Page 56 of The Summer for Us (Golden Falls #1)

FIVE YEARS LATER

The Golden Falls Gazette

Interior designer finds a home in Golden Falls

Juliette Campbell is celebrating five years of Campbell Creations and looks ahead at what’s next.

When Juliette “Jules” Campbell, 32, arrived in Golden Falls five years ago, the last thing she expected was to stay longer than a few months—and she certainly never expected to call this small town home.

Campbell said her summer in Golden Falls came at the perfect time. The interior designer from Chicago was feeling uninspired in her career and personal life.

“Since choosing to make Golden Falls my home, all I’ve had is inspiration,” Campbell said. “It’s so special to live in a town where people are invested in your success and are cheering you on.”

Campbell is celebrating five years of her interior design firm Campbell Creations, which she started soon after moving to Golden Falls permanently.

She has worked with small businesses and residents across Wisconsin and the Midwest, providing her design expertise at an affordable and accessible rate.

Her favorite part is meeting new people and seeing what projects they bring her.

“There is nothing better than bringing someone’s vision to life,” she added.

Campbell co-owns Lake Ridge, a bar and restaurant that has garnered both local and national attention, with her husband Wesley Richards.

Lake Ridge has been lauded for its innovative head chef, comfortable atmosphere, live music, and partnership with local nonprofits.

Travel magazines have called Lake Ridge a “must stop” for anyone traveling through northern Wisconsin.

“Lake Ridge wouldn’t be what it is today without Juliette’s creativity and vision,” Richards said. “I can’t think of a better partner—both in life and in business—than my wife. The sky is the limit for her.”

It’s been a busy five years for the couple, and Campbell said they don’t plan on slowing down any time soon.

Continue reading on page 5A

Juliette

When the bedroom creaked door open, I sat up in bed, folding the newspaper and placing it on my nightstand. I’d finish reading the article later today. Right now, my full attention was on my daughter, who was crawling toward me, and my husband, who was slowly walking behind her.

Rosalie let out a happy squeal as she reached the bed, babbling “mama.” Wes scooped her up in his arms and lifted her onto our fluffy white covers. Rosie let out another squeal, grinning wide and showing off the two bottom teeth that were poking through.

“Why hi there, little lady,” I cooed, bringing her to my chest and pressing a kiss to the top of her head. “Have you been helping your dad with breakfast this morning?”

As happy as Rosie was to see me, she was immediately distracted by Maple, our brown tabby cat, who was lying on the bed next to me.

The same Maple from Purrfect Blend during my first summer in Golden Falls.

We adopted her a few months after I moved here permanently.

I had infinite photos on my phone of our cat and Rosie cuddling together, and I didn’t know of a sweeter sight.

“She sure was,” Wes said with a chuckle, standing at the side of the bed and looking down at us. “Her helping me means she’s staying out of trouble. I’d say this morning was a success.” Wes let out a content sigh. “Good morning, sweetheart.”

“Hi, handsome.” I looked up at him with a smile, still unable to believe how lucky I was that this was my life. I couldn’t imagine a world without my husband and daughter—luckily, I didn’t have to.

He leaned down, tipping my chin up and pressing a tender kiss to my lips. “Breakfast is ready,” he murmured against my mouth.

I inhaled the delicious smell of pancakes, eggs, and bacon, and my stomach immediately rumbled.

Sundays were one of my favorite days. Not only did Wes cook breakfast, he also loved spending the mornings with Rosie, which meant I got extra time in bed alone .

Time for myself was even more precious now that I was a mom, and I was so grateful that Wes and I had such a strong partnership.

Being new parents came with its challenges, but it was so rewarding.

Seeing Wes become a father—and melt at the sight of our daughter—was something I’d never get tired of.

I couldn’t believe five years had already flown by.

Campbell Creations was doing better than I could have imagined, and so was Lake Ridge.

I was incredibly proud of Wes and the work he put into his business—well, our business now.

Wes brought me on as co-owner about a year after I officially moved to Golden Falls. He proposed not too long after that.

We were a team in every sense of the word.

I was so grateful to have a husband who supported my dreams, but I was especially grateful to have a husband who recognized how much I supported him, too.

A husband who put me first, who would do anything to support me, and who showed me how much he loved me each and every day.

For the first two years of our relationship, we lived in Wesley’s house—the one next door to the cabin.

When we began to think about starting a family, we knew we’d need more space, so we decided to move forward with designing and building a home that was uniquely us.

We now lived on the edge of town in an area that was more private but still close to our friends, family, and downtown.

Our home had a beautiful view of Lake Golden, and just like that summer, we spent mornings drinking coffee on the back porch. We’d made so many memories over the last five years, and I couldn’t wait to see what the next five brought.

“I think it’s time for breakfast, huh?” I asked Rosie, just as Maple got up, arching her back and stretching.

“Here, I’ll trade you,” Wes said with a wink, grabbing Rosie from my arms and handing me a folded up note he pulled out of his back pocket.

By now, I knew exactly what the notes were for.

Pretty sure I had hundreds at this point.

I unfolded the paper and read the messy scrawl, unable to help my smile.

Juliette,

I’d like to take my beautiful wife out on a date. Tonight at seven.

Yours,

Wes

Wes didn’t really ask me out on a date in his various notes—more like told. But it wasn’t like I was going to say no. I married the guy!

“Your parents are in for the weekend and are going to watch Rosie tonight to give us some time alone,” Wes said with a smirk on his lips.

As much as my parents loved living in Florida, they were much more excited to be grandparents. They moved to Green Bay a year ago, which allowed them to be a two hour drive away from Golden Falls. It was also easy for them to visit Grant and his family.

“I have plans for you,” Wes murmured, a devilish smirk on his lips before he turned around.

I licked my lips, watching as he walked out of the bedroom, admiring how perfectly his jeans hung on his hips. I swung my legs out of bed, sliding on my slippers and following Wes out of the bedroom and into the kitchen.

I couldn’t wait for his plans. I couldn’t wait for any of it.

But I would gladly take my time getting to all of it.

After all, we didn’t only have the summer anymore. We had forever.