A gentle breeze drifted through the courtyard of the Ross family's mansion.
Violet rolled up her sleeves and dipped a ladle into a vintage oak barrel, pouring a golden batch of homemade honey mead into an elegant crystal glass before handing it to Ethan.
"Give it a try. I made this mead myself. Tell me what you think."
Resting his cheek against one hand, Ethan lounged back in the stone chair with effortless ease. He took the glass, sipped it slowly, then traced the rim with his fingertips before looking up with a smile.
"It's excellent. Smooth, lightly sweet, and full of flavor. It'd be even better with a slice of warm apple pie from that little bakery downtown."
Violet shot him a sideways glance as she lowered her sleeves and laughed helplessly. "You really know how to push your luck
