Page 111 of Falling For You

“Just a little finessing is all that’s needed.” She pointed at Violet. “And don’t think I’ve forgotten about that llama costume. We’re still laughing about it.”

She groaned, but there was no real embarrassment. “I knew I’d never live that down.”

Millie patted her shoulder with a grin. “Oh, you’re a good sport, honey. Anyway, I’ll leave you two to your coffee. Just wanted to say hello.”

As Millie left, I chuckled, taking a sip of my latte. “I think I would’ve paid even more to see you in that costume.”

She narrowed her eyes at me, and I couldn’t help but smile. “You’re lucky I let you bid on me at all.”

“Lucky? Or smart?” My brows lifted.

“Let’s go with both,” she teased, sipping her drink. “You’re definitely lucky I didn’t throw that costume at you.”

“I deserved it.” I nodded, smiling. “No doubt about it.”

“I’m really going to miss this,” I said after a moment, my voice quieter now. “Miss you.”

She met my gaze, and my heart clenched at the thought of leaving. “I’m going to miss you too.”

But even as I said it, I knew I’d be back. Buttercup Lake had a way of pulling people in, of making them stay, and I knew—deep down—that I wasn’t going anywhere. Not for long, anyway.

“Don’t worry,” I said, reaching across the table to take her hand in mine. “I’ll be back before you know it.”

She smiled, squeezing my hand. “I’ll hold you to that.”

As we sat there, watching the snow fall, I realized that I believed her. She was the one person in life who always held me accountable, and for that, I would always be grateful.

I would be back. And when I returned, we’d pick up right where we left off—right here, in this tiny town, in this life we were building together.

Chapter Thirty-One

Violet

It was the day after Christmas, and I was standing in the kitchen, holding a tray of fresh cranberry muffins, still warm from the oven. The cabin was quiet, save for the soft snaps and pops of the woodstove and the gentle creak of the floorboards under my feet.

Snow fell in delicate flurries outside, blanketing the ground in a shimmering white coat. Everything felt so peaceful and still. Yet, inside, I was restless.

Owen had been gone for days, spending Christmas with his family in Wyoming. We both missed each other like crazy, which was the best sign ever.

Usually, I got tired of a guy after a couple of dates.

But I couldn’t help but miss him. Every moment without him felt a little too quiet, a little too lonely. I’d been trying to keep myself busy—baking, reading, writing a ton of blog posts—but nothing really distracted me from the fact that he wasn’t here.

Just as I was about to set the muffins on the counter, a hard tap sounded on the door.

My heart leaped in my chest, and I froze, mid-motion, listening to my pulse pounding in my ears. It couldn’t be… could it?

I set the tray down carefully, my hands trembling with anticipation, and strolled to the door. The air thickened around me as my breath caught in my throat. I reached for the handle and opened the door to see Owen.

My heart nearly stopped.

He came back early!

Owen stood on the porch, bundled up in his coat and scarf. Snow dusted his hair.

His eyes brightened when they met mine.

“Surprise,” he said, his voice soft, almost teasing.

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