name over and over.

Maggie fell back into the bench, wondering how she could explain to her heart that this was temporary. Mentally she walked through her checklist, namely the fact that Ben would be leaving soon. Hell, he’d mentioned the public sale of his company just before they’d had sex. It was never far from his mind, or hers.

He’s leaving soon. He’s going back to Seattle. He had to. It was the only way she could protect her heart.

Maggie released a heavy sigh, watching plumes of her warm breath float in the chilly air.

Read the letters. Valerie’s words rambled through Maggie’s mind like an irritating gnat. They’d talked more about Valerie’s dad and how she’d come to forgive him. She said forgiving her dad was the only way she’d been able to let herself trust John.

Maggie wasn’t sure she had the guts to read her father’s words. She didn’t know if she was ready to forgive him. Ready to move on.

Her heart beat furiously as fear and anxiety pulsed through her veins. She’d shown Ben the box, disclosed the contents, something she’d never done before. Did that mean she wanted more with Ben?

“Hey, Maggie.”

Maggie jumped in her seat.

“Sorry,” Shawn said, making his way up the gravel path, “I didn’t mean to scare you.”

“It’s okay.”

“You looked like you were deep in thought. Everything all right with you?”

“Yeah, just a lot on my mind.”

Shawn turned to look toward the cabins, following the direction of Maggie’s gaze. “Don’t worry,” Shawn said. “I had my doubts when he first came back, but I have to tell you, I think some of the cuts Ben made are working out all right. From what he said, they were needed to meet the requirements of the loan.”

Maggie murmured a response, then stilled. “Wait.” Maggie raised a hand to shade her eyes as she looked at the contractor, Shawn’s words finally registering. “Ben made cuts?”

Shawn’s eyes shot wide. “Uh, yeah, I thought you knew.”

“When did this happen?” she asked.

“I got word a few days ago, right after I placed the order for the stone for the fireplaces and extra lumber for the balcony in the barn. I had to cancel both.”

“What are you talking about?” Maggie’s eyes narrowed. “Cancel the balcony? It’s one of the most important parts of the barn.”

“I know,” Shawn said. “He said you’d have to do without them.”

“That’s where the bride is supposed to throw the bouquet. That’s where the newlyweds are supposed to descend for their introduction.” Maggie heard her pitch rising. “Valerie and I specifically put it in the plans for a reason.” Maggie waved her hands in the air like a crazy woman.

“Ben said those expenditures were too much, he said you guys were cutting them, and other extras you couldn’t afford right now.”

“You guys?” Maggie cocked a brow.

“Yeah, you and Valerie. I thought you knew.” Shawn stared at her. “You didn’t?”

“No, I didn’t.” She fumed, jumping to her feet, furious with Ben Sumner. He’d told her he wouldn’t interfere, acted like he understood their vision. Hell, he’d even been putting in his own sweat equity so the build-out could happen on time. The only thing he’d been doing was confusing her with kisses and sex.

Ben had lied to her. He’d flat out lied to her.

And he’d gotten her into his bed. Maggie wrapped her arms around her waist as the truth hit her. He’d been manipulating her.

“I’m sorry, Maggie, I thought this was a decision straight from the top. I’m not going to lie, I hated to see the cuts, I mean I thought the balcony in the barn would be beautiful, but he made it sound like this was something he’d discussed with you and his mom.”

Where did Ben get off, making unilateral decisions? Valerie had never talked about them. She obviously didn’t know either.

Maggie narrowed her eyes. “Exactly when did you receive the email about the cuts, Shawn?”

He shrugged, obviously not wanting to get in the middle of this fight.

Had Ben slept with her just to smooth over the fact he’d made cuts he’d promised he wouldn’t?

Maggie flexed her hands, trying not to look like a crazy woman ready to take a swing at someone. Trusting Ben Sumner had been a mistake. As usual, the only person she could count on was herself. How had she been so stupid, sleeping with him, having sex with no protection? Letting him inside her world, her heart, her life.

Shawn moved closer. “Maggie, are you all right? You look like you’re going to rip someone’s head off.”

“I just might,” she growled through gritted teeth as she stalked away. “I just might.”