*Lauren*

The sun was just beginning to dip below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the resort as I leaned against the porch railing of my bungalow. The ocean's scent mingled with the blooming flowers nearby, but my mind wasn't on the tropical paradise all around me. Instead, I replayed yesterday's meeting with Lucas's family.

I had braced myself for a cold reception, expecting them to mirror his disdain for the Astors—and maybe my less-than-truthful beginning with Lucas. ...