Meet Me at Midnight

01 | The Winter Haven Lodge

Stella

"There it is!" Sarah bounces with glee, the car shaking with her movement. I place my hand on the seat to steady myself. I follow her gaze and then I see it. The Winter Haven Lodge emerged from the snowy landscape like a scene from a holiday postcard. Similar to the kind my mother insists on sending out to our friends and family every year, despite the fact we live nowhere near snow. I've never understood it.

I stare straight ahead, unable to take my eyes off of the view as our car navigates the winding road leading to the lodge. I'll never admit this to any living soul who isn't here to witness it, but a part of me, a small, tiny part of me, wants to bounce with glee. I settle for clapping along with Sarah, giving her my best excited grin. It's the least I can do. 

Being her maid of honor was something I secretly always dreaded. I'm not Sarah. I don't crave love the way she does, but I love seeing her this happy.

My best friend is finally marrying the love of her life and, of course, in typical Sarah fashion, she's doing it one week before Christmas. Cue the dramatics and call the paparazzi, there's about to be a show. 

At first, when she told me her ideas for a winter Christmas wedding, I realized she was insane. I thought there was no way people are going to have time to travel a week before Christmas, but now seeing the carpark to the lodge entirely full of cars, I can admit I might've been wrong.

Stepping out of the car, the crisp, chilly air tingled against my skin. I shiver and pull my coat on, crossing my arms and hugging it a little tighter to my chest. I hope Sarah has a genius plan to keep us warm in our dresses this weekend, otherwise I might just get frostbite in places I don't even want to think about.

The lodge stood tall and welcoming, adorned with twinkling lights that reflected off the snow, creating an ethereal glow. The tall stone walls of this place are practically begging you to step inside and explore, and who am I to turn that down?

"Wow, this place is beautiful," I sigh in amazement, turning to see Sarah, who grinned in agreement. The grand entrance beckoned and as we walked inside, the warmth of the lodge enveloped us. The interior was just as beautiful as the outside - evergreen wreaths decorated with red ribbons, flickering candles casting a soft glow, and the faint scent of pine wafting through the air.

"Hi!" Sarah wanders off, welcoming guests who arrive. She shoots me an apologetic glance over her shoulder as she moves. I nod with a reassuring smile, letting her know I'm perfectly fine on my own.

Picking up my bags, I make my way to the reception to check-in. "Shit, where is it?" I feel around in my coat pocket for my phone, but it isn't there. Of course, it isn't there. Glancing up, suddenly I see a tall figure approaching, only inches away. I stumble, and the sound of clinking glasses makes me shudder. "Oh no, I'm so sorry," I hurriedly apologize, my cheeks flushed with embarrassment as I attempt to steady myself.

In a flurry of movement, our eyes meet. His gaze, a deep earthy brown, held mine for an instant before I registered what was going on and shoved him back in disgust.

"No harm done," his voice, menacing and imposing, broke through the tension between us. I step back and glare at him. Nicholas Cross. Of course, the first person I literally run into is the devil himself. 

He stands tall and confident, making it hard not to notice him in a crowd - I realize I'm not the only one drawn to his presence, judging by the longing gazes he's receiving from other women in the room.

"Don't smile at me like that," I grumble, dusting myself off. I peer behind him to see a pile of shattered champagne glasses. If it wasn't him, I'd feel bad, but honestly, I'm a little proud of myself. Any tiny inconvenience to Nick is a win for me.