Falling For The Last First Time

lled home hadn't changed much in the ten years she'd been away. Its quaint charm still lingered in the weathered buildings and colorful storefronts

yourself in a crowd when you didn't want to be found. But when her best friend Jenna begged her to take on a design project in Willow Creek,

h churn. One ghost in particular. Ethan Carter. His name alone wa

grapevines, their leaves shimmering like emeralds. At the center of it all stood Carter Estate Vineyard, a place Claire had avoided thinking about for

. She wasn't here to relive old memories

e. The Carter Estate sign hung above the gate, its once vibrant paint now peeling at the e

he held himself with quiet confidence, his broad shoulders framed by the golden light of the setting

y to something she couldn't quite place. Surprise? Regret? Whatever it

out, his voice carry

losing the gap between them. "

his gaze lingering just long enough t

h features had matured, his jawline sharper, his dark hair streaked with hints of silver.

sturing toward the building. "I

ords came out colder than she intende

ell, let me show you around. The place need

el under their feet the only sound between them. The si

smatched furniture that screamed for an update. Ethan explained his vision for the wedding venue-rustic elegance

along a worn wooden countertop. "But it's going to take

t's why I called you. If anyon

She glanced at him, searching for hidden meaning

l need a detailed budget and a list of materials you're willin

a familiar ache in her chest. "You were al

ng. Claire cleared her throat, determined to keep the

nded by vines, its charm overshadowed by overgrown weeds and a sagging pergola. The reception area was little more than a patch of grass be

horizon, casting the vineyard in shades of gold and purple. Eth

s hands shoved into his pockets. "I kn

r. "It's just a job, Ethan. Let's not mak

s eyes told her he didn't bel

car and started the engine, refusi

r past without falling apart. But as the lights of the vineyard faded in her rearview mirror, Claire cou