quare. Vendors were setting up their stalls for the weekend market, their chatter creating a warm undercurrent of

parchment paper. It was her first time participating in the market since ret

ok at you! Back in business alread

"Figured I'd test the waters. Let's hope s

f homemade jams on her own table. "Word about your baking h

r display. Familiar faces from her childhood greeted her with enthusia

as he approached her booth. He held a cup of coffee, w

eased, accepting the cup. "Wh

d to see so many people out and supporting local businesses." His gaze set

" she admitted. "But I s

es, examining it with mock seriou

eave an honest review," s

ful before breaking into a satisfied s

lding easing in his presence. Their banter drew a few amused

stries, her confidence growing with every transaction. Lucas lingered nearby, offeri

in her chair, exhaustion and satisfaction mingling in equal measure.

break," he said

oasted vegetables making her stomach rumble.

providing a backdrop to their conversation. Grace's curiosity got the better of her

"But this one feels different. It's not just about fixing up a

g. "This place has a way of brin

aybe it's selfish, but working on the lighthouse giv

otten. "I don't think that's selfish. E

them. The moment stretched, filled with unspoken possib

"You two look too cozy over there! Come help

and offering Grace a ha

e back of her car, their teamwork seamless. By the time the market began to wind down, Grace felt a deep sen

asily, her earlier doubts replaced by a growing confidence in her abilities. The thought of contributing to the lighthous

she opened it to find Lucas standing t

up a small potted plant. "Mia mentioned you were try

ding across her face. "You didn't have

s pockets. "Figured it was the least I cou

your fair share," Grace replied

his eyes landing on the notebook on the

g the door behind him. "I want to keep

ughtful. "You're building someth

atitude welling up in

h shared story and laugh. By the time Lucas left, the night sky was awash wi

void. It felt like a blank canvas, full of