Page 109 of Falling For You

This morning was perfect.

Just like last night.

And I wanted to remember it all—every detail—the way her hair smelled faintly like lavender, her full lips always tasting like cinnamon lip gloss, and her feistiness.

I loved it.

I closed my eyes momentarily, breathing her in, knowing I’d be thinking about this for the next few days while I was away.

She shifted slowly and stretched as her eyes fluttered open.

“Hey,” I whispered softly. “Morning.”

She stirred andlooked up at me with that sleepy, sweet expression that twisted my heart.

“Morning,” she murmured, her voice squeaky from sleep.

Vi nuzzled her face into my chest. “Last night was incredible.”

“You think so?” I teased, running my fingers along her cheek. “I’d say it was the best night of my life.”

She moaned happily. “Can’t we just stay here forever?”

I laughed, the sound rumbling through my chest. “Trust me, I’d love that. But I’ve got a flight to catch, remember?”

She let out a soft sigh and sat up. Her hair fell in messy waves around her face. She looked beautiful, even first thing in the morning, and I couldn’t help but reach up and tuck a stray strand behind her ear.

“I know,” she said, smiling sadly. “I just… I’m going to miss you.”

“I’m going to miss you too,” I said, sitting up and pulling her into my arms. “But I’ll be back soon. You’ll barely have time to miss me.”

She chuckled, resting her head against my shoulder. “We’ll see about that.”

We stayed like that for a few more minutes, the quiet cabin wrapping us in a warm, comfortable silence. I didn’t want to leave. Not yet. But I knew I had to.

After we finally managed to pull ourselves out of bed, we got ready for the day. I couldn’t stop glancing at Violet as she moved around the cabin, her movements short and fluttery as she showered and threw on a sweater and jeans. She always looked like she jumped at each action. It made me chuckle, but there was a softness to her that I found irresistible.

Every moment felt precious, and I was trying to burn it all into my memory—the way she smiled at me when she caught me watching her, the sound of her laugh as she teased me aboutleaving my socks on the floor, the way she hummed under her breath as she tied her hair up in a messy bun.

It was the little things. The things that I’d miss most while I was gone.

“Ready for coffee?” Violet asked, grabbing her coat and slipping it on.

“Always,” I said, grabbing my own jacket and keys. “Lead the way.”

We headed out into the cold, the late November air biting at our cheeks as we made our way to my truck and drove to the coffee shop down the street.

Tiny snowflakes slowly drifted to the ground, melting as they touched the sidewalk.

The town looked like something from a postcard—charming, peaceful, and just a little magical.

And as we walked together, our hands brushing against each other’s, I realized that I didn’t just love Violet—I loved this place, too.

Buttercup Lake got under your skin, making you feel like you belonged, even if you were just passing through.

When we reached the coffee shop, the bell over the door jingled as we stepped inside.

The warmth and the smell of freshly brewed coffee instantly wrapped around us. Abby stood behind the counter, her bright smile widening when she saw us.

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