Page 29 of Falling for Love

“That sounds amazing,” I said sincerely, pausing to look at him. “Have you done anything to get it started?”

“A little,” he admitted, running a hand through his hair. “I’ve been playing around with recipes and testing blends. I’ve even got a bottler lined up to make small batches. But the hard part is finding the right space. I want to do more than just make cider—I want to create a place where people can gather, likea barn-turned-cider house. Somewhere cozy, with tastings, live music, maybe even a firepit out back and eventually produce in-house.”

My hands stilled as I imagined the vision he painted with such vividness.

“Liam, that’s… incredible. It sounds like something this town would love.”

“Yeah?” He met my eyes, and there was a flicker of vulnerability there like he wasn’t entirely sure he could pull it off.

“Absolutely,” I said, nodding. “You’ve thought this through. It’s not just a business—it’s an experience. And this town thrives on things like that.”

His smile lit up all his features. “Thanks. I’ve been passionate about it for a while, but, you know… it’s a risk. I work at the lodge. It’s consistent. I’m part owner. There are few risks there.”

“All good things come with risk,” I said, scooping another spoonful of dough onto the sheet. “But it sounds like you’re ready to take it on.”

He chuckled, shaking his head. “Maybe. Or maybe I’m just good at talking about it.”

“Come on,” I said, nudging him lightly with my elbow. “You’re not the type to back down from something you care about.”

His smile turned a little softer, a little more personal. “Guess I’ve got a habit of that, huh?”

Before I could respond, Hayden’s voice called out from his room. “Mom! Lance keeps stealing my cars!”

I laughed, saying, “Well, don’t let him drive off with them.”

Liam grinned, his gaze following the direction of Hayden’s voice. “He’s a hoot.”

“He is,” I said, my tone warm. “Keeps me on my toes, that’s for sure.”

“You’re good at it,” Liam said, and there was a weight to his words that made me pause. “Being a Mom. Balancing everything.”

“Thanks. It’s not always easy, but he makes it worth it.”

Liam nodded, his expression thoughtful. “That’s kind of how I feel about the cider thing. Like, it’s a lot to take on, but if I can make it work, it’ll be worth it.”

“You will,” I said firmly, sliding the tray into the oven. “And when you do, I expect free cider for life.”

“Deal. But only if you promise to bring cookies to the grand opening.”

“Done,” I said, grinning. “Though I might eat half of them on the way.”

“Fair enough,” he said, leaning a little closer. “I’ll even save you the best seat by the firepit.”

I glanced up at him, my pulse skipping at the way his eyes held mine.

For a moment, the kitchen felt warmer than it should’ve, the space between us charged with something unspoken.

“Mom!” Hayden called again, breaking the moment.

Liam stepped back, his smile turning playful. “I’ll keep an eye on the cookies if you want to check on the little guy.”

“I think he’s fine,” I said, shaking my head. “But I’ll go check.”

As the timer dinged, Liam pulled the cookies from the oven, the scent of chocolate chip goodness filling the room.

“You okay?” I asked Hayden.

His eyes sparkled with excitement. “Are you two going to get married.”

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