Building a Legacy

The following days were a whirlwind of movement and planning. The land surveyor, Mr. Hollis, arrived at sunrise, a broad-shouldered man with a sun-weathered face and a sharp eye for details. He spent hours walking the property with Ethan, assessing the soil, the irrigation, and the potential for what they wanted to build.

Lila watched from the porch, Lyra nestled against her chest as she swayed gently, keeping the baby calm.

Ethan had thrown himself into this project with every ounce of his energy. He listened intently to Hollis’s advice, asked detailed questions, and took notes with the same level of focus he once reserved for business meetings.

Lila couldn’t help but smile.

Seeing Ethan so determined, so passionate about something they were building together, filled her with a deep, warm pride.

By midday, Ethan and Hollis returned to the cottage, their boots covered in dust, their expressions serious.

“Well?” Lila asked, adjusting Lyra in her arms.

Ethan wiped the sweat from his brow and exhaled. “It’s good land.”

Hollis nodded in agreement. “Fertile soil. There’s a natural water source not too far off, and the positioning is excellent. If you’re serious about starting a vineyard, you couldn’t have picked a better place.”

Lila smiled. “That’s good news.”

Ethan nodded. “It is.” But there was something in his expression—something contemplative.

Lila narrowed her eyes. “There’s a ‘but’ in there somewhere.”

Ethan hesitated, then sighed. “It’s a lot of work.”

Hollis chuckled. “That it is. But nothing worth doing is ever easy.”

Lila smirked. “Now you sound like Margaret.”

Hollis grinned. “She’s a wise woman.”

Ethan shook his head, amused. “So what’s next?”

Hollis scratched his chin. “First, you need to secure the deed officially. Then you’ll need workers—hands you can trust to help clear the land and start the first planting cycle.” He crossed his arms. “And you’ll need patience. A vineyard isn’t something you build overnight.”

Ethan nodded, absorbing every word. “I understand.”

Hollis smirked. “Good. Because once you start, there’s no turning back.”

Ethan glanced at Lila, and she saw it in his eyes—he was all in.

She smiled, stepping closer, pressing a kiss to his cheek. “Then let’s get started.”

That evening, after Hollis had left and Lyra was down for the night, Lila and Ethan sat on the floor of their bedroom, papers spread out between them.

Ethan ran a hand through his hair, exhaling. “We need to make this official. That means meeting with the magistrate and finalizing the purchase.”

Lila tilted her head. “Do you think there will be any trouble?”

Ethan smirked. “Not unless my family tries to interfere.”

Lila frowned. “Do you think they will?”

Ethan hesitated. “No. They signed everything away. Legally, they have no claim.”

Lila chewed on her lower lip. “Legally. But they’re not exactly known for playing fair.”

Ethan sighed. “No, they’re not.” He reached for her hand, squeezing gently. “But they’re not going to take this from us, Lila. I won’t let them.”

Lila met his gaze, seeing the fire in his eyes.

She nodded. “I trust you.”

Ethan’s expression softened. “Good.”

They sat there in silence for a while, the weight of their decision settling between them.

Then, Lila smirked. “So… does this make us farmers now?”

Ethan chuckled. “I suppose it does.”

Lila grinned. “That’s quite the shift for you, Mr. Grantham.”

Ethan leaned in, his lips brushing against hers. “I’ve learned that some changes are worth it.”

Lila melted into him, her fingers tangling in his hair as he deepened the kiss.

For the first time in a long time, she wasn’t worried about the past or the future.

She was exactly where she needed to be.

With him.

The next morning, Margaret arrived with a determined look on her face.

“So,” she said, hands on her hips. “You two are really going through with this madness?”

Ethan smirked. “Good morning to you too, Margaret.”

Margaret rolled her eyes. “I’m serious. Do you have any idea what you’re getting into?”

Lila grinned. “That’s part of the fun.”

Margaret snorted. “You think it’s fun now. Wait until you’re knee-deep in dirt with no idea what you’re doing.”

Ethan crossed his arms. “We’ll figure it out.”

Margaret studied them both, then sighed. “You’re stubborn as hell.”

Lila smirked. “And you love us for it.”

Margaret grumbled something under her breath before shaking her head. “Fine. Just don’t expect me to come rescue you when you realize you’re in over your heads.”

Ethan chuckled. “We wouldn’t dream of it.”

Margaret narrowed her eyes. “Liar.”

Lila laughed, reaching for Ethan’s hand.

Whatever came next, they were ready.

Together.

A week later, Ethan finalized the land purchase.

It was official.

The vineyard—their home—was no longer just an idea. It was real.

Lila stood at the edge of the field, watching as the workers they had hired began clearing the land. Ethan was beside her, his expression unreadable.

“What are you thinking?” she asked.

Ethan exhaled. “That this is just the beginning.”

Lila smiled, threading her fingers through his.

“Yes,” she murmured. “It is.”

They had come so far.

And their journey was just getting started.