CHAPTER SEVENTEEN - The Return of the Past

One evening, as the last customers were leaving, an elderly couple stopped to speak with them. "We've been coming to Montgomery's for thirty years," the woman said, her eyes misty. "And I have to say, it's never been better than it is now. You two have brought something special back to this place." As the couple left, Ella and Lucas shared a look of pride and something deeper. They had done this together, as a team. Later that night, as they were locking up, Lucas turned to Ella. "Take a walk with me?" he asked, his voice soft but intent. Ella nodded, her heart racing. They strolled through the quiet streets of Willow Creek, the warm summer night wrapping around them like a blanket. Finally, Lucas stopped, turning to face her. "Ella," he began, his voice thick with emotion. "I can't deny this anymore. What's between us... it's more than just friendship or a working relationship." Ella's breath caught in her throat. "Lucas..." "I know it's complicated," he pressed on. "I know ther