Page 90 of Falling for Love

Chapter Twenty-One

Liam

The smell of garlic and butter wafted through the air as I stirred the linguine sauce simmering on the stove. My kitchen was alive with the sounds and smells of preparation, and for once, I wasn’t trying to impress a bigwig investor or plan a cider launch. This was about Evie and Hayden.

And I couldn’t remember the last time I’d been this excited.

I glanced around my house, making sure everything was just right. The place was designed with an up-north lodge feel, all timber beams, and a stone fireplace with windows offering panoramic outdoor views. When I first found this place, I knew what I wanted, but I didn’t know I could actually achieve it. It felt good to know that I was the one who made what I wanted, room by room.

My only hope was to replicate the same for Red Barn Cider.

My living room was cozy, with a crackling fire casting a warm glow on the leather couch and oversized armchairs. A plaid throw was draped over one armrest, and the coffee table bore the scars of years of use—scratches and dents that told a story.

The dining table was set simply but thoughtfully, with mason jar candles adding a touch of rustic charm. Violet had helped me plan the whole thing, even though she teased me mercilessly about my obvious crush on Evie.

But when I told my sister I wanted to invite over Evie and Hayden for a special dinner, she was all hands on deck.

I peeked out the window, the view stealing my breath for a moment. Snow was falling in big, lazy flakes. White blanketed everything in view.

My house sat at the edge of a pond that branched off Buttercup Lake. My portion wasn’t much of a lake, really—more marshland than anything—but it had its own beauty. Tall, dried cattails lined the edges, their brown tops dusted with snow, and the frozen surface glistened in the moonlight.

The woods beyond the pond stretched out endlessly, a mix of evergreen and bare branches, their silhouettes softened by the snowfall.

This was my sanctuary. My escape from the chaos of running businesses and juggling responsibilities. And now, it felt like the perfect place to share with someone.

Or maybe two someones.

The sound of an engine broke through the quiet, and I turned toward the window. Headlights bounced along the long gravel driveway, cutting through the near darkness and snow. My heart raced as I wiped my hands on a dish towel, suddenlynervous. What if Evie didn’t like shrimp? What if Hayden wasn’t in the mood to hang out with a dude?

The truck came to a stop, and I heard the crunch of boots on the snow-covered driveway. I opened the door just as Evie was helping Hayden out of the truck. She looked up, her cheeks flushed from the cold, her eyes wide with curiosity.

“Hey,” I called, stepping onto the porch. “You made it.”

“I heard there were promises of food,” she teased, her eyes flicking to the steam escaping through the crack in the door. “And I didn’t feel like cooking tonight. I’ve had a day.”

Her words worried me. I didn’t like the thought of her day being anything but awesome.

“Not just food,” I said, grinning. “An experience.”

She arched a brow, her boots slipping on the snow as she approached. “You’re really leaning into the mystery here.”

“Trust me, you’ll like it,” I said, stepping aside to let them in. “As long as you like shrimp.”

“We love shrimp,” Hayden yelped, darting inside.

“Whoa, Mom! Look at this place!” he exclaimed, running straight for the fireplace.

Evie followed more slowly, her gaze sweeping over the room.

“Yes,” she said softly. “This is… amazing, Liam. Looks a little more organized than when I was here last.”

The teasing look in her eyes made me want to scoop her in my arms and kiss her, but I wouldn’t do that in front of Hayden.

“It’s home,” I said, feeling a rush of pride. “Come on, let me show you around, little man.”

Hayden was already inspecting the living room, his face lighting up when he spotted a basket of board games in the corner.

“Can we play one after dinner?” he asked.

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