Page 71 of Searching for Love

“You…” She shook her head in disbelief. “They already know?”

He nodded. “Small town. Remember?”

She smiled. “I love you.” She kissed him.

“I love you. Fiancée.” He smiled. “That’s not the only surprise I have for you. Now that we’re official, I can let you in on the biggest secret I have.”

She gasped. “The name?”

He nodded and walked over to the hook by the back door. She watched him remove his white chef shirt and pull it on.

Squinting, she stood up and walked over to see the name that was embroidered on his chest.

“Pride Pueblo Cocina,” she read as she ran her finger over the perfect stitching in blue. “Pride Town Kitchen.”

He smiled. “Do you think everyone will like it?”

She nodded, feeling her eyes water again. “I think they’re going to love it.” She hugged him and kissed him.

“Tonight, there are a few more surprises,” he assured her. “But I’ll save those for later.”

“I can’t imagine anything else that could make this day any more perfect.”

He laughed. “I’ll take that challenge. Now, let’s eat. We have a full day ahead of us.”

“I have a few surprises for you too,” she said with a grin.

“Oh?” He moved closer to her.

“Later.” She laughed and sat back down to enjoy their breakfast.

Over the next few hours, whenever an employee would show up, Lucas would hand them a personalized embroidered shirt, letting them all in on the surprise of the restaurant’s name.

Rico was finally able to unpack the newly printed menus, complete with the logo and name, and place them all in their protective sleeves.

The employees gathered around the bar an hour before opening and unveiled the mural that Elle had painted on the bar. It had the logo—a sun setting over the Pacific waters with a sombrero on it—and the name, Pride Pueblo Cocina, printed underneath.

The bright greens, oranges, and reds really made the blue bar stand out and look much happier.

“Boss, when do we unveil the sign?” Rico asked.

“When there’s a crowd outside,” he answered. “For now, we still have work to do.”

Just then there was a knock on the door.

“Here’s my first surprise,” she said, rushing to open the front door for his grandfather.

She kissed the older man on his cheek and then stood back as he and his bandmates shuffled inside.

“Grand-pap what are you…” Lucas broke off. “You’re going to play today?”

“We wouldn’t miss it for the world,” his grandfather said with a laugh.

Lucas looked at her. “This is your doing?” She nodded and he wrapped his arms around her. “Thank you.”

“All it took to convince him was the other night. He says they’re short a player or two, but they’ll make do.” She sighed as the band set up in the corner stage area outside. “I did promise them free drinks after they’re done.” She winced. “I hope they don’t drink us out of tequila.”

Lucas laughed. “I think we have plenty.”