Chapter 4: The Old Woodshop
A week passed. The news of the canceled Bennett wedding hit local high-society tabloids, but Willow Creek remained a peaceful sanctuary.
While taking a walk through the town center, Amy passed an old, abandoned brick building with a faded sign: Miller & Sons Woodwork. It had belonged to Mr. Miller, a master craftsman who had mentored Amy’s late father. The windows were dusty, but the structure remained solid and beautiful.
As she peered inside, a voice called out behind her.
""Looking to buy, or just admiring the dust?""
Amy turned to see a tall man in a flannel shirt and work boots, holding a crate of fresh timber. He had warm blue eyes, rough hands, and a calm, grounded presence. It took her a second to recognize him—Lucas Vance, her late father’s former apprentice who had moved away years ago to study sustainable architecture.
""Lucas?"" Amy gasped, a genuine smile breaking across her face for the first time in weeks.
""In the flesh,"" Lucas smiled, setting the crate down. ""I heard you were back in town, Amy. I was sorry to hear about... well, everything.""
""It's alright,"" she said softly. ""It was a blessing in disguise. What are you doing here?""
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""I bought the old workshop last month,"" Lucas explained, gesturing toward the building. ""I'm turning it into a community craft center—a place where local artisans can work, teach, and sell custom sustainable furniture. But..."" He chuckled, scratching the back of his neck. ""I’m better at carpentry than interior layout and design.""
Amy’s eyes lit up. ""You need a designer?""
