Page 112 of Falling for Love

The warm glow of dimmed chandeliers bounced off taxidermy fish mounted on wood-paneled walls. Each booth had a tiny flickering candle and red checkered tablecloths, and the smell of fried fish and buttery rye bread filled the air. In one corner, a jukebox hummed an old Johnny Cash tune, and the sound of laughter and clinking glasses filled the gaps between conversations. It was like stepping back in time, and I didn’t mind one bit tonight.

A lot had transpired with Evie, and going out with my siblings was good.

Beck led the way to our booth behind the hostess, his broad shoulders barely fitting between the tables. Violet and Fifi trailed behind him, each throwing out greetings to people they recognized—which, in a place like this, was basically everyone.

“I’m just saying, we’d better get cheese curds as an appetizer,” Fifi declared as we slid into the booth.

“Cheese curds are non-negotiable,” Violet agreed, grinning as she grabbed a menu.

Beck scoffed, pulling off his flannel and tossing it onto the empty seat beside him. “You two would order curds and nothing else if you could. I need a steak.”

“You come to a fish fry for steak?” I teased, shaking my head.

Beck shrugged. “I’m a growing boy.”

“You’re a grown man,” Violet corrected, rolling her eyes. “But fine. Order your steak, and let us enjoy the best thing about Wisconsin dining.”

Beck shoved a menu across the table toward me and leaned back, grinning. “So, you gonna tell us about Evie, or do we have to guess?”

I paused mid-sip of my Old Fashioned, the bitters and citrus warming me from the inside out. We’d all ordered drinks while we waited for our table to be called.

“What makes you think there’s anything to tell?”

“Come on, Liam.” Violet leaned in, her chin propped on her hand. “You’ve been walking around like a guy who just wonthe lottery. Fifi and I were talking about it earlier. You’ve got a glow.”

“A glow?” I set my drink down and raised an eyebrow. “That’s dramatic, even for you.”

“Not really,” Fifi chimed in, picking at the breadbasket. “You’re smiling all the time, humming. And when was the last time you texted us three separate pictures of a horse becauseEvie thought this one wascool?”

Beck laughed. “Dude, she’s got you whipped already, and you’re not even dating.”

“I wouldn’t say whipped,” I muttered, though I could feel my face heating. “But I can say that we’re officially dating.”

“So, spill. How’s it going with her?” Vi asked with a teasing grin.

I sighed, giving in.

There was no dodging these three; truthfully, I wanted to share the good news.

“Alright, fine. Things are... good. Great, even. We’ve been spending time together, but it’s still early.”

“And?” Fifi prompted, gesturing for me to keep going.

“And,” I continued, “she’s amazing. She’s funny, smart, incredibly hardworking, and... I don’t know. There’s just something about her that feels right.”

“That’s the good stuff,” Beck said, smirking. “Now, what’s the hold-up?”

“She’s cautious,” I admitted, leaning back in my seat. “She’s got Hayden to think about, and I get that. She doesn’t letpeople in easily, and I respect that. But it’s like... every time I’m with her, I can feel her walls lowering, just a little.”

“She’s had a rough go of it, hasn’t she?” Violet’s voice softened. “I remember when she started bringing Hayden to the lodge while she worked on the horses. She was always so focused. Always busy. But sweet, too.”

“Yeah,” I said, nodding. “She’s been through more than most, but she’s still standing. She’s strong. Stronger than she probably realizes.”

“That’s sweet,” Fifi said with a knowing smile. “And I think you’re kind enough to be patient with her.”

“It’s not about patience,” I said, shrugging. “It’s about wanting her to know I’m not going anywhere. I want to be someone she and Hayden can count on.”

Beck let out a low whistle. “You’re serious about this one.”

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