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“All right, all right, make room,” my Aunt Annabeth said as she pushed through the crowd, a beer in one hand, a mimosa in the other.
“Thanks, Aunt Annabeth,” I said, accepting the beer.
“Thanks,” Laurel echoed as she took the mimosa.
“Let me just say I am pleased as punch about this union.”
They do realize we aren’t actually married yet, right?
“And Jazzy,” she said, catching my sister’s eye as she tried to melt back into the crowd. “They’ve just taken the pressure off you, but you and Serena are next … We’re ready for more weddings and babies.”
“Yes, ma’am,” Jasmine said, then fled into the other room.
“Finally got your head out, huh, boy?” my aunt said.
Wow.
“And, you,” she added, turning to place her hands on Laurel’s face. “I’m so happy that we can officially welcome you to the family.”
“Well, not officially,” I began, then Gabe clapped a hand on my back and said, “Just go with it, man.”
So, I went with it.
Epilogue - Laurel
I looked around Party with Laurel my heart swelling with pride.
We were officially open for business. There were still flowers, of course, with a front counter for Cherry Springs customers who wanted to order for personal reasons. But, there was also an open office in the storefront for people who wanted to book us to plan their party.
The flowers we did in-house, and we’d also started procuring decorations, furniture, and miscellaneous items for the parties we hosted, including the Star Wars themed items from our maiden party.
We hired out the catering, bartending, and music. I’d spent the last few months networking and contacting those I’d met at the convention with Dillon as well as people from a wedding expo I’d attended a few weeks before… as a vendor.
It had been unbelievably exciting, and we’d even secured a few bookings on the spot, as well as some emails and phone numbers to contact for more information.
Chloe was currently at home on bed rest, frustrated and disappointed that she and Reardon hadn’t been able to have their wedding before the baby was born like they’d hoped, but everyone agreed, the safety of her and the baby was much more important than whether or not the baby was born out of wedlock.
I couldn’t wait to tell her, though, that I’d just booked Three Sister’s Catering to cater her reception. She was going to flip. We’d travelled there together to meet with the sisters, pick their brains about their business, and learn everything we could from them. And, we’d both loved Millie’s food.
“I’m going to lock up,” Lisa said, pulling me from my musings. “Do you need anything else before I go upstairs?”
Last month I’d moved in with Dillon, and Lisa had moved into my apartment over the shop.
“No, I’m about to head out myself. Thanks,” I said, smiling as she nodded and turned to lock up.
I’d hired three more employees over the last few months as our business had grown, and Lisa had moved up to be under Chloe, and was helping me run things while Chloe was away. My team was the best, and I’d be nothing without them.
Want me to grab dinner on the way home?
I smiled at Dillon’s text. I still got butterflies whenever I saw his name on my phone.
I pulled out steaks to thaw, thought we could grill tonight.
I replied, tossing my stuff in my car before getting in and heading toward the home I’d always dre
amed of living in, and now did.
Mmmm, perfect. I love you.
