Lost in Love: A Contemporary Christian Romance (Modern Conveniences Book 3)

by Leah Atwood

  “Our room is divine perfection, exquisite in its romanticism.” Evelyn tucked a hand into the crook of her husband’s arm. “Don’t you think so, Henry?”

  “Yes, ma’am. We’ve enjoyed everything about Crosswinds so far, and can’t wait for breakfast after tasting tonight’s meal.” Henry rubbed his stomach.

  “Men! All they think about is food, even on their honeymoon.” Evelyn gave a dramatic eye roll, but clung tighter to Henry and smiled at him. “Fortunately for Henry, he married a woman whose affection for food is only matched by her love for love.”

  “In that case, I should tell you I have several pieces of Belgium Chocolate in our room, imported especially for you.”

  Evelyn’s eyed lit with delight. “Oh, Henry, you’re so romantic. You’ll read me poetry while we indulge, won’t you, dear…please?”

  “Of course, my darling.”

  The older couple skedaddled up the stairs, laughing and giggling the entire way.

  I can only hope I’m that agile and happy when I reach their age. She watched them until they reached the top step, then finished making her way down the hallway.

  She entered the foyer and saw Sean behind the desk, speaking with a young couple, approximately the same age as her. The woman had bright red hair, with just enough wave that Sunny couldn’t decide if it was natural or manufactured with a curling iron or perm. The man stood tall, lean but muscular.

  When she got closer, she noticed frustration etched on Sean’s face, so discreetly, most probably wouldn’t notice. Then she noticed the stress on the couple’s face, especially the man’s.

  Not good.

  Chapter Twelve

  Sean left the dining room, amused by the McCabes. Evelyn was a character, and Henry obviously adored her. In the five minutes he’d visited with them, he discovered they’d both been widowed and had found love again after they’d reunited during a sixtieth high school reunion. A month later they’d married and had found their way to Crosswinds for a honeymoon.

  That they’d known each other—for all intents and purposes, sixty years between meetings was enough to consider them strangers—for nearly the same time he and Sunny had, didn’t escape him. He also noticed how in love they were, and how well they knew each other, for only having been together such a brief time. One could learn a lot about someone in a brief time if they were willing to listen and open their eyes.

  He'd examine the implications of all that later, but for now, he had to greet the guests who’d just arrived. Sunny had passed by the dining room right before he’d left, but he’d never seen her return. Since he wasn’t sure why she’d stepped away, he’d take care of the guests until she returned.

  His jaw dropped, and he froze in place when the couple came into view. It couldn’t be. What were the chances? Not much made him nervous, but this…this was every-hair-on-its-edge anxiety-inducing.

  “Hello, is anyone…” The woman cut her inquiry short when she turned her head and laid eyes on Sean.

  “Madison?” He glanced back and forth from her to Archer, her husband.

  “Sean?” Her face paled.

  “What are you doing here?” Suspicion lurked in Archer’s eyes.

  Sean couldn’t blame him. After all, he’d kissed the man’s wife—albeit, he hadn’t known at the time Archer and Madison were married. “I live here.”

  “You live here? At a bed and breakfast?” Madison gave him a sideways glance that conveyed doubt and surprise.

  Again, he couldn’t blame her either. He’d changed a lot over the last year.

  “Yes.” Tell her you’re married.

  “Maybe we should leave.” Archer closed a fist around his suitcase handle.

  Madison’s eyes were weary. “We’ve already had to find one new place.”

  Her statement was as simple as that. A statement. In her tone, she gave no indication if she wanted to stay or leave.

  “Don’t leave on my account.” Sean aimed his unflinching stare at Archer. “Sunny’s excited about your arrival, and the chef’s already saved an extra plate for each of you.”

  “I don’t know.” Madison hedged, seemingly hesitant to make a decision.

  “It’s your choice, but this is the best bed and breakfast around. Sunny goes out of her way to give her guests an outstanding stay.” He took a deep breath, wondering why he pushed for them to stay. Life would be much easier the next few days if Madison and Archer went along their way instead of booking a room for two nights. But if they did, Sunny would lose business because of him, and that wouldn’t do.

  “Who is Sunny to you?” Madison held his gaze, waiting for an answer.

  He found the question odd, considering his and Madison’s history.

  “She is my wife.”

  “Your wife?” she squeaked at the same time Archer said, “You’re married?”

  “For a month tomorrow.” A genuine smile turned up the corners of his mouth, and he conveniently left out the reason they’d married.

  “Wow. I had no idea.” She extended a hand, her wariness evident in her slow movement. “Congratulations.”

  “Thank you.”

  Archer still scowled, but the harshness eased a notch. “Congratulations.”

  “Please stay. By the time you can get anywhere else, it will be late. I’ll barely be around for the next two days, so you won’t even see me.”

  Madison glanced at Archer. “What do you think?”

  His glare finally relented. “The past is the past. If you’re fine staying here, then I’m fine, too.”

  Sean nodded toward the registration desk. “I’ll get all the information needed from you. Sunny will be back shortly to handle everything else.”

  “Sean?” Her call to him was barely audible.

  “Yes?”

  “Does Sunny know?”

  He didn’t have to ask about what. “She knows enough.”

  “Will you tell her who we are?” Madison looked unsure.

  “She’s my wife. She has a right to know.”

  He didn’t miss her approving nod.

  “You’ve changed.”

  “More than you know,” he mumbled.

  “I think we should let her make the decision if we stay or not, once she knows all the facts.” Madison looked at him, then Archer. “That only seems fair.”

  “Good point.” He couldn’t imagine Sunny sending away a guest, no matter what the backstory, and this could be his chance to prove he wasn’t in love with Madison anymore. He moved behind the desk. “I’ll at least input your basic information just in case. That way it’s already done if you decide to stay, and it can be erased with a quick delete if you leave.”

  “What do you need?” Archer stepped forward to assume charge.

  “Driver’s license and credit card.”

  “Welcome to Crosswinds. You must be the couple who called earlier.” Sunny returned and moved behind the desk.

  He’d been too surprised and still shocked to notice her entry into the foyer. How much had she heard?

  “Yes, ma’am.” When Madison greeted her, there wasn’t a drop of animosity.

  “I’m so glad you made it.” Sunny walked to them, professional, friendly smile in place. If she’d noticed anything, her facial expressions and voice didn’t let on. She stuck out a hand. “Forgive me for not greeting you upon arrival, but I left the desk to find a charged phone so I could call you, and then was stopped by other guests. I’m sure you’ll meet them tomorrow and find them delightful.”

  Madison shook her hand. “I look forward to meeting them and touring the house. A coworker stayed here last fall, and had nothing but good remarks afterward.”

  “I’m so glad to hear it.” Sunny glanced at him then back at Madison and Archer. “Did Sean check you in?”

  The tension in the room mounted. For a minute, it was as though he’d been invisible. He wouldn’t mind going back to that.

  Archer cleared his throat.

  Tempted to shoot him a glare, Sea
n looked at him and saw no malice. He gave Archer the benefit of the doubt that it was an innocent cough, but nonetheless, the time had come to speak up.

  He drew a breath. How did one approach this situation? He was certain there wasn’t a set protocol. How often did a couple show up to stay at a bed and breakfast owned by the wife’s former best friend’s wife? Good grief, it sounded like a soap opera, although there wasn’t anything tawdry or unseemly happening—only an incredibly awkward scenario.

  Silence filled the air.

  Sunny’s eyes shifted from person to person. In her face was recognition that something was off, but she didn’t understand.

  Madison and Archer stared at him.

  He reached for Sunny’s hand, causing a brow raise from her. “Sunny, meet the Reeves, Archer and Madison.”

  “Nice to meet you.”

  Sean knew the exact moment she realized who they were.

  Her voice dropped abruptly and her smile faltered. “That explains the strange looks,” she muttered under her breath, so low, Sean doubted anyone heard, save him. She straightened her back. “It’s a pleasure to meet an old friend of my husband’s.”

  She added a strong emphasis on husband.

  “I’m so happy to meet the woman Sean married.” Madison smiled, trying to diffuse the awkwardness. “You’ll have to tell us some time how you met.”

  “Does that mean you’re staying?” Sunny’s voice was unsteady.

  Was she worried about losing customers or was it because he had a past with those customers?

  Madison slid an arm around her husband’s waist. “We’d really like to if you’re okay with that.”

  “Why wouldn’t I be?” The smile on Sunny’s face was forced, but not in an obvious manner. “We’d love for you to stay at Crosswinds.”

  “Wonderful.” Madison clapped her hands. “I’ve been eager to see the secret passage ever since a coworker told me about it. When our reservations didn’t work out at the lodge, I knew exactly where I wanted to go.”

  “I’ll be happy to give you a tour in the morning.” Sunny’s smile turned genuine, and her passion for Crosswinds came through. “There are spots where you can still see soot marks from candles.”

  Nudging Archer, Madison grinned. “Doesn’t that sound fun.”

  “It does.”

  Archer’s interest seemed real, which surprised Sean. He hadn’t taken him for a history person—then again, he didn’t know Archer well, other than that he made Madison happy. For that reason alone, Sean knew he had to be a good person. Unfortunately, Sean had made snooty judgments about him, which became a significant factor in the meltdown of his friendship with Madison.

  Sunny pulled her hand away and positioned herself in front of the old computer. “Where did you leave off in the registration process?”

  “All they need is a key. I’ve taken care of everything else.” Sean pointed to the still opened screen on the monitor.

  “Thanks. Where is their information card?” Sunny’s eyes gazed over the desk.

  “That I forgot about.” He withdrew one from the index file and handed it to Madison. “Would you mind filling out this form? It asks about any special requests, dietary needs, and how you heard about Crosswinds.”

  “Sure.” Madison scrawled a few lines on the paper and handed it back in under a minute.

  In return, Sunny handed her a key with a red tag attached. “You’ll be in the Vermillion Room. Once you climb the first flight of stairs, it’s the second door on your right.”

  “Thank you.” Madison took the key.

  Sean looked at their suitcase. “I’ll carry your luggage to the room. Do you have anything else?”

  “I can take care of it.” Archer angled the bag until it rested on its wheels.

  It’s a service we offer to every guest was on the tip of his tongue, but he didn’t want to risk offending Archer. He let it slide. Sunny would understand the breach of protocol.

  “We have dinner saved for you. There’s no rush, but what time can we expect you?” Sunny had regained all sense of professionalism.

  Archer and Madison shared a glance.

  “Would a half hour from now be okay?” Madison flipped her wrist to view her watch. “Say, seven forty-five?”

  “Perfect.” Sunny left the desk and gestured for them to follow. “I’ll show you the dining room on the way.”

  She, along with Archer and Madison, disappeared down the hallway, leaving Sean alone, which was fine with him. He needed a few minutes alone to process what had happened. Never in his wildest dreams had he expected to see Madison again here. The chances had to be near that of winning the lottery. Considering he never played, that made the probability low. Zero.

  Well, that’s one way to beat the odds.

  He’d made it nearly a year without seeing her in Maryville. Despite the fact he’d often traveled in that timeframe, it didn’t change the fact Maryville was a small town. Going a month without seeing someone was rare—a year, nearly impossible.

  What struck him most about seeing her again, was his lack of emotion. He’d mourned the loss of their friendship for so long, the grief had become a part of his life. At some point, he’d dismissed the grief, but he hadn’t realized it until tonight. She’d always hold a special spot in his heart, but he could reflect on that friendship with beauty now, not despair. The memories were bittersweet, but he was content to move forward, treasuring the fact he’d been blessed with her as a friend for so many years.

  The prideful side of him wanted Madison and Archer to know he’d moved on, that he didn’t harbor feelings for Madison. He’d questioned himself earlier if he’d ever truly loved Madison as more than a friend, and he unequivocally had his answer. Seeing her had confirmed that.

  Only one woman held that special spot in his heart. He was unequivocally head over heels in love with Sunny, and he’d set out to claim her affections.

  Chapter Thirteen

  Arching her back, Sunny stretched her sore muscles. What a day, and it wasn’t even over. She still had to drive to the superstore tonight and buy Sean a gift. Although she wanted to give him something creative that captured how she felt about him, Madison’s appearance had zapped any creativity she had for the night.

  She wasn’t sure how she felt about Madison staying at the bed and breakfast. Jealousy had never affected her until now. Even as teens, when Raina had more dates and was more popular, Sunny had never envied her. It had never been a competition between them, and when Raina had successes or was invited to the coolest parties, it never bothered her.

  When her co-workers had been assigned tasks worthy of more than an intern or had been given promotions, she’d been happy for them—a little irritated that she couldn’t find the same success no matter how hard she tried, but she’d never been jealous.

  In all her life, she couldn’t remember ever being attacked by the green monster. Until now.

  Sean had told her he didn’t love Madison, and she wanted to believe him. Even if he did, could she hold that against him? They hadn’t married for love. It had been strictly a marriage of convenience. She’d had this same argument in her head for the first two weeks of their marriage until she decided it was pointless.

  Madison’s arrival changed that.

  What if all his old feelings resurrected when he saw her again? Nausea pitted in her stomach—what if she lost Sean? She wasn’t concerned about him leaving before he fulfilled his end of the deal. She definitely didn’t worry that he’d make a pass at Madison in an attempt to steal her away from Archer. Sean had too much honor for that. She knew how guilty he felt for the time he tried to kiss Madison, not knowing she was already married.

  She feared losing his heart, for as much as she tried to convince herself that their marriage was an arrangement, her heart shouted otherwise. She’d thought there’d been a possibility Sean felt the same, but they hadn’t gotten to a point where they discussed it. What if they never did now, simply because his old flame—i
f Madison could be called that—showed up?

  “Hi.”

  She jumped. Having been lost in thought, she hadn’t noticed Sean’s entrance into the kitchen. “Hi.”

  “Late night snack?” He went to the refrigerator and pulled out a bottle of water.

  “No, I’m about to leave for the store.”

  “This late?” He crinkled his eyes. “There’s nothing open.”

  “I’m heading to the supermart.”

  “That’s an hour away.” He shook his head. “You shouldn’t go by yourself this late.”

  “It’s only nine-thirty, not that late, and it’s a safe area.”

  “Can it wait until tomorrow?” Genuine concern reflected in his features.

  “No, I don’t have time tomorrow.”

  “I’ll go with you then.”

  “You don’t have to do that. I’ll be fine.” If he went with her, it defeated the purpose, but how could she tell him that without giving it away.

  “Maybe I just want to spend time with you.” His half smile countered her defenses.

  Then doubts set in again. What if he was only latching on to her as a defense mechanism against Madison’s presence? Her latest guests produced all sorts of insecurities she wished to shed. She didn’t care for the vulnerability attacking her. She wanted her assured, independent self to come back and she really wanted to stop her bad case of the what-ifs.

  “We do that all the time.” She groaned inwardly. Not the words she meant to say.

  His smile fell. “Either way, I’d feel much better going with you.”

  “You know what, it can wait. I don’t have to go tonight.” Forgive me for lying. Though, technically, it wasn’t a lie.

  Sean leveled gazes with her. “What’s going on?”

  “Nothing.” Now that was a bold-faced lie.

  He angled his head, crossed his arms and stared at her. “Didn’t you once yell at me for not being honest with myself?”

  “Don’t throw my own words back at me.” A weak smile pulled at her mouth.

  “Are you upset about Madison?”