Contents
Chapter 1
Overview
Fern returns to the lodge office, avoiding guests as grief over her mother’s recent death collides with the expectation she’ll take over. Jamie pushes her to resume Margaret’s tradition of greeting diners on Canada Day. After accepting condolences from longtime guests, Fern escapes to the front desk, where a striking late arrival appears—and she realizes he’s someone from her past.
Summary
Fern slips into the resort office, hiding from the lobby as heat, nerves, and grief press in. The lodge, shaped by her late mother Margaret’s taste and systems, feels unchanged, making Fern’s presence feel temporary. Jamie, her ex and now the general manager, coaxes her out to meet important regulars, the Hannovers, reminding her of the resort’s shaky bookings and need for goodwill.
Reluctantly dressed in one of Margaret’s bright shift dresses, Fern faces the Hannovers, who offer condolences and reminisce about Margaret’s warmth. The encounter underscores Fern’s unresolved anger and shock over the accident and the burden of inheriting the resort when her life and career are in Toronto. Jamie tries to steer her toward the dining room, invoking tradition and Canada Day, while their banter hints at old intimacy and teamwork.
Overwhelmed, Fern balks at entering the dining room. Spotting an unattended front desk, she seizes the chance to help a new arrival instead. The man—towering, immaculately suited, and tense—answers curtly. As Fern looks closer, a familiar scar and espresso-brown eyes reveal he is someone significant from her past, a recognition that stuns her and halts her retreat.
Who Appears
- Fern BrookbanksProtagonist; grieving her mother, uncertain about running the resort, dodges guests, recognizes a man from her past.
- Jamie PringleFern’s ex and resort GM; urges Fern to greet guests on Canada Day and supports her through condolences.
- Mr. HannoverLoyal guest; offers condolences and recalls Margaret’s warmth during their annual stays.
- Mrs. HannoverLoyal guest; gently sympathizes with Fern and echoes fond memories of Margaret.
- Margaret BrookbanksFern’s late mother; former public face of the resort, recently killed in a car accident.
- Mysterious guestTall, impeccably dressed late arrival; Fern recognizes him from her past upon seeing his scar.