Sienna stared at the empty shelves—bare because they’d sold out, not because they’d been robbed.“We did,” she said with a wide smile.
Dear Liam,
Someone broke into the shop last night and stole half of our premium stock.Six months ago, I would’ve panicked, called everyone I knew, and probably closed for the day.Instead, I spent the morning driving to every farm within fifty kilometers, negotiating emergency supplies, and somehow turning a theft into our best sales day ever.
I impressed myself today.
For the first time, I really understand what you meant about being partners, not just surviving side by side.
I don’t need rescuing anymore, Liam.
But I’d still like to share the wins with someone.
Love,
Sienna
P.S.Kitto says to tell you his Emergency Collection signs were the real genius behind today’s success.He’s not wrong.
“A letter arrived for you,” Emily said as Sienna walked in from the shop.
“Sienna has a secret admirer.”Kitto snatched the envelope from Emily before she could hand it over.He flipped it over to check the return address.“It’s from Liam.Read it—what does he say?”
“I will if you give it back,” Sienna snapped.
“They argue like us,” one of Emily’s twin girls said.
“They do.”Emily’s eyes sparkled as if she were trying not to laugh.“And they’re old enough to know better.Siblings shouldn’t tease each other.Arguing disturbs the peace.Keep it up, and I’ll assign extra chores.”
“Does that mean I don’t have to do the dishes tonight?”the girl asked hopefully.
“There’s always plenty of chores,” Emily said.“Off you go—homework first.”
“Open the letter,” Kitto said.
Sienna scowled at him.“It’s private.”
“Kitto,” Emily warned, now laughing openly.“Sienna’s allowed her privacy.I’m sure she’ll share if she wants to.And there’s nothing stopping you from writing to Liam.”
“I’m not good at writing,” Kitto muttered.
“Draw him pictures,” Emily said, nudging him toward Saber’s office.“I’ll help you.”
Grateful for the distraction, Sienna tore open the envelope and pulled out two sheets of paper.
Dear Sienna,
I had to read your letter twice before I believed it.Not because I doubted you could handle a crisis—I’ve seen you in action—but because the woman who wrote about impressing herself doesn’t sound like the one who used to carry the weight of her whole family on her shoulders.
You turned a theft into your best sales day.That’s not luck.That’s bloody brilliant business sense.I’m proud of you, but more importantly, you should be proud of your achievements.
Speaking of pride, I showed your letter to Cam (my boss).He laughed and said he needs to hire you for marketing.
Things are good here.The work’s hard but satisfying, and the mountains have a way of clearing your head.I’ve been thinking a lot about the future and about sharing victories, like you said.
Scott tells me there’s a Singles Ball coming up in Middlemarch—late November, I think.I could get the weekend off if I had a good reason to attend.
So, tell me: do you want to test this new, confident version of yourself on the dance floor?
