I perched on a rock near the edge of the falls, cracked open a beer, and let myself remember every moment of the conversation we’d had here and then the raw devastation that had followed our breakup. Tourists came and went, although fewer than there would have been earlier in the day. By the time I packed the empty cans back into the carton and sauntered home, I was beyond tipsy and way too maudlin.

Shit, I needed to get myself together.

Chapter Nine

KENNEDY

Hi Liam,

It’s winter here, and the lack of snow feels wrong. I know I only spent one winter in Destiny Falls, and I didn’t exactly love the cold, but somehow having a chill in the air felt like the way things ought to be. Now, the warmth is just another thing reminding me that I don’t have the life I wanted so badly. That I’m not with you.

Wherever you are, whatever you’re doing, I hope you’re well.

Love,

K xx

The drive to the Destiny Peak Ski Resort seemed much different under the December sun than it had been that fateful day I’d rolled my car off the road and been rescued by a gorgeous firefighter. Tussock plains stretched around the mountainside, gradually changing to forest nearer town. I didn’t encounter much traffic, but that was to be expected, since the only people currently at the resort would be guests, customers using the spa, and those intending to eat at the restaurant Grace had mentioned. Ski season had ended months ago.

As I pulled into the parking lot, I experienced a pang of nostalgia. Liam wasn’t the only person I’d missed while I’d been gone, although he’d left a gaping hole in my heart. I’d also missed Tabitha, my old boss, who’d been kind and had faith in me. We’d kept in touch over the years, but not as much as I’d have liked. I’d simply gotten too busy with my family, my career, and all of the trappings that accompanied being an actress. I regretted that.

Getting out of the car, I looked up at the sky, enjoying the heat of the sun on my skin. I was wearing a T-shirt and jeans, but I’d brought a jacket in case there was a cool wind. It seemed I wouldn’t need it. I didn’t bother wearing a hat or sunglasses to hide my face because I knew Tabitha would tell me to take them off as soon as I was inside. I made my way up the stairs and into the main building of the resort. The woman behind the reception desk didn’t seem surprised to see me or taken aback by having a celebrity here, but then I’d hardly be the first famous person to enjoy the luxuries of the resort.