Lade_3

After a painful breakup and years of sacrificing her dreams, Artist Grace Montgomery seeks a fresh start in a small coastal town, inheriting her late grandmother's old cottage. 

She's determined to rebuild not only the home but her own life. What she didn't expect is to find herself drawn to Ethan Walker, a handsome contractor and a single father with walls as high as her own. 

He still grieves the loss of his wife. but he focused his life on raising his eight year old daughter, Maya and staying emotionally guarded.

While Ethan restores Grace's cottage sparks fly, but both are too cautious to let their guard down.

Along the line, Maya had passion for art and bonded well with Grace. While Grace works closely with Ethan, a slow-burning romance begins to develop.

However, past wounds, unspoken fears and the unexpected return of Grace's ex-financé Liam Carter. He threatened to keep them apart. 
In the end, they must decide whether to let the past define them or take a chance of love and a future together.

Will they take the chance on each other? Or will fear, their pasts and doubt keep them apart?

A Chance for Us

The following morning, Grace reflects on Ethan's quiet offer of help, sensing a shift between them. The air in the cottage felt different, lighter, yet charged with something unspoken.

Shaking off her thoughts, she grabbed a cup of coffee and stepped outside on the porch. She heard the familiar sound of his truck, she checked the time and realized he came earlier than usual but she didn't mind.

He stepped out of his truck, his usual calm expression in place but this time it was less guarded.

"Good Morning" he greeted, walking up the steps. "Morning" Grace replied, leaning against the railing. She spoke again. "You're early" Ethan replied. "Figured I would check the back deck before you decide to take a hammer to it"

She rolled her eyes. She realized that the more time she spent with Ethan, the more she realized he wasn't just closed off, he was careful, careful with his words, careful with his actions, careful with how much he let people in.

"So what's the plan for today" she asked, hoping to distract herself from the unspoken tension between them. Ethan smiled "I said it earlier, I would take a look at the back deck. Some of the woods looked warped"

"Need an extra pair of hands?" Grace said

"That depends. Are you actually going to help or just stand around and critique my work?"

She smirked. "A bit of both if I'm being honest"

Grace watched as he worked, observing the way he moved with certainty. It seemed like he enjoys what he does.

She hesitated before asking, "You always liked fixing things?" Ethan glanced at her then back to the wood. "Ever since my dad taught me yeah. He used to say that you put in the work, and it pays off. You don't always get that with people"

Grace felt the weight of his words. There was a comfortable silence for a while then Ethan spoke. "You really just like asking questions don't you?" Grace replied. "Can't help it I'm always curious"

Ethan focused on what he was doing then said "It shouldn't take long to get this fixed" Grace nodded. "Seems like you did more of sitting down to critique my work than helping" Ethan teased. "Well, it's still something". Grace said. They both laughed.

As the wind picked up, Grace folded her arms trying to fend off the chill. Ethan noticed and without a word he removed his jacket and handed it to her.

"Oh please, stop making me feel like a damsel in distress a little cold won't take my life" Grace teased.

"Just take it Grace" his tone gentle. She slipped it on, warmth from his body heat. It carried his scent. "Thanks, Ethan"

For a moment, neither of them spoke and they just stared at each other. Grace felt that he was starting to trust her and let her in.

Ethan broke the silence. "You should go inside so you won't catch a cold"

"Okay Doctor Ethan" She teased. Ethan escorted her inside then said "I'll grab my tools, I'm leaving now"

Grace nodded, watching as he went back to his truck. And for the first time in a long time, she wondered if maybe, just maybe she had found what she needed.

A Mutual Recognition