Chapter 4 4

The golden light of morning filtered through the kitchen window, casting a warm glow over Grace's workspace. The scent of lemon and vanilla filled the air as she carefully spread glaze over a batch of muffins, her hands steady despite the early hour. The fundraiser's success had reignited something within her-a desire to create, to share her craft, to rebuild.

A soft knock at the door interrupted her thoughts. Setting down the spatula, she wiped her hands on her apron and made her way to the front of the cottage. Lucas stood on the porch, his frame backlit by the morning sun, holding a large folder under one arm and a cup of coffee in the other.

"You're up early," Grace said, opening the door.

"Thought I'd catch you before you got too busy," he replied, holding out the coffee. "Peace offering for interrupting your morning."

Grace accepted it with a smile, stepping aside to let him in. "What brings you here?"

Lucas set the folder on the kitchen table, his movements deliberate. "I need your opinion on something."

Curiosity piqued, she followed him. The folder was filled with architectural sketches and plans, each page carefully annotated. He spread a few across the table, revealing detailed renderings of the old lighthouse and the proposed renovations.

"These are amazing," Grace said, her eyes scanning the intricate designs. "You did these yourself?"

He nodded, a hint of pride in his expression. "Architecture was my career before I came here. This project is the first time I've felt excited about design in a long time."

Grace's gaze lingered on one sketch in particular, which showed the lighthouse transformed into a vibrant community center. "This is beautiful. It's exactly what the town needs."

"I'm glad you think so," Lucas said, leaning slightly closer. "But there's a catch. The funding we've raised so far isn't enough to cover the full scope of the renovations. We'll need to prioritize certain elements and phase the rest over time."

She nodded thoughtfully. "So, you're looking for feedback on what should come first?"

"Exactly."

They spent the next hour reviewing the plans, Grace offering insights on what might resonate most with the community. Lucas listened intently, his focus unwavering, and she found herself impressed by his willingness to collaborate.

When they finished, Lucas closed the folder and leaned back in his chair. "You've got a good eye for this. Ever consider a career in design?"

Grace laughed softly. "I think I'll stick to baking. Speaking of which, would you like to try a muffin? They're fresh out of the oven."

"I wouldn't say no to that," he replied, a rare smile tugging at his lips.

Grace plated a lemon muffin and set it in front of him, watching as he took a bite. His expression softened, the corners of his mouth curving upward.

"This is incredible," he said, his tone genuine.

"Thank you," she replied, feeling a small surge of pride. "It's one of my grandmother's recipes."

Lucas looked thoughtful, his gaze drifting to the window. "Your grandmother had a way of bringing people together. I can see where you get it from."

The compliment caught her off guard, and she struggled to find a response. Before she could, Lucas glanced at his watch and stood.

"I should get going. Thanks for your help-and the muffin."

"Anytime," Grace said, walking him to the door.

After he left, she returned to the kitchen, her thoughts swirling. There was something about Lucas that intrigued her, a depth she hadn't expected. He seemed to carry his own burdens quietly, yet he had a way of making others feel seen and valued.

Later that afternoon, Grace decided to visit the lighthouse property. She hadn't been there since her childhood, but the sketches Lucas had shown her ignited a spark of curiosity. She packed a small picnic and set out, the winding path lined with wildflowers and the distant sound of waves crashing against the rocks.

The lighthouse stood tall against the azure sky, its weathered facade a testament to years of neglect. Yet, even in its disrepair, it held a certain charm-a reminder of the town's history and the stories it carried.

Grace spread a blanket near the base of the lighthouse and unpacked her picnic. The view was breathtaking, the endless expanse of ocean meeting the horizon in a seamless blend of blue and white. She took a bite of her sandwich, savoring the moment of solitude.

Footsteps on the gravel path caught her attention, and she turned to see Lucas approaching, a clipboard in hand.

"I didn't expect to see you here," he said, his tone surprised but not unwelcome.

"I was curious," she admitted, gesturing to the lighthouse. "It's even more beautiful in person."

Lucas nodded, his gaze sweeping over the structure. "It has potential. That's why I took on this project. It's more than just a building-it's a symbol of what this town can be."

Grace smiled, impressed by his passion. "You're really committed to this, aren't you?"

"I have to be," he said simply. "This is my chance to make something meaningful."

He set down his clipboard and joined her on the blanket, his presence grounding yet unassuming. They sat in companionable silence for a while, the sound of the waves filling the gaps in conversation.

"You're good at this," Grace said eventually.

"At what?"

"Building things-connections, trust, hope."

Lucas's expression softened, but there was a flicker of something deeper in his eyes. "I wasn't always. It took me a long time to figure out what mattered."

Grace hesitated, then asked, "What happened?"

He looked out at the ocean, his jaw tightening. "I spent years chasing success in the city-money, status, recognition. But I lost sight of why I became an architect in the first place. When things fell apart... I realized I didn't have anything real to hold onto."

His honesty resonated with Grace, her own struggles mirrored in his words. "It's hard, isn't it? Starting over."

"It is," he admitted. "But it's worth it."

They talked until the sun began to dip below the horizon, their conversation flowing easily. Grace found herself opening up in a way she hadn't in years, sharing stories of her bakery, her grandmother, and her hopes for the future.

By the time they left the lighthouse, a sense of camaraderie had taken root between them-a shared understanding that felt both comforting and promising.

Walking back toward town, Lucas turned to her with a faint smile. "You should come to the next planning meeting. Your input makes a difference."

Grace returned his smile, the weight of her earlier doubts beginning to lift. "I'll think about it."

For the first time in a long while, she felt like she was part of something bigger than herself-a feeling she hadn't realized she missed. And with Lucas by her side, the path forward seemed a little less daunting.