The lake house is nothing like I expected.
When they said “lake house,” I pictured something small, maybe a cabin with a leaky roof and questionable plumbing. But this… this is straight out of a fairytale.
Still, it’s the lake itself that steals my breath.
The view stretches endlessly, with crystal-blue water framed by mountains that seem to touch the sky. In the morning light, mist rises from the surface like something magical, and at sunset, the whole world turns to gold and fire.
“Like it?” Oli asks on our third day, plopping beside me on the deck where I’ve been curled up with my notebook since dawn.
“It’s okay, I guess,” I deadpan, not looking up from my page as I doodle little hearts.
He nudges my shoulder. “Liar.”
I finally meet his eyes, unable to keep the smile from my face. “Fine. It’s incredible. Happy?”
His dimples deepen. “Very.”
The truth is, I’ve never felt more at peace.
My purple dress flutters around my knees in the gentle morning breeze. I’ve worn it every day since we got here.
It makes me feel… pretty.
Normal.
I hand him my cracked phone. “Take a picture of me with the lake and mountains.”
I’ve always avoided pictures, but now I want to capture this moment of pure happiness.
“Say Oli is the best kisser,” Oli teases.
I laugh. “Oli is the best kisser.”
Oli shows me the picture. I have a huge smile, and my scars are entirely on display, but I look so happy.
I decide to post it on InstaShifter with the caption “Happy.”
I tuck my phone back into my dress pocket and return to my notebook.
“I’m going back inside for a nap,” Oli tells me, a yawn taking over his face.
I laugh—Oli and his naps.
The guys seem more relaxed here.
Oli spends hours swimming and has taken it upon himself to teach me, though my first attempts end with me flailing and swallowing half the lake.
Axel likes to shoot and do “axe” stuff, humming happily.
Hudson still works and monitors security, ensuring the tenants back at the compound are okay.
Ethan spends lots of time gathering special flowers and herbs that grow nearby, but he always makes time to join me on the deck with his book, happy to share silence.
Only Damien remains aloof, vanishing for the entire day yesterday without explanation. When he is around, he watches me with those unreadable eyes before turning away when I notice. After our encounter in the forest, I’ve been both avoiding him and hyper-aware of his presence.
“Beautiful morning.”
I turn to find Hudson standing at the end of the dock on our fourth morning, his massive frame silhouetted against the sun. He’s dressed simply in jeans and a tee stretching across his shoulders.
