Page 50 of Falling for Love

We reached his truck, and he opened the passenger door for me. “Your chariot awaits.”

I climbed in and looked over at him. “You really lean into the whole charming thing, don’t you?”

“Hey, if it works…” he said, grinning as he closed the door and walked around to the driver’s side. “You haven’t canceled on me recently, so…”

Liam climbed into the driver’s side and turned on his truck. His excitement was contagious, and I found myself swept up in it, picturing it all right along with him.

There was something so refreshing about the way Liam saw the world, like every obstacle was just another challenge to conquer, every dream within reach if you worked hard enough.

It reminded me of Hayden.

We’d been driving for only about five minutes when he pointed over the steering wheel.

“Alright,” he said as he parked in the gravel lot in front of the building. “Brace yourself.”

I stepped out of the truck and looked up at the structure in front of me. It was a little rough around the edges, with faded paint and a sagging porch, but it had charm. The kind of charm that could only come from years of stories and memories etched into its walls.

And I happened to be standing next to the one guy who could make it spectacular.

“What do you think?” Liam asked, his voice tinged with both excitement and a hint of nervousness.

I turned to him, a smile tugging at my lips. “I think you’ll make this place a destination.”

“What do you think about the location? The building?”

“It’s got character. And you’re already picturing what it’ll look like when it’s done, aren’t you?” I asked.

“Every detail,” he admitted, his grin returning. “Come on, I’ll show you.”

He led me inside and pointed out the layout while he explained his plans.

The kitchen.

The bar.

The seating area.

I couldn’t help but get caught up in his vision. The way he talked about transforming the space, creating something that would bring people together, it was… inspiring.

“Over here,” he said, gesturing to a large open area, “is where I’m thinking of putting the tasting room. Picture rustic tables, string lights, maybe a big fireplace in the corner.”

“That sounds incredible,” I said, imagining it all in my mind. “Very cozy.”

“Exactly. They’ll never want to leave,” he said, his excitement building. “And out back, there’s a little patio area. It’ll need some work, but I’m thinking it could be perfect for live music or just relaxing with a drink.”

I followed him through the space, listening as he shared more of his ideas, and with every word, I found myself falling a little more under his spell.

It wasn’t just the building—it was Liam. Seeing how he threw himself into his dreams with everything he had was energizing.

“So?” he asked as we stepped back outside. “What’s the verdict?”

I crossed my arms, pretending to consider. “I think it’s… pretty amazing.”

His grin widened, and he looked at the building like it was already finished, already a part of the town he loved so much.

“I knew you’d get it.”

“It’s hard not to,” I said softly, watching him. “You make it impossible not to believe in it.”

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