From Grumpy to Forever

Trickle Creek: The Lyons, 1

May 1, 2025

I don’t do love. I don’t do forever. And I sure as hell don’t do marriage.

But when Avery Walker waltzes into town with a legal mess on her hands and an offer I can’t refuse, I make an exception.

A quick, convenient marriage to help her keep her family’s inn—and in return, I’ll get the money to finally start my fine furniture business.

No strings. No expectations.

But Avery is all sunshine and stubbornness, slipping under my skin in ways I never expected. I tell myself it’s just the close quarters, the long nights working side by side.

But when she looks at me like I’m not just the town’s grumpy handyman, but something more, when she touches me like she means it… walking away stops feeling like an option.