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“Just like her mama.”
I smacked his chest, but he caught my hand and pulled me closer, pressing his lips against mine.
Three years.
Three years of marriage, motherhood, building businesses, and learning how to love a man who had once believed he could control everything around him.
And somehow, I was still crazy about his arrogant ass.
“You ready for tonight?” he asked, brushing his thumb across my cheek.
“I would be if your daughter would cooperate.” I glanced toward the living room, where Liora was taking her sweet time doing the one thing I'd asked her to do.
“Our daughter,” he corrected, his lips curving into another smile.
“She yours when she acting like that.”
He laughed again before kissing my forehead.
Tonight was special. We were celebrating the third anniversary of our restaurant and bar, VÉLORA, along with another major milestone for King Enterprises.
What had started as one restaurant had grown into one of the most successful businesses in Westhaven. VÉLORA had become known for its upscale dining, beautiful atmosphere, and lively bar. We had expanded, hired an incredible management team, and built something I was genuinely proud of.
And the best part?
My name was on every bit of it.
Not because Ezra had handed me something to keep me occupied, but because I'd worked my ass off learning the business, making decisions, and proving that I deserved my seat at the table.
My husband had finally learned that loving me didn't mean making every decision for me.
And I'd learned that accepting his help didn't make me any less independent.
We'd come a long damn way.
---
By six that evening, VÉLORA was packed.
The dining room glowed beneath elegant chandeliers, soft music drifted through the space, and every table was occupied by people who had come to celebrate with us. Servers moved between tables carrying drinks and appetizers while our management team made sure everything ran smoothly.
I stood near the entrance greeting guests when Ashlynn came walking through the doors looking like she belonged on somebody's magazine cover.
“Bitch!” She stretched her arms toward me, smiling so wide that I couldn't help matching her excitement.
I laughed as she threw her arms around me.
“Girl, you look good!” I stepped back to admire her outfit, shaking my head because my best friend had never been the type to show up looking anything less than fabulous.
“Thank you, because your godchildren almost made me late.” She rolled her eyes, adjusting her purse on her shoulder.
I stepped back, looking behind her. “Where are my babies?”
“With their daddy. And before you ask, yes, we finally hired a nanny.” She released a long breath, looking relieved just saying the words.
“Thank God.”
“Girl, you don't understand.” She adjusted the strap of her dress and exhaled dramatically. “Between the shop, traveling, and those two little boys, I was about to lose my damn mind.”
