Planting New Roots

The land was theirs.

Ethan and Lila stood at the edge of the property, watching as the workers began their tasks. The morning was cool, the scent of damp earth thick in the air as men hauled tools over their shoulders, prepared to clear the overgrown field that would soon become their vineyard.

Lila exhaled, pressing a hand against her chest as the realization settled in.

This wasn’t just an idea anymore. It was happening.

Ethan stood beside her, his stance firm, his blue eyes sharp as he observed the workers. She could see the wheels turning in his mind, already thinking three steps ahead, strategizing as he always did.

She reached for his hand, squeezing gently. “We’re really doing this.”

Ethan turned to her, his features softening. “We are.”

Lila smiled, squeezing his fingers. “Does it feel real yet?”

Ethan smirked. “Getting there.”

They stood there for a few more minutes, taking it all in, before Margaret’s familiar voice broke through the moment.

“Well, would you look at that,” she drawled, coming up behind them. “The former lord of Grantham, getting his hands dirty like a common farmer.”

Ethan turned, arching a brow. “You say that like it’s a bad thing.”

Margaret snorted. “No, I say that like I’m waiting to see how long it takes before you start regretting it.”

Lila chuckled. “He’s stubborn. He won’t admit it even if he does.”

Ethan crossed his arms. “I don’t plan on regretting anything.”

Margaret smirked. “We’ll see.”

Lila rolled her eyes, though she knew Margaret meant well. “Are you here to help or just to heckle?”

Margaret feigned offense. “I’ll have you know I came to supervise.”

Ethan chuckled. “Supervise, huh?”

Margaret nodded, crossing her arms. “Someone has to make sure you don’t make a complete mess of things.”

Lila grinned. “Well, in that case, we’re honored to have your expert guidance.”

Margaret snorted but said nothing more, her gaze drifting toward the workers.

Despite her sharp tongue, Lila could see it—Margaret was proud of them.

She just had her own way of showing it.

By midday, Ethan had rolled up his sleeves and joined the workers in clearing the field. Lila watched as he grabbed a shovel, sweat already forming along his brow as he worked alongside the men, removing rocks and debris from the soil.

She smirked to herself.

Ethan Grantham, the once untouchable heir to a fortune, was now knee-deep in the dirt, forging a new path.

And he looked good doing it.

She felt a blush rise to her cheeks as she watched him, muscles flexing with each movement, his hair falling into his face as he wiped at the sweat along his brow.

Margaret, who had been watching as well, nudged her playfully. “You’re staring, dear.”

Lila cleared her throat, forcing herself to look away. “I’m observing.”

Margaret chuckled. “Sure, you are.”

Lila rolled her eyes but didn’t deny it.

She liked watching Ethan like this—completely immersed in something he was passionate about.

She had never seen him quite like this before, and it made her fall in love with him all over again.

By the time the sun dipped below the horizon, the first stage of the clearing was complete.

Ethan wiped his hands on a cloth, his chest rising and falling with deep breaths as he approached Lila.

“Tired yet?” she teased.

Ethan smirked, brushing a hand over his damp hair. “Not even close.”

Lila arched a brow. “Liar.”

Ethan chuckled, pulling her into his arms. “Alright. A little tired.”

Lila grinned, wrapping her arms around his waist. “Well, I’m proud of you.”

Ethan pressed a kiss to the top of her head. “That makes it worth it.”

Margaret clapped her hands together. “Alright, lovebirds. You’ve had your moment. Now, come inside before you both collapse from exhaustion.”

Lila smirked. “Yes, ma’am.”

Ethan groaned. “I think she’s enjoying this a little too much.”

Margaret shot him a knowing look. “You have no idea.”

Lila chuckled, taking Ethan’s hand as they walked back toward the cottage.

Later that night, after Lyra had been fed and tucked into her crib, Lila sat on the edge of the bed, brushing out her hair.

Ethan stood by the window, gazing out into the darkness, his expression unreadable.

Lila studied him for a moment before speaking. “You’re thinking too hard again.”

Ethan exhaled, turning toward her. “It still doesn’t feel real.”

Lila smiled softly. “I know.”

Ethan crossed the room, sitting beside her. “I spent my whole life believing my future had already been decided for me. That I had no say in what kind of life I lived.” He reached for her hand, threading their fingers together. “But now… I do.”

Lila squeezed his hand. “And does that scare you?”

Ethan smirked. “A little.”

Lila chuckled. “That’s normal.”

Ethan exhaled. “I just want to do this right.”

Lila turned to face him fully. “You are doing it right. Ethan, look at what we’ve built already. Look at her.” She nodded toward Lyra’s crib. “We’re creating something new. Together.”

Ethan smiled, brushing a knuckle over her cheek. “What did I ever do to deserve you?”

Lila smirked. “You married me.”

Ethan chuckled. “Best decision I ever made.”

Lila leaned in, her lips brushing against his. “I love you.”

Ethan wrapped an arm around her waist, pulling her into his lap. “I love you too.”

Lila let out a soft sigh as he kissed her, slow and deep, his hands mapping familiar paths along her spine.

It wasn’t hurried. It wasn’t desperate.

It was home.

And for the first time in her life, Lila knew—

They had built something no one could take away from them.

Their own legacy.

And it was only just beginning.