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

at her once and said, “I’m glad you sat out.”

Kora did not know what to say to that.

So she said the only true thing she could find.

“So am I.”

He crossed the floor and disappeared through a small staff door at the back of the ballroom.

Later, on the long ride home in the back of the wedding car, with Margaret asleep against her shoulder, Kora realized continue reading …