They let go of their dreams, but their hearts never let go of love. When Piper Harriman got engaged fresh out of high school, her father gave her a choice—if she married her unsuitable fiancé, Juan Calderon, her family wouldn’t pay for college. So she went off to college and left Juan behind, hoping he would wait. His idealistic heart was broken, and he said goodbye. But her love for him refused to fade. Eight years later, alone and laid off, Piper is moving back home. With her snowbird parents’ house leased out for the winter, Piper is content with their small rental lodge—until the tenant next door turns out to be the lost love of her life. As handsome as ever, Juan’s success has proven her father’s predictions wrong. For Piper, it’s time to face facts. Juan has moved on, and he deserves to be happy. Logic tells her it’s time to let go, but when those dark eyes search hers, her heart knows there may still be a chance.

The Winter Lodge













NINE








Juan and Piper
sat in the back of the balcony of the Pine Harbor Movie House, huddled together over a shared bag of popcorn. Originally a vaudeville theater, the old building had evolved with the passing times to become a regular stop on the old straw-h...

Chapter 9