Page 13 of Sunshine and the Grumpy Groundskeeper (The Callahans of Elk Ridge #1)

Daisy

T he autumn air is crisp and golden, the sun casting a warm glow over Mountain Laurel Lodge's wraparound porch. The sweet scent of cinnamon and baked apples drifts from the kitchen. It feels like home.

I sit on a wooden bench near the stone fireplace, my newest children's book open in my lap. Around me, wide-eyed kids sit cross-legged, clutching copies of the story, while their parents linger nearby, sipping cider and smiling at the scene.

Rascal, sprawls lazily at my feet. For once he’s behaving, at least until someone isn't looking.

"And that's when Gordon the Mayor realized that sometimes, the bravest trail to follow is the one you make yourself," I read, turning the page to reveal the final illustration—a distinguished groundhog and his forest friends gathered around a map, creating their own path through the woods.

As I read aloud, the laughter and quiet gasps of the children fill the crisp mountain air. I gesture animatedly, letting myself get lost in the rhythm of the words, my heart full in a way I never expected.

From the edge of the porch, I feel him before I see him.

Rowan Callahan leans against one of the lodge's wooden beams, arms crossed over his chest, watching me. Still gruff, still reserved, but he’s here.

And he's watching me like I hung the stars.

My throat tightens, but I smile as I reach the final lines of the story. The kids burst into applause, some running up to get their books signed, others asking about Rascal, who still looks like an angel instead of the chaos-causing fluffball he truly is.

I chance another glance at Rowan.

He gives me that quiet, unreadable look. The same one he had when I first got lost in his woods.

But there's something different now.

Something softer.

Something that tells me that even if I lose my way again?—

He'll always find me.

Inside the lodge, warmth and laughter fill the air as the Callahan family gathers around the long dining table. The usual post-dinner chatter is in full swing, with Declan sneaking an extra serving of dessert, Jameson swapping stories about guest activities, and Liam looking mildly concerned about the noise level.

I settle beside Rowan, Rascal curling up at my feet. Under the table, Rowan's hand finds mine, his calloused fingers intertwining with my own in that quiet way that still makes my heart skip.

Across the table, Evie Callahan clears her throat.

"Since we're all here," Evie begins, folding her hands atop the table. "I have an announcement."

The conversation quiets.

Liam, ever the responsible eldest, straightens. "What kind of announcement?"

Evie waves a hand. "Oh, nothing dramatic, dear. Just that I've decided it's time to step back from the bookkeeping. It's tedious, and quite frankly, I'm too old to be fussing over spreadsheets and numbers when I could be enjoying my tea and meddling in all of your love lives instead."

I bite back a laugh as Declan chokes on his coffee.

Jameson whistles low. "So you're hiring someone?"

"I am," Evie says lightly.

Liam frowns. "You never let anyone else handle the numbers."

"Well, I never had the right person." Evie's eyes twinkle. "But I believe I've found someone who will do just fine."

Rowan raises a brow, exchanging a glance with Nolan.

"Who?" I ask, now curious about what Evie is planning. I've learned that her innocent smile usually hides schemes that somehow work out perfectly in the end.

Evie simply smiles. "You'll see."

As the family conversation shifts, I hear Declan groan from across the table.

"What now?" Rowan mutters.

"The corporate retreat," Declan grumbles. "The one starting next week."

I tilt my head. "Why do you sound like someone just told you the kitchen is out of butter?"

Declan gives me a flat look. "Because a bunch of business executives in suits are about to descend on my kitchen, and I'll have to pretend I care about their gluten-free, dairy-free, fun-free preferences."

Jameson laughs. "Ahh, the joy of hospitality."

I hide my grin, but something about Declan's tone makes me curious.

"Who's in charge of this retreat?" I ask.

Declan scowls into his coffee.

"Some CEO," he mutters. "A workaholic. Juliette Sinclair."

I don't miss the way Evie suddenly looks way too amused.

"Well," I say, trying to sound innocent, "maybe she'll surprise you."

Declan rolls his eyes. "Doubt it. Corporate types are all the same. Efficiency and quarterly earnings reports and no room for anything spontaneous."

Rowan squeezes my hand under the table, and when I look at him, that rare half-smile plays at his lips. We both know a thing or two about assumptions and unexpected connections.

As the night winds down and he walks me back to my cabin, Rascal trotting ahead on the moonlit path, Rowan pulls me close.

"Happy?" he asks simply.

I look up at the stars above the mountains, at the trail ahead illuminated by soft lights, at the man who finally let me find my way into his heart.

"Happier than I ever thought possible," I tell him truthfully.

Thank You for Reading Sunshine and the Grumpy Groundskeeper !

I hope you loved Rowan and Daisy’s story as much as I loved writing it! Their journey was just the beginning—because the Callahan family has plenty more romance in store.