Page 1 of Falling For You

Chapter One

Violet

A soft, high-pitched hum vibrated through the air, a soothing melody that echoed the beauty of the rolling hills, the serene lake, and the vast pasture. The crunch of leaves underneath my rainboots brought a gentle smile to my face as I paused to take in the splendor of my family’s beloved Honey Leaf Lodge. It was a scene of tranquil beauty that I never thought I’d come to appreciate.

Over a decade ago, I left behind this idyllic way of life for the hustle and bustle of the city, a world filled with failed relationships, an overpriced apartment, and the constant struggle to find peace.

It hadn’t been exactly how I’d envisioned my life when I left home in my twenties. I had expected to love the anonymity of the big crowds, the convenience of a small apartment with little upkeep, and the freedom to choose from a variety of men. But the reality was far from my dreams.

Recently, I noticed that my dreams and reality were on opposite ends of the spectrum. When the same bars served up the same men, the same corporate job I held always produced the same problems, and my apartment was bursting at the seams, Buttercup Lake called to me. It all started when I visited my family last Christmas. When it was time to pack my bags and leave the property, I had tears in my eyes. I didn’t want to go back to Chicago.

By the time I returned to my apartment, I knew I needed a change. My family was so happy. Even when problems came their way, they came together and figured things out. I didn’t have that personal fortitude any longer, which I craved now that I was in my mid-thirties. It was like the city had beaten it out of me.

I drew a breath and stuffed my hands into my coat pockets as the chill of the changing seasons skated over me. Yellow and gold flecks dotted the trees’ canopies, and the sweet smell of fall drifted through the air. I glanced behind me to see the roomy lodge constructed of giant logs and an equally large porch, welcoming tourists and locals alike.

It was as if I had finally found my place in the world.

And it was back at home.

Burnt orange, burgundy, and yellow chrysanthemums lined the stairs to the entry, and ornate wreaths hung on each of the double doors. My mom always did a fabulous job decorating the lodge for every season.

Nestled along Buttercup Lake in the heart of Wisconsin, my family had built a little slice of heaven for many to share.

However, now wasn’t the moment to stop and smell the maple leaves. The eerie sounds drifted through the air as I looked toward my family’s petting zoo on the side of the property. I picked up my speed as I jogged toward the pasture, where I saw Liddie, short for Lydia, pacing along the barn.

The llama’s red shaggy fur, slender neck, and large ears made for a very graceful creature sprinkled with a dash of kookiness. There was something about the llama that I felt a kinship with. Plus, the llama and I had an understanding. Liddiewouldn’t spit on me if I promised not to set her up with other llamas.

However, the rest of my family swore that our latest male rescue, Maza, who was short for Maserati, would be Liddie’s ideal mate.

The parallels between Liddie and me were uncanny. I knew exactly what it felt like to have my family watch my every move regarding the opposite sex and be the recipient of all the bright ideas my family had to fix me up. They did the same with the poor llama.

If I were meant to be at Honey Leaf Lodge for any other reason, it was to keep Maza on good behavior around Liddie.

A throaty grumble erupted across the pasture from Maza, and Liddie’s shaggy brows clenched in annoyance.

I chuckled, dug my fingers through the soft fur, and shook my head. “Don’t worry. I got your back.”

Liddie nodded and stood stoically as Maza wandered over. He walked past Benny, the oversized hog, and stood about five feet from Liddie. A deep, vibrating grunt erupted from Maza, and Liddie shook her head.

“Don’t even give it a whirl, Maza.” I scowled at the ivory male llama. He turned and walked along the fence line while relief worked its way through Liddie. He wasn’t the slightest bit defeated, either.

“We girls have each other’s backs,” I assured her with a chuckle and patted her shoulder. “Now, go get some dinner.”

Liddie wandered toward the barn, and I walked along the fence line separating the petting zoo from the rest of theproperty. This was the only portion of our property that had fencing, and that was to keep all the rescue animals in.

My brothers and dad took care of most of the land’s and animals’ needs, while I mostly helped out my sisters and mom in the lodge.

But today was a beautiful fall day that reminded me how much I loved being outdoors.

The sun sank lower, casting a golden aura on my family’s property. Soon, I’d be inside helping my mom with dinner for the guests, snuggling in bed to finish my latest book, and drifting off to sleep without a clue about my future.

I returned to Honey Leaf Lodge to find direction in my life, but it only made it more apparent that I was lost in a sea of uncertainty about my future.

A grumble of diesel interrupted my thoughts as a massive, black pickup truck drove along the property next door, bouncing and bopping over mounds and careening into ditches. A few of the animals behind me started getting unsettled by the noise.

I glanced at the hog, who snorted before following one of the mules into the barn.

Turning my attention to the truck that finally rolled to a stop, I couldn’t help but notice its shiny new paint job and the fancy, spotless wheels and tires. If the truck was any indication, whoever was inside wasn’t used to being in the country.

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