Total pages in book: 84
Estimated words: 78634 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 393(@200wpm)___ 315(@250wpm)___ 262(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 78634 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 393(@200wpm)___ 315(@250wpm)___ 262(@300wpm)
That hopefulness turned to alarm when a tear tumbled down my cheek. “Oh, no. Is this too much? I shouldn’t have sprung it on you,” he said, as I climbed onto his lap. “I just thought it would be better to see it for yourself, but—”
I cut him off with a passionate kiss. Then I caressed his cheek and told him, “You’re the sweetest, most wonderful man in the whole world, and what you’re describing sounds amazing. It’s bigger and better than any dream I ever let myself have. But do you really think you’d be happy doing this? It’s worlds away from a fine dining restaurant.”
“All I ever really wanted was to make good food that made people happy. Seriously, what does that better than dessert? And ever since I got this idea, I’ve been overflowing with ideas for different recipes, and flavor combinations, and—” Bryson stopped talking and grinned at me. “I’m getting ahead of myself again, and I don’t mean to pressure you. If this isn’t what you want, that’s totally fine.”
“I really, really, want this. The thought of getting to work with you makes me so happy. But do you think we can actually make a go of it?”
“I’m sure we can. If you give me the green light, I’m going to buy the building outright. As my grandfather is always reminding me, real estate is a great investment. And without having to worry about a mortgage payment, or rent, or a lease, the café’s monthly overhead will be really manageable.”
I asked, “Will buying this building use up your entire inheritance?”
“No, it’ll take less than half. I learned my lesson with my restaurant, and I won’t gamble with our financial security. That’s why the rest of the money is going into savings, and into some solid, low-risk investments.”
“So… we could really do this.”
“We could. The previous owner finished the kitchen, so there’s just a little more work to do to get it up and running.” I sat up and looked around. I felt like I was living in a dream. He said, “This place is pretty great, isn’t it?”
“It’s so special. And it just feels right. I don’t know how to explain it, other than that.”
“It feels that way to me, too. So, should we do this?” I nodded, and he whooped with delight, which made me laugh. Then he kissed me and said, “I love you so much, Em.”
“I love you, too. More than anything.”
He grabbed me in a hug, and as he held me securely, my heart was so full. I could already see it in my mind’s eye—all this place would become. I saw the display cases lit up and full of beautiful cakes, and pastries, and a rainbow of macarons. I saw the café full of customers, including the regulars who’d start to feel like family. I saw working side-by-side with my sweet, wonderful husband, creating gorgeous things that made people happy. And I was so incredibly grateful.
Epilogue: Embry
Eleven Months Later
On the one-year anniversary of our first wedding ceremony, Bryson and I got married again. This time, we did it surrounded by all our loved ones, in front of the Christmas tree in our home. It was the most perfect ceremony I could ever imagine.
There were two surprises. Fallon flew in from L.A., where he’d moved to be closer to his kids, and Granddad brought a date, later admitting he’d been seeing her for over a month. He said Bryson and I had inspired him to get out there and take a chance on love. It was wonderful to see him so happy.
After the ceremony, our small reception turned into a very fun house party. Bryson and I danced, and ate cake—made by me, of course—and celebrated until I glanced at the time and said, “We’d better go if we want to catch our flight.”
When they heard that, our family sprang into action. Lark and Dylan lined up our luggage at the door while Yolanda grabbed our coats and JoJo ran through a quick checklist. “Do you have your passports? ID? Phones?” We assured her we had everything.
As we all gathered in the foyer, Vee picked up Dusty and said, “Have loads of fun on your honeymoon, and don’t worry about a thing. My little furry nephew is going to have a great time with his uncle Vee. Isn’t that right, Dusty boy?” The dog licked his face enthusiastically, and Vee added, “Plus, I’ll be coming by several times a week to water your plants, bring in the mail, and raid your wine fridge, so your house will be fine, too.”
After a flurry of hugs and goodbyes, we hurried to the waiting town car with our luggage. Once we’d gotten settled into the backseat and were on our way, Bryson leaned over and kissed me. His eyes were sparkling behind his glasses, and he whispered, “Thank you for marrying me again and making me the happiest man alive.”