“Me.” Robyn turned pink.

Zac studied the photographs and then their host. “Wait. You’re R. R. Svennson?”

“Yes.”

“I love your work. I have two of your photographs on the wall of my office.”

“Which ones?”

“Morning Light and Nature Undiscovered.”

Robyn smiled. “I remember those. I had an exhibition in London.”

“Four years ago.” Zac nodded. “That’s when I bought them.”

Robyn had been in London four years ago? Did Christy know that? Elizabeth had still been alive then. Had she known her sister was in London? It didn’t make sense that Elizabeth, who put family first in everything, hadn’t stayed in touch with her own sister.

Alix didn’t want to think that such a powerful bond could be easily broken.

She had a thousand questions, none of which she felt comfortable asking.

“We designed the space to be flexible.” Robyn opened a door. “This is the master bedroom. It has views right across the lake, and it’s private. There’s a small sleeping shelf tucked in here.” She opened another door. “We thought Holly might find this cozy. I added a few toys.”

It was cozy. A stack of cushions and soft toys were piled against the pillows. A warm throw encouraged the occupant to snuggle and enjoy the snow falling past the windows.

Robyn smiled tentatively at the child, and Holly smiled back from the safety of Zac’s arms.

“I like it.”

With that seal of approval, they moved back into the living room. Holly seemed reluctant to let go of Zac, so Alix let herself relax for a moment.

“It’s spectacular.”

The prospect of spending ten days in this snowy wonderland lifted her flagging spirits. She imagined herself waking early and drinking her first coffee of the day on that sofa, wrapped in that blanket, enjoying the peace of the forest.

The only stressful element was Zac.

She needed him to stay somewhere else.

She opened her mouth to explore that option, but Robyn spoke first.

“I’m glad you love it because this is all we have available right now. When Christy called to say Zac was joining you, I panicked about the accommodation, so it was a relief to find out you were a couple.”

A couple?

“This cabin is perfect.” Zac was reassuring. “And Alix and I are grateful, aren’t we, Alix?”

Wait—wasn’t he at least going to—

“Alix?” He shot her a warning look, and she managed a smile.

“So grateful. Thank you, Robyn.”

“You’re welcome. It’s bigger than it looks. There’s a ski room at the back, so you can ski to the door, and also a sauna.” Robyn opened a door to show them. “Do you ski, Alix?”

“Downhill. Never cross-country, but I’m excited to give it a try.” A couple? What had Christy said to Erik, and how could Zac be so relaxed about it?

Robyn opened the door to the sauna. A wood-fired stove nestled in the corner.

“This is incredible.” Zac stuck his head inside and slid his hand over the wood. “Aspen?”