“I hope I’m included in this future,” a sassy voice calls from the entrance.
My jaw drops as Audrey waltzes in with a giant bouquet of red roses. “Audrey. You’re here.”
“You didn’t think I’d miss this, did you?” Audrey says as she draws me into a hug. Speaking over my shoulder, she passes Shinsu the flowers. “Be a doll and magic up some water for these, please.”
My brain is still trying to catch up. “It’s Friday. It’s a work day.”
Audrey shrugs as a sly smirk kicks up at the corner of her mouth. “So what if it is? I can take down the patriarchy any day of the week, but it’s rare that one of your best friends opens her dream shop.”
Tears fill my eyes, but before I can let them fall, Tilly waddles into the shop too, Bodin hovering close behind her.
“Oh, look. The gang’s all here,” Tilly says as she joins us, one hand cradling her growing stomach.
Audrey gives Tilly a quick once over. “Fucking hells, cousin. You okay?”
“Why wouldn’t she be?” Bodin asks defensively.
“Because based on my research, her stomach is significantly bigger than what’s to be expected at this point in herpregnancy.” Turning to Tilly, she says placatingly, “But you look fantastic though. You’re glowing. Never been more beautiful.”
Maisie studies Tilly’s rounded belly. “Is it because it’s a half-orc baby and they’re bigger than human babies?”
Tilly’s eyes widen and she wobbles her head from side to side, not denying nor confirming Maisie’s question.
Audrey gasps. “Don’t tell me there are two in there.”
Bodin puffs out his chest. “Twins run in our family.”
“Holyyyy—”
“Damn—”
“Fucking—”
“Congratulations!” I raise my voice about the cacophony of expletives. “That’s so exciting.”
“And scary,” Maisie says, knocking her knees together.
Shinsu looks down at me as he pulls me closer, keeping his voice low as he says, “Maybe soon we can also give them a little friend to play with?”
“Maybe,” I say, knowing that plan isn’t too far into the future. Shinsu and I both want a family with at least a couple of kids, and neither of us want to wait too long until we start trying.
For now though, we’re enjoying each other and settling into our new life.
Lucille is next to arrive and I give her a private tour, showing her everything that I’ve kept exactly the same. I wait nervously for her approval when I show her the changes and the community board.
Lifting a wrinkly hand toward me, Lucille gives me a watery smile. “Eleanor dear, you’re exactly what The Daisy needed. I knew she had a lot more to give, and you found a way to bring that forth.”
I squeeze her hand gently. “I want to make you proud. And make our Daisy proud.”
Lucille shakes her head. “My dear, you don’t need my approval, even though you’ve always had it. The only person whose opinion matters here is yours. I hope you are so proud of yourself for how far you’ve come, how much you’ve grown, and how much you’ve given to our community.”
Tilly inconspicuously hands me a handkerchief as she passes by, and I dab at my eyes, not wanting to ruin the little bit of makeup I have on today.
Soon, more creatures arrive, gathering outside the shop while my friends help me with some finishing touches. Shinsu, Ren, and Bodin hand out wrapped books to those in line, a little blind-date-with-a-book gift chosen from my list of personal favorites to those who are joining us.
By the time Arran—in full sunscreen protection—and Doc Calla arrive, everyone’s buzzing with energy, ready to cut the giant orange ribbon and head inside to explore the shop.
Doc Calla, as the town’s matriarch, gives me a heartwarming introduction and then it’s time for my speech.
