Jared stood and shook his hand, and then he gave Ashley a quick hug. He kissed Molly’s cheek before taking a seat beside her and threading his fingers with hers.
“More orders?” Jared asked. “So, it’s going well?”
“It’s going better than we could have hoped. I honestly never imagined we could sell books online.”
“People love supporting small businesses,” Ashley said.
A server came by and took Eli’s drink order before disappearing again.
“I can see that. And we only have Molly to thank,” Eli said. “In fact, my siblings and I discussed it, and we would like to offer you the position of website management. Uploading new products and possibly a blog idea that Michelle wants to discuss with you once we get a handle on these orders. Maybe maintain our social media too.”
Molly stared at him, stunned. “Wow! I don’t know what to say.”
“You can think about it. We don’t expect an immediate answer.”
Jared smiled at Molly. “The bookstore can be your first official client.”
Eli furrowed his eyebrows. “Client?”
Molly smiled shyly. “My parents and I have been brainstorming about me opening my own company offering web design services. Possibly social media templates for purchase.”
“Molly, that’s wonderful. I think it’s a great idea. We could hire you as an independent contractor instead of as an employee.”
She frowned. “What about Katie? I don’t want to leave her short a barista. Would it be okay if I stayed on to help her?”
Eli squeezed her hand. “Honey, if you want to, she would love it. Just don’t let it get in the way of you building a business.”
Molly stayed quiet.
“Are you okay?” Ashley asked.
Molly nodded. “Yes. I’m just surprised at how quickly things have changed in the last several months. It’s surreal.”
“I’m not surprised. My girl has always been one of the brightest people I know. You can do anything you put your mind to,” Jared said.
“He’s right. You’ve always been a go-getter,” Ashley said.
Molly looked at her parents. “Thank you. That means a lot.”
Their server came over, gave Eli his drink, and took everyone’s food orders before disappearing again.
“Now that Eli has a drink, we should toast,” Jared said, lifting his glass into the air. Everyone else followed suit. “To new beginnings, new ventures, and a new relationship.”
They all clinked their glasses together.
Then Jared looked straight at Eli. “You take care of my girl, you hear?”
Eli smiled and then looked at Molly. “I plan to do just that. I give you my word.”
EPILOGUE
1 YEAR LATER
Molly frothed milk for a mocha and worked quickly to get a customer’s drink made. She rarely worked behind the counter anymore, but helped when Katie was short-staffed. And right now, they were short-staffed. With Katie on her honeymoon, Molly was helping as much as she could. Her graphic design business was at an all-time high in sales. She felt non-stop busy, but always tried to help at the store. Katie would be home tomorrow, and then Molly could get a reprieve.
Lauren hadn’t stepped foot in the store again, but they heard she had been arrested in the town over for stalking a married man who worked at the hardware store. Her stalking had only progressed to more dangerous levels as she showed up at the man’s house and threatened his wife.
Molly was thankful Lauren had given up on Eli and hoped she would never come back. But they all kept an eye out regardless. But a year later, their concern that she would return had waned significantly.
