Page 19 of Forever In Willow Creek

He kissed her softly. “I’m asking if we can keep growing… side by side.”

Zoe rested her forehead against his. “Then yes.”

Later that evening, as they walked back to the cottage under a sky streaked with orange and indigo, Zoe caught herself watching the way Luke reached for her hand.

Like it was second nature.

Like it was home.

Chapter 15: Forever in Willow Creek

Winter came gently to Willow Creek.

The leaves had long since fallen, blanketing the sidewalks in crisp gold and brown. Twinkling lights lined every storefront, and wreaths hung from porch railings and lamp posts. The town had a way of making even the quietest days feel special.

Zoe stood behind the counter atSweet Bloom Flowers, arranging a holiday bouquet for one of Mae’s last-minute party requests. Her hands moved quickly, clipping stems, fluffing pine, tucking in deep red roses—while soft jazz played on the radio. She’d become something of a regular fixture at the shop, helping Sarah a few days a week while freelancing part-time for a small consulting agency out of Asheville.

No more long commutes.

No more corporate marathons.

Just time.

Time to think. To breathe. To love.

The bell over the door jingled, and Zoe looked up, already smiling.

Luke stepped inside, cheeks pink from the cold. He wore that old navy work jacket she loved and held two steaming cups of cider.

“You’re late,” she teased.

“I’m exactly on time,” he said, setting one of the cups beside her. “I waited until Mae left. I like having you to myself.”

Zoe chuckled. “Mae’s convinced we’re getting engaged next spring.”

“Well, she’s not wrong.”

Zoe froze mid-bouquet. “What?”

Luke shrugged like it was the most casual thing in the world. “I mean, I haven’t asked yet. But I’ve got a few ideas.”

She blinked at him, heart suddenly racing. “You do?”

He leaned against the counter, eyes twinkling. “Don’t worry. I won’t do it here, surrounded by floral foam and pine sap. I’m notcompletelyhopeless.”

She tossed a sprig of holly at him, laughing. “You’re dangerously close.”

They sipped cider in companionable silence for a few minutes before Luke reached across the counter and took her hand.

“You happy?” he asked softly.

Zoe looked at him—really looked—and felt the truth settle deep in her chest.

“I didn’t know I could be,” she whispered. “Not like this.”

“Good,” he said, brushing her knuckles with his thumb. “Because I’m thinking about tearing down that shed behind the garage and building something real. With a porch. Maybe a garden.”

Zoe tilted her head. “What kind of something?”

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