Page 78 of Falling For You

“Done deal.”

I hung up the phone, feeling more determined than ever. “This is just the beginning. We’re not going down without a fight.”

Beck grinned, slapping the table. “Hell yeah. Let’s give ’em a fight they’ll never forget and send that guy packing to where he belongs.”

The words surprisingly stung on Owen’s behalf, but I pushed away the feelings threatening to derail the fight.

After all, he was the one who did this.

My parents still looked worried, but there was a flicker of hope in their eyes. And that was all I needed. We were going to stop this. We had to. Because this wasn’t just about land or money. It was about our home.

Our family.

Our future.

And I wasn’t going to let anyone take that from us.

Especially by a man who played with my heart.

Chapter Twenty-One

Violet

Chatter and laughter filled the air, along with the scent of freshly brewed coffee, which Abby and her team poured nonstop to volunteers. Tables were set up in a makeshift circle, people perched on folding chairs. More card tables were scattered with markers, poster boards, and homemade banners. The inside of the coffee shop was packed, and even more tables had been placed outside in the freezing cold, with only sidewalk heaters to keep the chill at bay.

When Millie said she could rally the troops, she meant it. I’d spent the last hour making calls, but I felt the Sunshine Breakfast Club had more to do with the numbers than anything.

A smile touched my lips as I scanned the coffee shop and saw the outpouring of support, not only for the lodge but also for my parents. It was a testament to their standing in the town.

My mom leaned over an orange poster and splashed glitter over the wordfight, and I chuckled.

Sparkles always made things better.

“Violet! Over here!” Abby called out as she spotted me, her arms full of takeout cups. She moved swiftly from table to table, distributing caffeine like it was life itself.

Her smile was warm, but the fire in her eyes was undeniable. This wasn’t just about free coffee tonight. This was about the town fighting back.

I waved to her and weaved through the crowd. My heart swelled with gratitude at how many had shown up.

Folks from every corner of Buttercup Lake were here—shop owners, families, and even teenagers from the high school were pitching in. They were all here for one reason—to save our town’s charm.

As I made my way over, I caught glimpses of the signs being made. “Don’t Destroy Our Town” was scrawled across one in big, bold letters, “Family Businesses Matter” on another. “Love and Loyalty Rule Here” hung over the edge of a table, with a group of elderly women from the book club carefully outlining the words with glitter and glue.

“Hey, Abby.” I smiled and gave her a hug after she set down the tray of coffee. “Thank you so much for opening up your coffee shop to our little mission.”

Her eyes sparkled. “My absolute pleasure.”

“I know my parents are taking this moment in. It means a lot even if the outcome isn’t what we’re hoping,” I said, glancing at my dad talking to Beck in the corner.

“You know, I thought I should tell you something.” Her tone shifted slightly. “Got a sec?”

“Totally.” I nodded and took a deep breath as she scanned the coffee shop.

“I want to be completely transparent,” she started.

“Okay.” I cocked my head slightly in confusion.

“Owen stopped by earlier. He is a wreck.”

---