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

lullaby, played by a man who taught at the New England Conservatory in 1973. The tape had not been played in twelve years. Henry thought it might not survive another hearing. If Kora wanted to be the second hearing, she should come to the hotel Saturday at three and ask for Henry.

She went.

Henry led her behind the lobby to a small office with two chairs,continue reading …