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Five YearsLater
After years of blood,sweat, and tears, the day is finally here. My husband and I survey the room, taking in our first reserved guest at our restaurant, Baiser du Chef. Tonight, I’m in the role of executive chef, and Cam is my sous chef.
The frenetic energy is palpable, and there’s nothing I love more. I smile the entire time, barking out orders as Cam ensures that every single dish is prepared to perfection.
As I watch the dishes leave the kitchen and land on the tables, I can hardly believe our dream is finally realized. We spent three more years at Belle Rose. Cam’s executive chef duties remained, and I became his full-time sous chef. Truth is, after that one New Year’s Eve together, we’ve never left each other’s side.
I moved into his house in March, we were married in June, and Madeleine was born the following summer. In retrospect, it turned into a blessing that I lost my restaurant. Had I not, I never would’ve worked with Cam and probably never had the time or true dedication to get married and have kids. Now I can’t imagine my life without either. My family is my everything.
“Babe?” Cam calls to me, running his thick arm across his forehead. “Go out there and talk to people. They all want to see you and tell you how fucking good this food is.” He shoots me a signature half-smile, which still makes me melt on the spot.
I lean over and plant a quick kiss on his full lips. I’ll definitely be getting more of that tonight. Cam’s sexual appetite is alarming at times, but I wouldn’t want it any other way. No man has ever made me feel as desirable as my husband does. My panties dampen just thinking about it.
I rinse my hands and head into the dining room. As I make my way toward Brigid and Abe’s table, a round of applause erupts. Brigid jumps up and wraps me in a hug. “This is the absolute best Coq au Vin I’ve ever had.”
“Thank you.” I squeeze my old friend, never forgetting that she’s the one that helped open the door to all of the opportunities I’ve been presented with.
“This place is even better than your old restaurant,” Abe says, setting his napkin on the chair as he rises to meet us. Ever since I saw how happy Abe made Brigid, I low-key wanted the same for myself but never thought it was even possible. Now, I know we’re all capable of finding the love of our lives.
I give them one last hug and head back to the kitchen, stopping to check in with patrons along the way. The response is so positive it feels like I’m walking on air.
By the time we close up for the night, Cam and I are both exhausted. We head out early as the cleaning crew takes over, prepping the place for tomorrow’s dinner crowd. As Co-Executive ChefCam will be in charge tomorrow night, and we’ll switch roles. Among all of the things, I never thought that would be something I could deal with, but I love sharing duties with the man of my dreams.
“Hey,” Cam takes me into his arms as soon as we walk in the door. “How’s my chef magnifique?”
I lay my cheek on his strong chest and close my eyes. “Tired, but so fucking happy.”
“I hope you’re not too tired.” He lifts my chin and presses his lips against mine.
“Oh yeah.” I tease. “Why?”
He narrows his steely gray eyes. “I think youknowwhy.”
He tickles my side, and I erupt in giggles. “You’re still not getting it, Cam.”
“Come on!” He throws his arms to the side. “We’re married. I have every right to know.”
“It’s still a secret.” I toss my hair over my shoulder and wiggle my hips as I head up the stairs, grateful that his folks took Madeleine for the night.
“We work in the same restaurant!” He calls as I dash for our bedroom, Cam hot on my heels. I squeal as he tackles me onto the bed. He pins my arms over my head before his lips come crashing down on mine. He starts undressing me, kissing his way down my stomach. “Come on, just tell me the secret ingredient.”
I gasp when he finds my center and begins pleasing me. “It’s love,” I say, breathless, knowing that he’s no longer listening. “The secret ingredient is nothing but love.”
