Chapter 5 5

The crisp morning air carried the tang of salt and the faint aroma of wildflowers as Grace stepped into the town square. Vendors were setting up their stalls for the weekend market, their chatter creating a warm undercurrent of familiarity. A soft breeze ruffled her hair, reminding her of how much she had missed the rhythms of Willow Haven.

She adjusted her basket, filled with freshly baked pastries wrapped neatly in parchment paper. It was her first time participating in the market since returning, and while excitement fluttered in her chest, nerves weren't far behind.

Mia waved from a nearby stall. "Look at you! Back in business already," she called, her grin contagious.

Grace smiled, setting up her small table. "Figured I'd test the waters. Let's hope someone's in the mood for scones and tarts."

"Trust me, they'll sell out," Mia replied, arranging jars of homemade jams on her own table. "Word about your baking has been spreading since the fundraiser. People are curious."

A small line began forming before Grace had even finished arranging her display. Familiar faces from her childhood greeted her with enthusiasm, their compliments and encouragement washing away her earlier nerves.

Lucas appeared mid-morning, his tall frame unmistakable as he approached her booth. He held a cup of coffee, which he offered with a faint smile. "Fuel for the baker."

"You're spoiling me," Grace teased, accepting the cup. "What brings you to the market?"

"Checking on the fundraiser's impact," he said, glancing around. "It's good to see so many people out and supporting local businesses." His gaze settled on her table, his expression softening. "Looks like you're doing well."

"Better than I expected," she admitted. "But I still have a lot to learn."

Lucas reached for one of the scones, examining it with mock seriousness. "Mind if I test the goods?"

"Only if you promise to leave an honest review," she said, folding her arms.

He took a bite, his expression thoughtful before breaking into a satisfied smile. "Ten out of ten. Would recommend."

Grace laughed, the tension she hadn't realized she'd been holding easing in his presence. Their banter drew a few amused glances from nearby shoppers, but she found she didn't mind.

The market buzzed with activity throughout the morning. Grace sold nearly all her pastries, her confidence growing with every transaction. Lucas lingered nearby, offering occasional assistance and drawing more customers to her booth with his easy charm.

By noon, the last of her tarts had been sold, and Grace leaned back in her chair, exhaustion and satisfaction mingling in equal measure. Lucas appeared at her side, holding two sandwiches wrapped in paper.

"You've earned a break," he said, handing her one.

Grace accepted it gratefully, the smell of roasted vegetables making her stomach rumble. "Thanks. I didn't realize how hungry I was."

They found a shaded spot near the edge of the square, the lively sounds of the market providing a backdrop to their conversation. Grace's curiosity got the better of her as she unwrapped her sandwich. "Do you always get this involved in community projects?"

"Not always," Lucas admitted, leaning back against the bench. "But this one feels different. It's not just about fixing up a building-it's about giving the town something to rally around."

"I get that," Grace said, nodding. "This place has a way of bringing people together, doesn't it?"

"It does," Lucas agreed, his gaze thoughtful. "And maybe it's selfish, but working on the lighthouse gives me a sense of purpose I haven't felt in a while."

Grace glanced at him, her sandwich forgotten. "I don't think that's selfish. Everyone needs something to believe in."

Their eyes met, a shared understanding passing between them. The moment stretched, filled with unspoken possibilities, before a shout from the market broke the spell.

Mia waved them over, her excitement palpable. "You two look too cozy over there! Come help me pack up before I'm buried in empty jars."

Lucas chuckled, standing and offering Grace a hand. "Guess we're on duty."

The rest of the afternoon passed in a blur of activity. Grace and Lucas helped Mia load her supplies into the back of her car, their teamwork seamless. By the time the market began to wind down, Grace felt a deep sense of accomplishment-not just for her successful sales, but for the connections she was beginning to rebuild.

Later, back at the cottage, Grace settled into her favorite chair with a notebook and pen. Ideas for new recipes flowed easily, her earlier doubts replaced by a growing confidence in her abilities. The thought of contributing to the lighthouse project lingered in her mind, spurred on by Lucas's encouragement and the sense of community she had felt at the market.

A knock at the door startled her, and she opened it to find Lucas standing there, a sheepish expression on his face.

"Sorry for dropping by unannounced," he said, holding up a small potted plant. "Mia mentioned you were trying to spruce up the place. Thought this might help."

Grace accepted the plant, a smile spreading across her face. "You didn't have to do that, but thank you. It's perfect."

Lucas shrugged, his hands slipping into his pockets. "Figured it was the least I could do after you carried the market today."

"Pretty sure you did more than your fair share," Grace replied, stepping aside to let him in.

He glanced around the cozy living room, his eyes landing on the notebook on the coffee table. "Working on something new?"

"Just brainstorming," she said, closing the door behind him. "I want to keep things fresh for next week's market."

Lucas nodded, his expression thoughtful. "You're building something here, Grace. Something good."

Her gaze softened, gratitude welling up inside her. "So are you."

The evening passed in easy conversation, their connection deepening with each shared story and laugh. By the time Lucas left, the night sky was awash with stars, and Grace felt a quiet contentment she hadn't experienced in years.

The future didn't feel like an intimidating void. It felt like a blank canvas, full of promise-and maybe even a little bit of love.