Feronia hurried from Maris’s abode, her footsteps light but swift. She sensed her friend would not be easily swayed, and time was of the essence. If she waited too long, Garrett might lose Adeline forever. Ignoring Maris’s warnings, Feronia remained resolute in her determination to assist Garrett in fulfilling his deepest desires.

As she stepped into her garden, her Coprosma plants shimmered, seemingly aware of her intentions. With a simple nod, the plants twisted, transforming into a mirror. Through it, Feronia silently observed Garrett Deverell. The scene unfolded in the Deverells’ elegant salon – a room she had watched over for generations. There they were: Grandpa Deverell, Mr. Deverell, Mrs. Deverell, Garrett, and even Kaylynn.

Kaylynn clutched a hefty folder – the contract from Eric Landin. She sat on the sofa; beside her sat her mother and Garrett. Her father and grandfather occupied the seats opposite them. Gathering her courage, Kaylynn placed the contract on the coffee table between them.

“Grandpa, Dad,” Kaylynn began, her voice serious and businesslike. “An opportunity has come my way – a chance to partner with Eric Landin and learn from the best in floriculture. Accepting it would allow me to dramatically improve the breeds of flowers I currently cultivate.”

Grandpa Deverell raised an eyebrow, glancing at his son, Kaylynn’s father. “Your little girl is growing up,” he said proudly, urging Mr. Deverell to examine the contract first. “Please, as the current Deverell patriarch, the honor is yours.”

Kaylynn sat quietly, seated on the edge of the couch, her hands tightly clasped in her lap. Her father carefully reviewed the contract while Mrs. Deverell reached for Kaylynn’s hand, offering silent support.

“This is quite the contract,” Mr. Deverell remarked, looking up from the papers. “Did Eric draft this himself?”

“I believe his uncle and their family lawyer collaborated on it,” replied Kaylynn. “I’d like our lawyer to review it too. While it appears fine to my untrained eye, I want to ensure we haven’t overlooked any legal implications.”

“Wise thinking, my dear,” Grandpa Deverell beamed, his eyes twinkling with pride. He cherished his granddaughter and admired her determination to pursue her dreams.

Mr. Deverell closed the extensive contract, a thoughtful expression on his face. “I’m more familiar with tilling soil than legal jargon,” he admitted. “This seems almost too favorable. I agree – we should have our attorney examine the particulars in this contract. I’ll arrange a meeting first thing tomorrow.”

Kaylynn’s tension melted away, and she settled deeper into the plush couch, her smile a reflection of her relief. “Does it really seem too good to be true?”

Garrett leaned forward, his curiosity piqued – so this is why Eric visited her at the greenhouse yesterday. “What’s in it for Eric to offer this to you?” he asked, extending his hand for the contract.

Kaylynn hesitated for a moment before responding. “Eric wants to champion my dreams. His resources and network could significantly bolster my future. We’ll be partners; my success will be his too.”

Garrett frowned slightly. “Our family isn’t exactly short on resources to back your dreams,” he pointed out. “Why enter into a partnership with a Landin?”

“Oh Gar, don’t rain on my parade,” Kaylynn rebuked, her expression souring for a brief moment. “Eric’s connections are invaluable – something we couldn’t dream of without his involvement. Do you really see me as such a poor investment?”

Grandpa Deverell stood, stretching his legs as he made his way to the bar. “It speaks volumes that someone like Eric Landin recognizes potential in your sister,” he remarked, addressing Garrett. “Son, I understand your concerns, but Kaylynn is clear about her path. Our role as her family is to support her choices, not to pave every step for her.”

Garrett’s hands, etched with the calluses of unyielding work, gripped the contract firmly. The delicate texture of the high-grade paper stood in stark contrast to the rugged terrain of his palms. His eyes moved meticulously over the text, aware of the significance each clause held for Kaylynn’s future. She might not be the designated heir, but she was a Deverell through and through, his beloved little sister, and he was determined to protect their family’s honor as the next heir.

Mr. Deverell joined his father for a drink, his gaze shifting between his wife and daughter. “I agree,” he said, his voice filled with paternal pride. “Kaylynn has blossomed into a capable young woman. Her passion for cultivating flowers has always been a marvel, and now Eric’s proposition could take her talents to new heights. Who am I to hinder her progress?” He smiled warmly at Kaylynn, then rejoined Grandpa Deverell with a fresh drink in hand. “You make us proud, Kay.”

“Thank you, Dad,” Kaylynn replied, her eyes sparkling with the promise of what lay ahead. “Let’s hold off on the praises for now. We’ll celebrate once our lawyer gives us the green light. Until then, it’s merely a possibility.”

“Who are you trying to persuade – us or yourself?” Mrs. Deverell quipped with a gentle tease, wrapping her daughter in a warm embrace.

Garrett set the contract aside, his mind clouded with unease. He couldn’t stop the nagging suspicion that it was too advantageous. Yet what troubled him more was the notion that Eric’s generosity might be a strategic move to gain Kaylynn’s favor – not just in business, but perhaps in matters of the heart concerning Adeline. Eric’s recent actions revealed his affections towards Adeline, and now this generous offer to Kaylynn seemed more than coincidental. Despite his reservations, he chose not to voice his doubts in front of the family. He would wait until he had a moment to talk to Kaylynn alone.

With a resigned sigh, Garrett handed the contract to Grandpa Deverell. “I’m sorry, Kay,” he said, his face etched with sincerity. “This is an amazing opportunity for you. Just remember, I’ll always stand by you. If Eric’s assistance is what you need, then you have my full support.”

Kaylynn’s response was heartfelt. “Thank you, Gar. This means a lot to me,” she said, her gratitude apparent.

“Is there anything else on our agenda?” Grandpa Deverell inquired, leafing through the contract for show. “If not, shall we proceed to a game of dominos?”

With unanimous nods, the family wrapped up their discussion. As Grandpa Deverell, Mr. Deverell, and Garrett concluded their deliberations about the contract, Mrs. Deverell and Kaylynn prepared a cozy nook for the evening’s entertainment.

Around the table, laughter and chatter filled the room, but Garrett remained silent, his actions on autopilot while his thoughts roamed elsewhere. The weight of his dual roles – the next Deverell heir and a protective brother – pressed upon him. His life had been rooted in tradition; each day linked to the next by unspoken promises of continuity. But Kaylynn, his spirited sister, was allowed to explore her own dreams, giving her the freedom to chart her own path.

Eric’s generous offer loomed, its convenience raising suspicion. The Landins, influential and ambitious, cast a shadow over Garrett’s mind. Eric Landin – the name alone stirred unease. Despite his youth, he was no different from his family. Protective instincts flared within Garrett. Kaylynn, with all her dreams, stood on the edge of uncertainty. He wanted to shield her, to spare her potential heartache, yet he understood that she needed the freedom to make her mark in the world.

The Deverell legacy was not just about preserving the past; it was about nurturing the future. And as much as it pained him to admit, part of that future might involve working with Eric. As he was reminded, his role was clear: to support, to guide, but not to stifle. It was a delicate balance – one that he would have to learn to navigate.

As the night wore on, Grandpa Deverell, ever wise, noticed the troubled, distracted gaze of his beloved grandson. When the game concluded, he stood, patting Garrett’s back. “Relax, my boy,” he advised. “You needn’t shoulder the entire world. It’s long past my bedtime – I’ll take my leave.”

Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.

The rest of the family bid their goodnights, and Mrs. Deverell began tidying up. Garrett intercepted Kaylynn in the hallway, pulling her aside. “Can we talk?” he asked, hope flickering in his eyes.

Kaylynn glanced around and nodded. “Let’s wait until Mom and Dad are in bed. I’ll meet you in the kitchen in half an hour.”

“Thank you,” Garrett whispered, releasing Kaylynn’s arm. “I’ll see you then.”

They retreated to their respective bedrooms, waiting until the appointed time. When Garrett arrived in the kitchen, Kaylynn was already there, sipping warm milk. “Want some?” she offered.

“No thank. I’m good,” Garrett replied.

“So, what did you want to talk about?” Kaylynn asked, accustomed to Garrett’s late-night conversations.

Garrett hesitated, then began, “It’s about Addy. She told me about Eric. Is that why he approached you?”

A storm of thoughts passed through Kaylynn’s eyes before she met his gaze. “She’s seeing Eric now,” she disclosed, watching for Garrett’s reaction. “You pushed her away, Gar. Addy made her choice. Eric has moved her in ways we didn’t, and they’re committed to embarking on a new journey together.”

Garrett’s silence was heavy, his emotions in disarray. He tried to pretend he didn’t see Adeline’s wall, didn’t know of her gradual departure from his life, a departure that he caused. Yet the reality of her heart belonging to another brought an ache to his own. Clutching his chest, he looked at Kaylynn with a mixture of pain and plea.

She saw the turmoil in her brother’s eyes and wished she could ease his burden. He had made his choices, even when the path with Addy, her best friend, lay open before him. Her expression softened, and she reached out, placing a hand over his. “Addy is finding herself. Whether Eric is her true north, I can’t say, but our role is to be there for her, to support her journey.”

Garrett nodded, a silent acknowledgment mixed with regret. “I understand,” he managed to say, his voice strained by the lump forming in his throat.

“She’s with him tonight,” Kaylynn continued gently. "She’ll probably reveal her relationship with Eric at her family’s breakfast tomorrow. She texted me about it.”

Acknowledging the truth of the situation, Garrett took a deep breath, seeking solace in his sister’s presence. “Thank you, Kay,” he murmured, his eyes brimming with sorrow. “I don’t think Addy was ready to tell me herself. I’ve really made a mess of things with her, haven’t I?”

Kaylynn’s empathy shone through. “I know how much you care for her, Gar. You’ve always feared that your duties as heir might overshadow her happiness. But she seems genuinely happy now. Give her time; she’ll come around.”

“Thanks, Kay,” Garrett replied, his gaze still tormented. “I’ll figure it out. Don’t worry about me.”

“I know you will,” Kaylynn affirmed, her confidence unwavering.

Garrett shook his head, attempting to dispel his thoughts of Adeline. He turned to his sister, his expression serious. “About Eric’s proposal,” he ventured, returning to the matter at hand. “Are you sure about this?”

“Yes,” Kaylynn asserted. “I’ve mulled over the contract thoroughly. This wasn’t an impulsive decision of mine. If the lawyer approves it, I’m willing to take this leap.”

“If you’re sure,” Garrett said, his protective nature surfacing. “I just don’t want Eric’s plans to manipulate or trap you.”

Kaylynn offered a reassuring smile. “I understand your concerns. But know this - Addy means more to me than any deal. I won’t let Eric or anyone use me as a pawn against her. This I promise.”

Feeling reassured, Garrett stood. “I know, I trust you,” he said, his smile a testament to their bond. “And remember, I’m always here for you.”

“I know,” Kaylynn replied, her smile matching his. “Thank you, and good night.”

“Goodnight, Kay,” Garrett said, leaving her to the quiet of the kitchen. She finished her milk, placed the mug in the dishwasher, and returned to her room.

Tossing in his bed, Garrett wrestled with thoughts of the day’s events. The strained conversation with Adeline, Kaylynn’s contract with Eric, and his enduring feelings for Adeline churned in his mind. The thought of Adeline with Eric was unbearable, tearing at the edges of his already wounded heart. As the Deverell heir, he had kept a distance from Adeline, locking away his love to meet his obligations.

In the quiet of the night, it became clear that the barriers around his heart were crumbling, and the emotions he had suppressed were resurfacing with intensity. Adeline had made her choice, and there was no room for regret. Kaylynn was right; his role now was to stand by Adeline, offering unwavering support. If she stumbled, he and Kaylynn would be there to catch her. Acknowledging that his feelings for Adeline could no longer be stifled, his heart settled into a steady rhythm.

Unbeknownst to him, Feronia observed from above, sprinkling sleep dust upon him, lulling him into drowsiness. As he succumbed to sleep, Garrett made a silent vow to bridge the distance he had ignored for so long with Adeline.

That night he dreamt vividly of Adeline – their first encounter when he found her breathtaking, their carefree days in the Deverell fields, and the moment he was declared the next Deverell heir at the founder’s ball. The announcement had been unexpected, and he had resolved then that his duty surpassed his personal desires. Garrett had kept his distance from Adeline, convincing himself it was for their mutual benefit. His determination solidified when two years later Adeline was named the next O’Cean heir. Understanding the burdens of their positions, he couldn’t bear to entangle her in a romance that might complicate her path.

A solitary tear slid down Garrett’s cheek as he slept. At his core, he yearned for a life unshackled by duty, where his heart could lead the way. As dawn broke, he awoke abruptly, the remnants of his dream slipping away. All he recalled was Adeline’s retreating figure; he had chased after her, desperate to grasp her hand, but she seemed forever out of reach. The echo of this dream left him hollow, yet the day called him to rise and face his responsibilities.

Garrett went about his chores, his mind adrift with thoughts of his dream and the ache it left behind. He yearned to see Adeline, to express his true feelings. He wanted her to understand that regardless of her choices, he would remain a steadfast friend, wishing only her happiness.

His morning tasks were completed with robotic efficiency, and soon he found himself in the dining hall, mechanically consuming his breakfast amidst the family’s jovial chatter. A somber cloud loomed over him; his mind preoccupied with Adeline’s future. Overwhelmed by his emotions, he hastily concluded his morning routine. Once the stock and deliveries were accounted for, he exchanged brief words with a staff member, then hopped into his truck. Driven by fear, his instinct guided him to the O’Cean residence. The fear of losing Adeline propelled him towards her home, oblivious to Feronia’s influence on his heightened emotions.

Garrett sat parked at the entrance of the O’Cean estate, hands clenched around the steering wheel. Uncertainty held him captive at the gates, the same force that had driven him here now anchoring him in place. Suddenly, Adeline burst through the gates onto the road, tears streaking her face, her expression etched with distress.

Without a second thought, Garrett exited his truck and hastened toward her. Their eyes locked, and for a fleeting moment, gratitude flickered across her features. “Good,” she said, a note of urgency in her voice as she made her way to his truck. “We need to leave.”

Garrett watched her slide into the passenger seat, then rejoined her in the truck. As he started the engine, he asked, “Where to?”

“Anywhere,” Adeline murmured, her gaze fixed outside the window. “Could I use your phone?”

Handing over his phone, Garrett pulled away from the estate. Adeline dialed quickly, her conversation with Kaylynn brief but urgent. “Kay, it’s me… I’m with Garrett,” she explained. “I’ll fill you in later, but I need you to call Eric for me… No, I don’t have my phone.” A pause followed as she listened to Kaylynn’s response. “Yes, give him Garrett’s number. Thank you.”

The call ended, and Adeline turned to Garrett, a faint glimmer of relief in her eyes. “Mind if I keep this for a bit? I’ve asked Eric to call your number,” she said. Garrett nodded, a pang of sorrow in his chest.

“Do you want to talk about it?” he ventured, noting her troubled state.

Adeline shook her head. “My mind’s a mess,” she apologized, just as the phone rang. It was Eric. “I’ll meet you there,” she spoke into the phone, her voice a mixture of hope and resolve.

After ending the call, she handed the phone back to Garrett. “Thank you,” she said, her eyes brightening slightly.

Garrett’s concern deepened. “Where can I take you?” he asked, already knowing she had plans to meet Eric.

“The forest where you dropped Kay and me off on Friday,” she requested, her gratitude evident.

“Of course,” Garrett said softly, steering the truck towards their destination.

The journey was silent, the tranquility of the ride punctuated only by Garrett’s occasional glances at Adeline, who seemed lost in thought.

Upon arrival, Adeline turned to him. “Kay told me you’re aware of Eric and me. We’re dating. I’m trying to find my own way,” she confided.

Garrett met her gaze, a bittersweet smile on his lips. “Yes, I’m happy for you,” he said. Adeline waited for him to continue. “I regret not being there for you, for not being the one to bring happiness to your life. But if Eric is where your heart lies, then I’ll support you as a friend,” he said, his voice full of emotion. A tear trickled down Adeline’s cheek, and Garrett tenderly wiped it away. “I just want you to be happy and to know how much I value our friendship. I’ll always be here for you in any way you need.”

Adeline’s soft whisper broke the silence. “You promise?”

“Yes, I promise,” he affirmed with a gentle smile, his heart beginning to heal from their exchange.

Their moment was interrupted by the arrival of Eric’s SUV. Adeline gave Garrett a thankful smile before stepping out to meet Eric. Garrett watched as she embraced Eric, their connection clear. As Eric’s gaze met his, Garrett knew it was time to depart.

With a sense of closure, he drove away, the image of their embrace lingering in his rearview mirror. “May your path be filled with the same joy and wonder that you’ve brought into my life,” Garrett whispered, a soft prayer to his first and only love.