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“More like an escape artist,” I quipped. “But I’m glad you’re here.”
As we shared a warm hug, I felt a surge of sibling solidarity. For a moment, it was just us, standing together in the heart of Pebble’s Brew—the place that had nurtured our bond since childhood.
“Remember how Mom used to let us create our coffee concoctions?” I mused, watching as Jamie admired the new decorations and photos that adorned the walls. “I think she secretly loved your ‘Caramel Chaos.’”
“Mom always encouraged creativity—even if it meant making a mess,” Jamie chuckled, his eyes twinkling with nostalgia. “Dad, on the other hand, preferred the classics. Like his famous ‘Pebble Point Roast.’”
“Ah yes, the roast to end all roasts,” I agreed, grinning. “We’ve come a long way since then, haven’t we?”
“Absolutely,” Jamie nodded, his gaze meeting mine. “And they’d be so proud of you, Zo. You’ve not only kept this place alive, but made it thrive.”
“Thanks, Jamie.” I swallowed past the lump in my throat. “I don’t think I could have done it if you’d left Pebble Point, though.”
“Hey, what are siblings for?” He winked, squeezing my hand.
As Jamie sauntered over to the piano and struck up a tune, I noticed Caleb stealing a glance at me. Our eyes locked, and we shared a smile.
“Speaking of thriving,” I murmured, reaching beneath the counter for a small box wrapped in coffee-themed paper. “I’ve got something for you, Caleb.”
“Really?” His brow arched with curiosity as he accepted the gift. “What’s the occasion?”
“Let’s just call it an investment in Pebble’s Brew’s future,” I replied cryptically, biting my lip to contain my excitement.
Caleb carefully unwrapped the box, his eyes widening with surprise as he pulled out the “Future Barista” onesie. A slow grin spread across his face, chased by the unmistakable gleam of joy and a touch of awe.
“Zoe, are you…?” He trailed off, unable to finish the sentence.
“Surprise,” I whispered, my heart swelling with love and anticipation. “We’re going to be parents.”
“Wow.” He stared at the onesie, then back at me, clearly at a loss for words.
“Speechless, Mr. Masters?” I teased, leaning in to press a tender kiss to his lips. “That’s a first.”
“Hey,” Jamie interjected, his grin as wide as the ocean outside. “Does this mean I get to be the cool uncle?”
“Of course,” I laughed, feeling the warmth of family and love enveloping us like a comforting embrace. “But only if you promise to teach our little barista your piano skills.”
“Deal,” Jamie agreed, sealing our pact with a playful punch to my shoulder.
“Congrats, you two!” Linda called out from her table, raising her coffee cup. The cheers and congratulations spread like wildfire through the café. Before we knew it, everyone had raised their cups in a toast to our little one’s future.
“Here’s to the next generation of Pebble’s Brew!” Janet declared, snapping a photo of the impromptu celebration.
“Thank you, everyone,” I said, my voice cracking with emotion. “Your support means everything to us.”
Caleb squeezed my hand, his eyes locked on mine.
“Alright, everyone,” Jamie announced, drawing attention back to him. “Let’s keep the party going! Music, laughter, and more coffee for all!”
He struck up another tune, the familiar chords of a fan-favorite song filling the air. The café buzzed with energy, each person adding their own unique flavor to the vibrant atmosphere.
As the day wore on and the celebrations began to wind down, I felt the need to capture my thoughts and emotions. Stealing away to the back office, I pulled out the leather-bound journal Caleb had gifted me on our six-month anniversary. It was a place where I could document our journey as business partners and lovers.
“Need some quiet time?” Caleb asked, leaning against the doorframe, his gaze soft and understanding.
“Just for a moment,” I replied with a small smile. “I want to write about today, about our little barista-to-be.”
“Take your time, love,” he said, kissing my forehead gently before retreating, leaving me to my thoughts.
I settled into the worn armchair, pen poised above the blank page. With every word, I poured my hopes and dreams for our unborn child onto the page. I imagined tiny hands grasping at steaming mugs, giggles bubbling up like freshly poured espresso, and the warmth of family enveloping our little one like the cozy embrace of a well-loved coffee shop.
“May you inherit your father’s intelligence and your mother’s heart,” I wrote, my vision blurred by unshed tears. “And may you find joy in every cup of coffee you pour, just as we have found joy in each other.”
Closing the journal with a satisfied sigh, I leaned back in the chair, cradling my still-flat belly. In that moment, I knew we were building something beautiful — a legacy of love, laughter, and community that would live on through our child and Pebble’s Brew.
And for that, I was eternally grateful.
THE END
