Whispers by the Lake by Penelope Loveletter

Author:Penelope Loveletter [Loveletter, Penelope]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Loveletter Publications
Published: 2024-01-03T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 16

I glanced over the rippling water of Whispering Pines Lake, the midday sun casting a warm glow on the scene before me. Ethan and I sat on a weathered bench, a slight breeze carrying the scent of pine and the promise of summer. His eyes, that mesmerizing shade of hazel, were focused on the water, lost in contemplation.

"You've been quiet," I said, breaking the peaceful silence. "Is everything okay?"

Ethan sighed, turning his attention from the lake to me. "There's something I need to talk to you about."

I furrowed my brows, concern creeping into my expression. "What's going on? You look like you've got the weight of the world on your shoulders."

"Maybe not the world, but definitely Minneapolis. My art exhibit, the one I've been planning for August—I've decided to postpone it."

My heart sank. "What happened?"

Ethan ran a hand through his tousled hair. "I've been away for so long, focusing on helping you save the library. The sponsors and supporters for my exhibit are losing patience. They want a commitment, and I can't blame them. But I can't imagine leaving now, not when there's so much left to do here."

"You're turning into quite the small-town guy."

"Guess Whispering Pines has that effect on people. But seriously, I can't leave now. Not when the library needs me, not when you need me.”

I bit my lip, feeling a weight settle in my chest. I'd seen the passion in Ethan's eyes when he spoke about his art, and the thought of him sacrificing so much for our little town twisted my heart.

"I'm worried. I don't want you to sacrifice so much for me. I'll understand."

"It's not a sacrifice if it's what I want. And I want this—with you."

“I appreciate that, but I don't want you to give up your dreams for me."

He cupped my face, his eyes locked on mine. "My dreams have shifted. They now include you and this town. I want to build something meaningful here. Something that goes beyond the walls of a gallery."

His sincerity touched me, and I couldn't help the smile that tugged at my lips. "You're crazy, you know that?"

"Crazy in love with you, Izzy Anderson."

I rolled my eyes. "You should consider a career change to cheesy romance novel writing."

Ethan pulled me into a light embrace. "I'll keep that in mind, but for now, I'm committed to making things work here."

"I don't want you to have to choose. Between your art and Whispering Pines." Despite the reassurance in his words, a pang of guilt lingered. "Your career. I don't want it to fall apart."

"Well, who said it's falling apart? Maybe it's just taking an unexpected detour to Whispering Pines. I've always believed that art should tell a story, and right now, my story is intertwined with yours."

"You sure you're ready for a life of quiet libraries and small-town events? No glamorous art parties or crowded galleries?"

"I think I can handle it. Besides, I've grown fond of these Whispering Pines sunsets. And who needs a crowded gallery when I have you admiring my art right here?"

I felt a lump forming in my throat.

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