Chapter Thirty-Two
Violet
The sun had barely risen over Buttercup Lake, casting a soft golden glow across the snow-covered trees, when I sat down at my small kitchen table with a cup of coffee, ready to dive into my morning routine. My laptop was already open, and the notifications for my food blog were buzzing like crazy. It had been a whirlwind for a few weeks, and I could hardly believe it—my blog, something I had started on a whim, was starting to take off.
I scrolled through the comments and emails, my heart racing with excitement. People engaged with my content, sharing my recipes and asking for more. The cranberry muffin recipe I’d posted just before Christmas had gone viral, and I was receiving requests for more holiday treats and comfort food ideas.
As I sipped my coffee, a small smile tugged at the corners of my lips. This was what I’d always dreamed of—creating something that brought people joy and connected me to others in a meaningful way. And now, it was finally happening.
The sound of the door creaking open snapped me out of my thoughts, and I looked up to see Liam strolling into the cabin, his ever-present grin plastered on his face.
“Morning, Sis!” he called, shrugging off his coat and hanging it by the door. “How’s the internet celebrity doing today?”
I laughed, shaking my head as I closed the laptop. “It’s not like that, Liam. I’m just excited that people are actually reading the blog.”
Liam plopped down in the chair across from me, his eyes gleaming with mischief. “Not like that ? Violet, your cranberry muffins are famous. I even heard Millie talking about them at the coffee shop. You know she’s hard to impress.”
“Famous might be a stretch,” I said, though I couldn’t hide the pride in my voice. “But it’s nice to know people enjoy what I’m putting out there.”
Liam leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms. “Well, I’m impressed. And I’m not just saying that because you’re my sister.”
“Thanks, Liam,” I said, warmly smiling. “So, what brings you over here so early?”
Liam hesitated for a moment, rubbing the back of his neck. “I wanted to chat. And… I figured I should get to know Owen better, seeing how he’s sticking around.”
I raised an eyebrow, curiosity piqued. “Oh? You two haven’t really had a chance to talk much, have you?”
“Nope,” Liam said, shaking his head. “I mean, I like the guy. He seems solid. But I figured we should spend a little time together, especially if he will be part of the family.”
I felt a flutter at Liam’s words— part of the family . This relationship with Owen was still so new, but somehow, it already felt like it had been a part of me for so much longer. We’d clicked in a way I hadn’t expected, and now, having my family accept him was just icing on the cake.
Before I could respond, Owen walked in from the back room, towel-drying his hair from a morning shower. He looked up, surprised to see Liam sitting at the table.
“Morning, Liam,” Owen said, smiling as he tossed the towel over his shoulder. “Didn’t realize we had company this early.”
“Yeah, thought I’d swing by,” Liam said with a grin. “Figured it’s time we got to know each other a bit better.”
Owen raised an eyebrow, clearly amused. “That sounds suspicious. Should I be worried?”
“Nah, nothing too serious,” Liam said, widening his grin. “Just brotherly stuff, you know? Making sure you’re treating my sister right.”
Owen chuckled, coming over to sit beside me. “I’d expect nothing less.”
As they settled into a comfortable conversation, I excused myself to the kitchen, figuring I’d let them have their little chat. But as I moved around, pulling out ingredients to test for a new recipe, I couldn’t help but overhear bits and pieces of their conversation.
“So,” Liam began, his tone casual, “what do you think of Buttercup Lake so far? I know it’s a bit different from what you’re used to.”
Owen leaned back in his chair, smiling. “It’s definitely different, but I like it. It’s peaceful here. I didn’t realize how much I needed that.”
Liam nodded, his expression thoughtful. “Yeah, I get that. This place has a way of growing on you. So, what’s the plan? You planning to stick around?”
Owen glanced over at me, his eyes softening. “I am. I’ve got a few things to wrap up in Connecticut, but after that, I’m here for good.”
I felt my heart swell at his words, but I kept focusing on chopping vegetables. I didn’t want to interrupt their conversation, but knowing that Owen wanted to stay and build a life here with me made me feel like everything was falling into place.
“So,” Liam said, his voice taking on a more serious tone, “I’ve got something I wanted to talk to you about.”
“Yeah? What’s that?” Owen asked, leaning forward slightly.
“It’s about Evie,” Liam said, his voice quieter now.
I perked up, curious to hear what Liam was going to say. Evie had been a topic of conversation between me and Liam more than once. He had been quietly crushing on her for months and finally asked her out. We all went out together, and then nothing much more happened. Maybe a date or two? I wasn’t sure.
“I don’t know, man,” Liam said, slightly frustrated. “I thought we were hitting it off, you know? But now I’m not sure if she’s even interested.”
Owen frowned, glancing at me briefly before returning to Liam. “Have you talked to her about it?”
Liam rubbed the back of his neck, looking sheepish. “Well, not really. I’ve tried, but every time I get close to bringing it up, something happens. And now… I don’t know. Maybe she’s just not into me.”
I couldn’t help but jump in, stepping out from the kitchen with a tray of fresh-cut vegetables. “Liam, Evie’s a single mom. She’s got a lot on her plate. It’s not that she’s not interested. It’s that she’s probably trying to figure out if she has time for this—or if it’s the right thing for her and her kid.”
Liam sighed, nodding. “Yeah, I guess that makes sense. I just don’t want to mess it up, you know?”
Owen leaned forward, his expression serious. “If you really like her, Liam, you’ve got to tell her. She might be waiting for you to make the first move.”
Liam gave a small laugh, though it was a little strained. “Yeah, easier said than done.”
I smiled, walking over to place the tray on the table. “You’ll figure it out. Just don’t overthink it. Evie’s great, but she’s also practical. If you show her you’re serious, she’ll listen.”
Liam sighed again but seemed to be taking our advice to heart. “Yeah, okay. I’ll think about it.”
Just as we settled again, my phone buzzed on the counter. I walked over to check it, seeing Beck’s name flash on the screen.
“Hey, Beck,” I answered, balancing the phone on my shoulder.
“Vi, I need some help,” Beck said, slightly breathless. “One of the animals got out again. It’s that goat—you know, the escape artist. Can you come over and give me a hand?”
I groaned inwardly. “The goat again? Beck, you need to get better fences.”
“I know, I know,” he said, sounding exasperated. “But for now, can you just help me catch him before he gets too far?”
I was about to say yes when Owen stood up, grabbing his coat. “I’ll help him out. You stay here and catch up with Liam.”
I raised an eyebrow, surprised. “You sure?”
Owen grinned, already halfway to the door. “Yeah, I’ve meant to meet the infamous escape artist goat, anyway. I’ll be back soon.”
I watched him go, feeling a little flutter in my chest as he disappeared out the door. He was always willing to help, always stepping in when someone needed him. It was one of the things I loved most about him.
Liam watched him go, too, then returned to me with a smirk. “Well, he’s a keeper, isn’t he?”
I smiled, sitting back down at the table. “Yeah, he is.”
Liam leaned forward, resting his arms on the table. “So… you really think he’s the one?”
I hesitated momentarily but then nodded, feeling a sense of certainty wash over me. “Yeah. I do.”
Liam raised an eyebrow, clearly surprised by my confidence. “You sound sure about that.”
“I am,” I said, my voice soft but firm. “I wasn’t sure at first. We had a lot to figure out, and there was so much going on with the lodge, the land… everything. But through it all, Owen’s been there. And not just for me, but for all of us. He didn’t have to stick around, but he did.”
Liam nodded thoughtfully, clearly processing what I’d said. “Yeah, I’ve noticed that too. I like the guy. And I don’t say that about just anyone.”
I laughed, knowing Liam’s approval wasn’t something that came easily. “I know. That’s why it means a lot to me.”
He gave me a serious look, his voice softening. “I’m happy for you, Vi. You deserve someone like Owen. Someone who sees how amazing you are and will do whatever it takes to make you happy.”
I felt a lump form in my throat, touched by my brother’s words. Liam might tease me a lot, but when it came down to it, he was always there for me—always rooting for me.
“Thanks, Liam,” I said, reaching across the table to squeeze his hand. “That means a lot.”
He smiled, squeezing my hand back. “Just promise me one thing.”
“What’s that?”
“Promise me that when you and Owen get settled in your happily-ever-after, you won’t forget about your poor, single brother.”
I laughed, shaking my head. “I could never forget about you. Besides, by then, you and Evie will probably be together, and you’ll be the one with the happily-ever-after.”
Liam chuckled, though there was a touch of hopefulness in his voice. “Yeah, maybe. We’ll see.”
We sat there a little longer, talking about everything from the blog to the lodge to Liam’s hopeless crush on Evie. It was easy and comfortable, the kind of conversation you could only have with someone who’d known you your whole life.
Eventually, Owen returned, his cheeks red from the cold and a grin on his face. “The goat’s back in the pen,” he announced, taking off his coat. “I have no idea how he keeps getting out, though.”
Liam and I both laughed, and I couldn’t help but feel a sense of contentment wash over me as we all settled into the easy rhythm of the conversation again.
This was it—this was the life I’d always wanted. A family that I loved, a partner who understood me, and a future that felt bright and full of possibility.
And as I sat there, sipping my coffee and listening to the sound of Owen and Liam bantering back and forth, I realized I wasn’t just happy.
I was exactly where I was meant to be.