THE EMPTY CHAIR AT HER SISTER’S WEDDING WAS SUPPOSED TO PROVE HER FIANCÉ HAD LEFT HER—BUT WHEN A QUIET STRANGER SAT BESIDE HER, KORA NEVER IMAGINED HE OWNED THE HOTEL, OR THAT HIS FAMILY WAS ALREADY PLANNING THE MARRIAGE THAT COULD DESTROY THEM BOTH

the first slow song ended, the band eased into something older, plainer. Kora lowered her shoulders and realized they had been nearly up to her ears.

She picked up her glass and did not drink.

She watched couples move onto the floor.

A couple in their sixties stepped together like they were remembering an old language.

A great-aunt who had no business continue reading …