As a trial run to show my parents and grandparents I’m prepared to take over this huge responsibility, I booked them a week’s vacation while I took over running the place. It’s been three days already, and even though we’ve had some chaotic moments, like right now, I’m having the time of my life.

“Hi. My name is Autumn Smith, and I’m the manager of the inn. How can I help you?” I smile and put on my best hostess face for our guests.

I rest my hand lightly on our front desk supervisor’s back, letting her know that everything’s okay. From the red and angry faces of our guests, I’m sure they’ve given Emma an earful. But why?

The woman doesn’t keep me guessing for long.

“We’re the Hardys, and your staff messed up our reservation. Big-time. We booked the honeymoon suite facing the lake for three days and two nights. We paid in advance and everything.” She throws her hands up in the air. “It’s our tenth wedding anniversary, and we wanted to have a kids-free vacation, but now everything’s ruined.” Her throat chokes as she finishes.

Warmth expands throughout my chest as I make a silent wish to the universe that I’m able to fix whatever happened and this couple gets their much-deserved peaceful stay.

“Mrs. Hardy, I promise you we’ll fix this, and the two of you will have such an amazing time at The Butterfly Inn that you’ll want to come again next year.” I tip my head to the side, motioning to Chiara, and she quickly bolts toward the kitchen.

“While I check your booking, why don’t we sit,” I suggest. Emma hands me her iPad, and the couple looks at each other reluctantly. But when I point toward the corner couch in the sitting area, they thankfully follow. “Please leave your luggage. We’ll take care of it.”

As soon as we’re seated, Chiara is back, followed by one of our servers. He places two tall drinks and a plate of hors d’oeuvres on the glass table.

“Our bartender has carefully prepared a special tenth anniversary drink for you.” I point toward the cocktail glasses. “It’s a Blue Lagoon.”

While our guests take their drinks, I quickly go through their booking.

Crap! I chew my lip, seeing what I’d anticipated.

I hate booking issues, even when it’s not our fault. Guests come to the inn with a ton of expectations, like the Hardys here, who just want to have two days away from their normal life.

“Did you find what’s wrong in your system?” Mr. Hardy asks. The frown has slowly started disappearing from his face.