Episode 8) Glow of the meadow

Stroll through the fragrant lavender fields of Meadowbrook in Glow of the Meadow, a three-part tale from Midnight’s Shadow, written by Lila Sterling. When Tessa Vale returns to save her family’s struggling lavender farm, she’s unprepared for a reunion with Owen Marsh, the man who left her heart adrift years ago. As they face past promises and a cunning developer’s schemes, will their rekindled bond blossom or wither? Join us for a journey of love, trust, and legacy, set amid the purple haze of Vale’s Meadow. Subscribe and share your thoughts with #MidnightsShadow.

1. relationships
2. second-chance love
3. small-town drama
4. serialized fiction
5. emotional storytelling
6. love stories
7. family legacy
8. romantic drama
9. seaside romance
10. Havenport
11. Amara Tate
12. Elias Cole
13. Lila Sterling
14. Midnight’s Shadow
15. coastal inn romance

Explanation of Tags

Thank you for joining us under the starlit glow of Midnight’s Shadow. We hope this tale of heartfelt connections, written by Lila Sterling, warmed your heart and stirred your dreams. If you loved wandering the flower-draped ridges or riverside paths of our stories, share your thoughts with us on social media using #MidnightsShadow, or leave a review on your favorite podcast platform. Subscribe now to never miss a chapter of love, trust, and triumph. Until next time, let the shadows of midnight guide you to new stories of the heart. Sweet dreams.
“relationships,” “second-chance love,” “small-town stories,” “emotional drama,” “fiction podcast,” “love stories,” “serialized fiction,” “romantic drama.”

Episode Transcript

Speaker 1 (00:00):
Glow of the meadows. A Harlequin romance Chapter one. The
October breeze swept across meadow View, a coastal town cradled
by wild flower meadows and the distant roar of the Pacific.
Elise Harper stepped from her rental car onto the winding
path of her family's bed and breakfast meadow View Inn.
At thirty one, Elise had built a career as a

(00:22):
travel writer in Portland, crafting stories of far off places
while leaving behind the small town life she'd fled twelve
years ago. Her grandmother's recent passing had pulled her back
to settle the inn's future, a task she planned to
complete quickly before returning to her nomadic world. The inn,
with its white clapboard walls and wrap around porch, stood

(00:44):
as a relic of her youth, full of memories she'd
rather not face. Lee's unlocked the front door, its brass
knob cool under her fingers, the creek echoing in the
quiet inside. The parlor was dim, its floral curtains faded,
the oak floor's sky but warm. She was here to
assess the property, meet a realtor, and sell. The inn

(01:05):
was struggling Her grandmother's debts were mounting, and Elise had
no intention of staying. But as she ran her hand
along a velvet arm chair, her heart tugged with memories
of summers spent weaving through the meadows. Her laughter entwined
with another's. Elise Harper. A deep voice broke the stillness.
She turned to see a man in the doorway, his
lean frame silhouetted against the golden light. He wore a

(01:28):
linen shirt rolled to the elbows, his sandy hair touched
with salt and pepper, his blue eyes sharp yet soft.
Her breath hitched. Owen reed her first love, the man
who'd broken her heart at nineteen. Owen, she said, her
voice steady despite the jolt. What are you doing here?
He stepped inside, his boots soft on the oak. I'm

(01:50):
the inn's caretaker. Your grandmother hired me to keep this
place running. Didn't know you'd be back. Elise's throat tightened.
Her grandmother hadn't mentioned Ohen, not once. I'm here to sell,
she said, lifting her chin. It's temporary. This Inn's more
than a business, Elise, it's your family's heart. It's just

(02:10):
a building, she said, turning to a stack of guest
books to hide the ache. His presence stirred, but Owen's
gaze lingered, reigniting memories she'd buried deep chapter two. Over
the next few days, Elise immersed herself in the inn's affairs,
reviewing ledgers, inspecting guest rooms, and arranging a realtor's visit.

(02:31):
The inn was in worse shape than she'd feared, unpaid taxes,
creaking pipes, and the winter tourist season looming. Owen was
a constant presence, repairing shutters, tending the meadow gardens, his
quiet efficiency both comforting and maddening. He'd changed his frame stronger,
his demeanor calmer, but his blue eyes still held the

(02:53):
spark that had once made her dream of forever. One afternoon,
as clouds gathered over the coast, Ali was in the kitchen,
sorting through chipped china when a sudden rainstorm unleashed its fury.
A leak dripped onto the counter, threatening a stack of
recipe cards. She grabbed a pot, muttering under her breath.
When Owen appeared, his jacket soaked, his hair damp. Need

(03:16):
a hand, he asked, his voice low over the rain's roar,
I've got it. She said, but the pot slipped, water
splashing her blouse. Owen caught it, their hands brushing, and
a spark shot through her, warm and unsettling. Her pulse raised.
Why do you hear? Owen? Really? He set the pot down,
his eyes locking onto hers. Your grandmother asked me to stay,

(03:40):
to save this place for you. She knew you'd come back.
Elise's chest tightened. She was wrong. I'm not staying. Owen
stepped closer, rain dripping from his hair. This town in
your soul, Elise, You feel it, don't you. The air crackled,
the storm outside, mirroring her inner chaos. She wanted to

(04:01):
push him away, to escape the pull of his gaze,
but she stood frozen. We were kids, Owen. It's done,
is it, he asked, his voice soft a challenge. Thunder rumbled,
and they shared a quick laugh, the tension easing. Briefly,
they worked together to secure the leak, their movements a
quiet dance. When their shoulders brushed, Elise's skin tingled and

(04:23):
she caught Owen's glance. Raw unguarded, she turned away, her
heart pounding. She wasn't here for him. She couldn't be.
Chapter three weeks passed and Elise and Owen settled into
a tense rhythm, managing the inn while dodging their shared history.
She noticed him, his hands deftly fixing pipes, his rare

(04:44):
laugh cutting through the crisp air. But their break up
loomed Owen's sudden withdrawal, his refusal to explain why he'd
let her go. One evening, while sorting through her grandmother's attic,
Elise found a letter tucked inside a recipe box. Her
grandmother's handwriting read, Elise, meado of you in is your heart,
even if you've run from it. Trust Owen, He's kept

(05:08):
his promise. Her throat ached, What promise? Owen appeared carrying
a tray of linens. Thought you need these for the
guest rooms, he said, setting it down. Their fingers brushed
as she took a sheet, and she flinched, the letter falling.
He picked it up, his expression softening. We had good
times here, didn't we? Until you pushed me away? She said,

(05:31):
her voice sharp. You never said why, Owen. He exhaled,
his jaw tight. My dad was sick back then, heart failure.
I was stuck running his shop, paying his bills. You
were headed for college for a big life. I didn't
want to trap you. The truth hit like a stone.
You should have told me, she whispered. I would have stayed.

(05:52):
That's why I didn't. He said, you deserved more than
Meado You tears stung her eyes. You broke my heart.
Owen mine too, he said, stepping closer, but she stepped back,
afraid of the fire. His touch sparked. I'm selling, she said,
her voice trembling. This isn't my home anymore. Owen nodded,

(06:13):
but his eyes held a quiet vow. I'm not giving up, Elise.
Chapter four, meadow View's Harvest Moon Festival was days away,
and the Inn was set to host a metal at
tea tasting to draw buyers. Elise threw herself into preparations,
polishing silver, hanging fairy lights, displaying her grandmother's recipe cards.

(06:35):
Owen helped, his presence steady but electric, their every glance
charged with unspoken words. The festival night arrived, the meadows
aglow with lanterns, the air rich with camomeal and sea salt.
Elise wore a lavender dress that hugged her curves, her
auburn hair loose. Owen's eyes followed her as she greeted guests,

(06:56):
his denim jacket accentuating his lean frame, making her heart skip.
You've brought this place to life, he said, offering her
a cup of tea, his voice warm. She smiled, her
guard slipping, just trying to sell it. His gaze softened,
Is that really what you want? Before she could answer,
a woman's voice sliced through the crowd. Owen reed, still

(07:19):
tending this old in I see. Elise turned to see
a woman in a sleek blazer, her dark hair pinned tightly,
her smile sharp. Owen's face hardened Marian, He said, what
are you doing here? Marian's eyes flicked to Allie's, calculating
scouting an opportunity. This inn could be a coastal gem

(07:40):
with the right investor. Elise's heart sank. A new threat,
a shadow from Owen's past, and the inn's future hung
in the balance. Chapter five, The Harvest Moon Festival's lanterns
cast a golden glow over meadow View, but Marian's arrival
had thrown a chill across the inn. Her sleek blazer
and sharp smilele stood out against the town's coastal warmth.

(08:02):
Her words, this inn could be a coastal gem, echoing
in Elise Harper's mind like a siren's call. Marian's presence
threatened the meadow of you ins future and stirred doubts
about Owen Reed, whose past seemed to hide secrets Elise
hadn't yet uncovered. Marian lingered near the tea tasting table,
her dark hair gleaming under the fairy lights, her eyes

(08:23):
scanning the crowd. Elise, I take it, she said, extending
a manicured hand. Marian voss with vas coastal ventures. Your
inn's charming, but its hemorrhaging money. My firm's offer could
clear your debts and give you a fresh start. Elise's
grip tightened on her tea cup. The Enn's not for sale,
she said, her voice firm. Marian's smile was razor thin.

(08:47):
Everything has a price. Alise Owen knows that, don't you. Owen.
Owen's jaw clenched, his blue eyes cold. Leave Marian. You're
not welcome here. Marian's laugh was sharp, still the protector.
I see, but you can't save this place forever. She
turned her blazer swishing, and melted into the festival crowd,

(09:08):
leaving tension in her wake. Elise faced Owen, her heart pounding.
What did she mean? What's your history with her? He exhaled,
rubbing his neck. Marian tried to buy my family's bookstore
years ago after my dad's illness tanked it. She wanted
to turn it into a chain outlet. I fought her off,
but she's persistent. Elise's chest tightened. You didn't tell me

(09:31):
she was part of your past. I didn't think she'd
show up here. He said, I'm sorry, Elise, I'm on
your side. The sincerity in his voice softened her, but
Marian's words nod at her. Could she trust Owen with
shadows lurking in his history? No more secrets? She said,
I need the truth, Owen. He nodded, his hand brushing hers.

(09:54):
You'll have it, I promise. Chapter six. The next morning, Meto,
you woke to a misty on the air, heavy with
sea salt and wild flowers. Elise dove into the inn's chaos,
sorting financial records, inspecting plumbing, planning for the winter season.
The finances were grim, overdue taxes, leaky roofs, and a

(10:14):
furnace on its last legs. Selling seemed inevitable, but the
thought of losing Meadow View in her grandmother's legacy felt
like losing a piece of her soul. Owen was scarce
tending the meadow gardens, his absence a quiet ache. Elise
caught herself missing his steady presence, his rare smile that
warmed the coastal chill. But Marian's threat loomed, her offer

(10:37):
of one point four million dollars dangling like a life
line or a trap. Marian appeared at the Inn's porch
mid morning, her heels clicking on the wood. I've done
my homework, she said, as sliding a contract across a
wicker table. Your grandmother's debts are public. My offer clears
them with profit to spare. Sign now and you're free.

(11:00):
Elise's stomach churned. I told you it's not for sale.
Marian leaned closer, her voice low. You're sinking Elise and Owen.
He's tied to this place's failures. Ask him about the
deal he nearly made with my firm last year. Elise's
blood ran cold. Another secret. She found Owen in the

(11:20):
garden shed repairing a trellis, his hands stained with soil.
Marian says, you considered to deal with her, she said,
her voice trembling. Is it true? Owen set down a hammer,
his eyes meeting hers. It was before your grandmother passed.
The inn was drowning, and I was desperate. I backed out, Elise.

(11:40):
I couldn't betray your family. Why didn't you tell me,
she asked, tears pricking her eyes. I didn't want to
hurt you, he said, stepping closer. I stayed for you, Elise,
I never stopped loving you. Her breath caught, her heart,
torn between trust and doubt. I don't know if I
can believe you. Owen not with her here? Then let

(12:01):
me prove it, he said, his hand grazing hers. The
touch sent a shiver through her, and for a moment
she leaned into it. The glow of their past flickering.
Chapter seven, The days blurred into a rhythm of work
and longing. Elise and Owen labored side by side, polishing silver,
tending meadows. Their every interaction charged, his fingers brushing hers

(12:25):
as they stacked linens, his smile easing the weight of
her fears. But Marian's presence was a constant shadow. Her
visits to meadow View laced with hints of a takeover.
One evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, painting
the meadows in hues of rose and lavender. Elise stayed
late to balance the books. Owen joined her, stringing fairy

(12:48):
lights along the porch. His movements steady and sure, you're
good at this, she said, watching him a just alight,
the glow softening his rugged features. He grinned his blue eyes,
catching the light. Learned from my dad. He loved fixing things,
even if he couldn't fix himself. Elise hesitated, then asked,

(13:09):
do you ever think about what could have been if
we hadn't ended? Owen's hands stilled every day. But I
let you go so you could shine, and you did.
Her throat tightened. I shone, but I was empty. I
missed you, Owen. He stepped closer, the air humming between them.
I missed you too. I'm not letting you go again.

(13:30):
Her heart pounded, and before she could think, he kissed her, slow, deep,
a rush of heat that melted her doubts. She melted
into him, her hands tangling in his hair. The meadows
sent wrapping around them. They pulled apart, breathless. When a
shadow crossed the porch. Marian stood there, her eyes narrowing, touching,

(13:50):
she said, stepping forward. But love won't save this in Elise.
Owen's arm tightened around her. Get out, Marian, he said,
his voice cold. Marian smirked, you're throwing away a fortune, Owen,
for what a failing dream. Elise's face burned, but she
stood tall. This is my family's home. You can't have it.

(14:13):
Marian's smile was sharp. We'll see. She turned her heels,
echoing on the porch. Chapter eight. The next morning, Elise
woke with Owen's kiss lingering, but Marian's words nodded her.
Was he in a lost cause? Could she trust Owen
with his past hiding thorns? She found a journal in
her grandmother's desk, its pages filled with recipes and sketches.

(14:35):
One entry stopped her. Owen's loyal, but he's haunted. Tell
Elise the truth when she's ready. What truth? Elise confronted
Owen in the garden, shed the air thick with earth
and sea. My grandmother wrote about you, she said, holding
up the journal. What truth? Owen? He exhaled, his eyes haunted.

(14:55):
Your grandmother knew why I ended things, my dad's illness,
the death I was drowning. She told me to let
you go, to give you a chance at a bigger life,
but to stay and protect the Inn for you. Elise's
heart ached. You let me go because of her, not
just her, he said, stepping closer. I loved you too
much to hold you back, but I never stopped hopping

(15:17):
you'd return. Tears streamed down her face. You should have
told me, I know, he said, his voice raw, I
love you, Elise. The words broke her open, but Marian's
threat loomed, and a call from the bank shifted everything.
A new loan offer, but it required putting the inn up.
Is collateral sell or lose it all? Chapter nine. The

(15:41):
bank's ultimatum hung over Alee's harper like a storm cloud
rolling in from the Pacific. A new loan offer, but
the Inn is collateral, sell or lose everything. She stood
in the parlor of Metaview in her grandmother's journal, trembling
in her hands. Its words Owen's loyal, but he's haunted,
clashing with the weight of her decision. The Inn, with

(16:02):
its creaking oak floors and wild flower framed windows, was
her family's legacy, a tether to her past. Yet the
debts her grandmother's financial missteps and Marian's looming offer pressed
like a weight on her chest. Owen Reid found her there,
his blue eyes searching hers, his presence a steady anchor
in the chaos. Elise, he said, his voice soft over

(16:25):
the crackle of the parlor's fireplace. What did the bank say?
She clutched the journal, her voice breaking. They'll give us
a loan, but if we can't pay, they take the inn.
Marian's offer. It's the safe choice. Owen's jaw tightened, his
hands bawling into fists. Your grandmother built this place from nothing.
It's worth fighting for, Elise. So are we? Her chest ached,

(16:50):
his words, stirring the glow of their past. I want
to believe you, Owen, but you kept secrets Marian, the deal.
How do I trust you now? He stepped closer, warmth
cutting through the room's chill. I messed up, Elise. I
hid things to protect you, to keep this place alive.
But I'm here and I love you. Her breath caught

(17:10):
his confession, a spark in her heart. I love you too,
she whispered, But I'm scared of losing the Inn, of
losing us. You won't lose me, he said, his hand
cupping her cheek. We'll save this place together. The promise
steadied her, but Marian's threat and the bank's deadline loomed,
and the Harvest Moon Festival's final day was tomorrow. Elise nodded,

(17:33):
her resolve, hardening. Okay, let's fight. Chapter ten. The morning
of the festival's final day dawned misty and cool. Met
of you alive, with the scent of wild flowers and
sea salt. Met of you in buzzed with preparations for
a grand tee, auction and meadow tour. The parlor adorned
with fairy lights, tables laden with local crafts and recipe cards.

(17:56):
Elise wore a deep amethyst dress that hugged her frame,
her auburn hair loose, but her nerves jangled. Marian was circling,
and the bank's deadline was midnight. Marian arrived at noon,
her sleek blazer stark against the inn's warmth, her smile sharp.
Last chance, Elise, she said, sliding a revised contract across

(18:17):
a table, one point seven million, clear your debts, walk
away rich. Elise's stomach twisted, but she pushed the contract back.
Meadow View not for sale. Marian's eyes narrowed. You're making
a mistake. Owen's dragging you down, just like he did
with his family's bookstore. Owen appeared, his presence solid. She's

(18:39):
not going anywhere, Marian, Neither am I. Marian laughed, glancing
at the crowd. We'll see my firm doesn't lose. As
she left, Elise turned to Owen, her voice trembling one
point seven million. Owen, we could start over, be free.
What if we're wrong? He took her hands, his eyes fierce.

(19:00):
T's not wrong this in this town, it's us. I'll
fight for it for you. Her throat tightened, his words,
grounding her. They threw themselves into the auction, Elise, showcasing
her grandmother's tea, blends Owen charming bitters with stories of
meadow View's history. The bids climbed, but not enough to
cover the debts. Chapter eleven, Desperate, Elise and Owen rallied

(19:24):
the town for a final push, a community fundraiser to
save meadow View. In locals donated quilts, Baker's offered scones,
and Elisee's travel photographs became coveted items. The meadow glowed
under the festival's lights, the air rich with hope and camomeal.
Marian returned her presence, A chill in the warm night.

(19:45):
Sweet effort, she said, sidling up to Elise, but it
won't be enough. Sign my offer by midnight, or my
firm will push the bank to foreclose. Elise stood, tall,
Owen at her side. We're not giving up. As the
auction continued, a local artist donated a rare painting of
the meadows, sparking a bidding war. A wealthy couple from Portland,

(20:08):
moved by Elise's passion, offered a record sum. The totals
surged enough to secure the loan and clear the debts.
The crowd erupted in cheers, and Marian's smile faltered, her
eyes flashing with defeat. You won't last, she said, her
voice low. This place will break you. No, Elise said,
her voice steady. It makes us whole. Marian turned her heels,

(20:32):
clicking on the porch, her threat fatting into the night.
Elise exhaled, leaning into Owen's warmth. We did it, she whispered.
He grinned, pulling her clothes. We're just getting started. Chapter
twelve months later, Meadow View in thrived a haven for travelers,
its rooms filled with laughter, its meadows alive with tour.

(20:55):
Elise had stayed, blending her photography with the inn's charm.
Her heart ach anchred by Owen. One winter evening, as
snow dusted the meadows, they walked the coastal path, the
oceans roar a distant song. Owen stopped, pulling a small
box from his pocket. Inside was a silver ring etched
with a wild flower, glinting in the starlight. Elise Harper,

(21:18):
this Inn brought you back to me. Will you stay forever?
Marry me? Tears of joy streamed down her face. Yes,
she said, throwing her arms around him. Yes, Owen. They
kissed under the starlit meadows, the oceans whisper a symphony
of their love, the past, Marian's schemes, the debts, their
heart break faded, leaving only their future rooted in the

(21:41):
heart of meadow View. The end