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Waking up this morning, I turned over to find a cold, empty spot where Colt had been just a few hours before. Every part of me wanted last night to go on forever, but as they say, all good things must come to an end.

Yesterday had been exhausting, but this morning, I felt free. No more hiding the bruises.

A weight had lifted off my shoulders—one I hadn’t realized I’d been carrying.

As I walked into the bathroom, I caught my reflection in the mirror, my eyes drifting over the bruises on my body.

Stiffness settled into my shoulder. It still ached from my horse-riding disaster yesterday, but not as badly as it had at first. My head had stopped throbbing too—progress.

I figured that after taking it easy for a few days, I’d feel as good as new. That was my hope anyway.

I turned away from the mirror and let out a slow breath .

The past had taken enough from me. I wasn’t going to let it steal my future too.

This was my second chance.

But even though I was hopelessly optimistic, I knew what my reality looked like.

I had no plan, no job, no way to support myself.

I couldn’t stay here forever, depending on Colt’s kindness for the rest of my life, no matter how much he insisted on it.

I needed a way to stand on my own two feet.

I needed a job.

Glancing at the clock, I realized it was still early enough to head into town.

It was as good a time as any to start job hunting.

Today was the first day of my new beginning.

As I drove into downtown Silver Creek, the early morning sun cast a yellow glow over the brick storefronts, stretching soft shadows across the sidewalks.

The town was already stirring to life—shop owners flipping their signs to Open, early risers strolling past with coffee cups in hand.

I pulled my car into a parking spot near the town square, cut the engine, and took a deep breath.

The coffee shop on the corner, The Daily Grind, had a Help Wanted sign taped to its window.

Here goes nothing.

The bell above the door jingled as I stepped inside, the rich aroma of freshly ground coffee wrapping around me.

This coffee shop was like something from a magazine. Exposed brick walls lined with mismatched paintings and vintage coffee-related posters gave the space a lived-in look. Warm light filtered through the large windows, casting a glow across the room.

A handful of customers sat at the rustic wooden tables, some chatting quietly, others absorbed in their own worlds with laptops or books.

Behind the counter, the barista moved with ease, pulling shots of espresso and steaming milk with a rhythm that came from years of experience.

The gleaming metal espresso machine sat like the centerpiece of the room, while shelves behind it were lined with jars of beans, syrups, and old coffee grinders, giving the space a nostalgic feel.

As I approached the counter, a woman with fiery red corkscrew curls and a bright welcoming smile emerged from behind the espresso machine, wiping her hands on a towel. Her eyes danced with curiosity as they met mine.

“Good morning! What can I get for you?” she asked, her voice full of spunk.

I swallowed my nerves and gestured towards the sign in the window. “Actually, I saw that you’re hiring. I was wondering if you’re still looking for help.”

Her smile widened. “I sure am. You got a minute to chat?”

“Sure,” I said hesitantly, not realizing I would be put on the spot so quickly.

“My name is Cassie,” she said, extending her hand.

“I’m Ellie. Nice to meet you,” I responded, taking her hand in mine .

We sat at one of the empty tables.

“I haven’t seen you around town. Are you new to Silver Creek?”

“Not exactly. I grew up here. My parents died when I was seventeen. After that, I moved to Dallas to start over. But the universe brought me back.”

“I’m really sorry about your parents, that sucks,” she said, seeming genuine.

“I’m staying out on McKinley Ranch until I can get on my feet again and find my own place.”

“Wait, did you just say McKinley Ranch, as in Colt McKinley?”

“Yes, that ranch,” I said hesitantly, not sure where this conversation was going.

Cassie leaned against the table, wiggling her eyebrows. “Well, aren’t you a lucky girl? That man is fine. He’s like a nice bottle of wine—only gets better with age.”

You can say that again.

“Are you guys dating? Is that why you’re staying on the ranch?”

“Oh no, Colt is just a friend.”

“Darn. I wanted some juicy details,” she said, disappointed. “The only McKinley brother that comes in here is Jace, and he gets on my damn nerves.”

I laughed. Something in my gut was telling me Jace and Cassie were like water and oil.

“So, you’d rather come work in my coffee shop than stare at hot cowboys all day? That’s wild,” she said jokingly.

“Well, ogling isn’t going to pay the bills, sadly.”

“So, you admit he’s cute,” she said pointing at me with a wink .

“He’s cute,” I said, trying not to admit it too loudly.

“Do you drink coffee?” she asked next.

“Uh, yes, I do. Is that one of the job requirements?” I asked cautiously.

“Of course. You can’t trust someone who doesn’t like coffee. It’s like one of the seven deadly sins, or whatever they say.”

“True,” I said, giggling.

She looked me up and down for a moment. “Well, that settles it. The job is yours. Just come in Monday at eight, and I’ll start showing you around the place.”

Wow, that was easier than I thought it was going to be .

I was sure job searching would take me all day.

“Eight o’clock on Monday, got it. Thank you so much, you’re a lifesaver.”

Just as I was debating whether it would be too awkward to hug my new boss or not, the bell on the door jingled.

“Not again,” Cassie moaned, rolling her eyes.

“Well, if it isn’t my favorite barista,” Jace said, eyes glinting as he shot a teasing glance at Cassie.

He tilted his hat in my direction. “Ellie, good morning. You stop by to grab a morning pick-me-up?”

“Actually, I work here now,” I said, half-laughing.

“Is that so? I’ll have to let Colt know. I have a feeling you’ll be seeing him around here more.”

“Thank God. Does that mean we’ll be seeing less of you?” Cassie asked eagerly.

“You can’t get rid of me that easy,” he said, winking. “Speaking of, I’ve got a ticket to the hockey game tonight in Great Falls with your name on it,” Jace said to Cassie.

“Well, that sucks, because Ellie and I were just talking about having a girls’ night tonight. Isn’t that right, Ellie?” Cassie turned to me, her eyes saying, please go along with this.

I paused, contemplating what I should say next.

Cassie was my new boss. I couldn’t make her mad on the same day she hired me, right?

“Yep, girls’ night. Pizza and my famous margaritas,” I said excitedly. “Sorry, Jace.”

“No problem. I’ll invite Colt. We can make it a double date.”

Cassie stood up, obviously done with Jace’s antics.

“In your dreams. Now, get out before I kick your ass.”

“Ooh, I like ’em feisty,” he said, giving Cassie a wink. She opened the door, and he walked out, blowing her a kiss as he left.

“Thank you so much for saving me there. I can’t fathom the thought of going out with that brat.”

“Jace is really sweet once you get to know him.”

“Yeah, yeah, I’m sure,” she groaned. “So, what time are we having this shin dig?” she asked excitedly.

“Oh, I’m not sure. Do you really want to hang out? I mean, I’d love to, but you don’t have to if you already have other plans,” I said shyly.

I didn’t have many friends. Well, I didn’t have any, really, but Cassie seemed like a social butterfly. She probably had lots of friends.

“I don’t have plans. Plus, while Jace is annoying, he’s not dumb. If he doesn’t see my car out there tonight, he’s going to know something’s up, and I’m not giving him any more ammunition to give me hell with,” she explained.

I contemplated for a brief second.

“How about seven o’clock? That gives me plenty of time to get everything we need from the store and tidy up my place.”

“Perfect!” Cassie squealed. “I promise I won’t judge your place. You could be a hoarder, and I wouldn’t care. But I’m warning you right now, I haven’t had a girls’ night in so long, so please don’t judge the amount of tequila I put in my margarita,” Cassie said looking at me with a serious face.

I laughed. “I’ll see you at seven,” I said as I waved goodbye and headed out the door.