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Stone Castle was not only a popular wedding destination it had also been the site of a reality dating show called Fairytale Love. After the success of the show, it seemed many of the businesses in town had really leaned into the fairytale theme.

When she turned onto Lakeview Lane, she was relieved to see the Princess and the Pea B&B. It looked pretty much exactly the same as she’d remembered it, a two story cottage with white siding and blue shutters. Her bladder was about to burst as she parked and grabbed her bags from the seat beside her. She rushed up the porch steps, swung open the screen door and crossed her legs as she rang the tiny bell at the front counter.

A woman in a flowy floral dress and silvery gray hair pinned up in a bun rounded the corner. “Hello, there! I’m Karen Carpenter, not the singer.”

“Hi, I’m Olive St. Claire, I’m checking in.”

Karen Carpenter, not the singer, furrowed her brows. “You okay sweetie pie? You seem a little jumpy.”

“I’m sorry, I just, I drank two energy drinks for the drive, and I need to use the restroom.”

“Oh! Well, let’s get you to the facilities! When Mother Nature calls, you answer!” Karen rushed out from behind the counter with a key in her hand and called out. “Sly!”

A second later a mountain of a man appeared. He reminded Liv of The Brawny Man on steroids. He had to be at least six foot six and was built like a tank. His shadow could shade a little league team.

“This is my husband Sylvester, not the cat.” Karen winked. “He’ll take your bags. Follow me.”

“Hi!” Liv waved to Sylvester and followed Karen down the hall as she continued her spiel. “Breakfast is served every morning at seven. There is also a communal pantry open twenty-four hours that all guests are welcome to. This is your room, The Crown Jewel suite.” Karen opened the door with the key and handed it to her. “If you have any questions, just holler.”

“Thank you!” Liv grabbed the key and rushed into the adjoining bathroom. She shut the door and after taking care of her urgent business, she stood to wash her hands and shrieked when she saw her reflection. She leaned forward examining the dark circles beneath her blue eyes. Her chestnut hair was what her mom would refer to as a rat’s nest. And her naturally sun-kissed complexion appeared sallow.

This past year had taken a toll on her. The stress, the sleepless nights, the constantly being on call, it was showing.

She did not want to show up at the rehearsal dinner tomorrow night looking like the Ghost of Brides Past. She was going to take a shower, drink some wine, and hopefully get a very good night’s sleep. Then tomorrow she’d spend some time outdoors soaking up some much-needed Vitamin D.

She might not be walking down the aisle, but she didn’t want to look like she was walking out of a crypt.


Tags: Melanie Shawn Whisper Lake Romance