Page 39 of All You Need Is Macchiato

She passes us steaming mugs of her special blend, the herbs filling the air with memories of other conversations on this porch. Other moments when she seemed to know exactly what we needed.

"I suppose you've heard about Cam's plans?" She pours her own tea with deliberate care.

"We were just discussing it." Nolan's voice carries an edge of protective steel that makes my heart flutter.

"Well." Evie sets down the teapot with purpose. "I have some plans of my own. I've made an offer to buy the Coffee Loft."

The words don't register at first. Then they hit all at once.

"You're what?"

"I spent the afternoon with my lawyer, drawing up the paperwork." She looks entirely too calm for someone dropping this kind of bomb. "Cam seemed quite eager to negotiate once I mentioned a quick sale."

The words don't register at first. Then they hit all at once.

"You're what?"

"Buying it." She looks entirely too calm for someone dropping this kind of bomb.

"But..." I look between her and Nolan, who appears as shocked as I feel. "Why?"

"Because some things matter more than profit margins." She picks up her tea again. "The Callahans have been part of this community for generations. That coffee shop was always special. A place where people connected, where the community came together. When Cam bought it, we lost that magic. But you've brought it back, Kathryn. You've reminded us all of what it could be."

"A community hub," Nolan says softly.

"Exactly." Evie's eyes crinkle with warmth. "And who better to run it than someone who understands both the business and the heart of what makes places like this special?"

It takes me a moment to realize she means me. "But I?—"

"Have already proven yourself more than capable." She holds up a hand to stop my protest. "The Wishing Wall alone has brought more people together than any initiative we've tried in years."

"That wasn't just me." I glance at Nolan, who's watching me with an intensity that makes my chest tight. "Everyone helped."

"And they'll keep helping." Evie leans forward. "That's what community means. But every community needs someone to believe in it first. To fight for it, even when others don't see its potential."

"Like you did," Nolan says, and I hear pride in his voice.

"The coffee shop still has challenges," I warn. "The equipment needs updating, the supply chain needs work?—"

"All things the lodge's resources can help with." Evie's smile turns mysterious. "Especially with a certain marketing expert's assistance."

Nolan's hand tightens around mine. "I think we can arrange that."

The mountain night stretches endless above us, stars scattered like wishes waiting to be granted. Below, the lights of Elk Ridge twinkle, a constellation of community and connection.

"Why me?" I ask finally. "Why trust me with this?"

"Because you already love it." Evie stands, gathering her tray. "Everything else is just details."

She leaves us with that, with the night and the tea and the weight of possibility settling around our shoulders. But before either of us can speak, she pauses in the doorway.

"Oh, and one more thing." Her eyes twinkle in the porch light. "There is a condition to my offer. But that can wait until we've all had a chance to process this first part."

The door closes behind her, leaving me with a thousand questions and Nolan's steady presence beside me. His hand is still warm in mine, an anchor in a sea of unexpected possibilities.

The scent of freshly brewed coffee fills the lodge's great room, rich and promising. Evie has gathered us here early, before the guests wake, before the day's bustle begins. Before reality has a chance to make last night's offer feel like a dream.

"Now then." Evie settles into her favorite chair, steam rising from her cup in delicate spirals. "Let's talk about that condition."

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