Falling For The Last First Time

eremony field, her boots sinking slightly into the softened earth. The rain had left behind a fresh, earthy scent that filled the air, but it had

veying the grounds. Claire approached the foreman, her clipb

ng to a section of the field where water had pooled.

ched them get to work, her mind racing with contingencies for every possibl

s of coffee. He handed one to Claire without a word,

use this," he said, his ton

rmth seeping into her hands

nches and lay new gravel. The air between them felt heavy, charged w

" Ethan began, br

grip tightening on t

.. I don't want things to be weird between us. We have

shoulders easing. "You're right. This proje

intment in his eyes didn't go unnoticed. "A

ing with the landscapers, meeting with florists, and reviewing the menu with the cate

sting room. Occasionally, their paths crossed, but the conversations remained

ago. The puddles had been drained, the gravel paths were taking shape, and the first shipment of flowers had

ing added. She waved enthusiastically before ma

aking in the vibrant blooms and careful

le. "It's getting there. S

easing. "Well, if the wedding doesn't work out, you can a

roaned, pulling a

hinking," Jenna said with a shrug. "You

he words stuck with her, tugg

aving the vineyard quiet and still. She walked the grounds one last time, taking in the progress they

soft on the gravel path. "Looks like we'

of pride in her tone. "The ceremony space is comin

is confidence unwavering. "You alw

giving way to a rare moment of vuln

tion. "I've seen you in action

t her off guard, and for a momen

neyard. The tension between them was still there, simmering beneath the surface, but i

ment. "You should get some res

returning to her empty rental filled

" she said softly,

, his voice lingering in the ai

, debating whether to call Jenna or lose herself in a mindless TV show. Instead, she found herself scrolling

fore everything fell apart, the two of them laughing under the shade of

g inside her-a mix of nostalgia

losed her eyes. The memories were overwhelming, b

wasn't about revisiting the pa

ly claimed her, the echoes of the d