The Monday morning light poured through the stained glass windows of the lawyer's office, casting fractured rainbows across the polished wood floor. Elara sat with her hands folded tightly in her lap, the weight of the weekend's revelations pressing down on her chest. Across from her, Rowan was quiet, his usual easy smile replaced by a furrowed brow.
The lawyer, Ms. Jenkins, shuffled through a thick folder on her desk, her glasses perched low on her nose. "I've reviewed the documents Josephine Marlin submitted. It appears she is indeed a distant relative with a legal claim to Honeyfern House based on outdated inheritance laws."
Elara's throat tightened. "Outdated? So why now?"
"According to Ms. Marlin, she only recently discovered the unregistered deed and decided to pursue her rights. However, your grandmother's will clearly states the property should remain in your family's care."
Rowan leaned forward. "Can we contest this?"
Ms. Jenkins nodded. "Yes, but it will be a lengthy process. It's important to gather as much evidence as possible to prove your grandmother's intent and your continuous stewardship of the property."
Elara's eyes flicked to Rowan. "What if we lose?"
He reached out, brushing a stray strand of hair from her face. "Then we fight harder. Together."
Over the next days, Elara found herself submerged in a sea of paperwork and memories. Late nights were spent sifting through her grandmother's journals, letters, and old photographs. Each page revealed more of the woman she admired—a fierce protector of her home and a dreamer who believed in the magic of lavender fields.
Rowan stood by her side through every moment, his presence a steady anchor. They shared stolen smiles over coffee cups and quiet moments in the garden, where the lavender bloomed purple and fragrant beneath the spring sun.
But beneath the surface, the threat of losing Honeyfern House loomed like a storm cloud.
One afternoon, as Elara read a particularly poignant letter from her grandmother, Rowan entered the room holding two cups of tea. "You need a break."
She smiled gratefully and took the cup, letting the warmth seep into her hands. "Thank you."
They sat together on the porch swing, watching the sunset paint the sky in shades of lavender and gold.
Rowan's voice broke the comfortable silence. "Elara, about the restoration project in Portland—I've been thinking. Maybe I don't have to choose between my career and us."
She looked at him, surprised.
"What if I find a way to split my time? I can work on the project and still be here, with you."
Tears welled up in Elara's eyes. "Rowan…"
He took her hand. "I want this to work. We'll figure it out, one step at a time."
The days passed, and the legal battle continued. Each phone call with Josephine's lawyer brought new challenges, but also revealed cracks in her claim. Elara's determination grew stronger, fueled by Rowan's unwavering support and the legacy of her grandmother's love.
One evening, as they closed up Lavender & Light for the night, Rowan pulled Elara into his arms. "No matter what happens, you're not alone."
Elara rested her head against his chest, feeling the steady beat of his heart. "Thank you for finding me again."
"And thank you for staying."