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She takes the keys like they're the most precious object in the world, then places them in the lock and opens the creaky old door. As we step inside, the air is thick with anticipation, and the possibilities seem endless. Sophia's eyes light up as she takes in the space, her imagination already running wild with ideas.
"It's perfect," she whispers, her voice filled with awe.
I can't help but feel a sense of pride as I watch her, knowing that I've given her a space where she can truly flourish—a space where she can bring her dreams to life.
"You can turn this into something truly magical," I say, my voice filled with conviction.
Sophia turns to me, her eyes shimmering with gratitude and love. "Thank you, Ryan," she whispers, her voice filled with emotion. "I don't know how lucky I got to have you in my life."
I pull her into a tight embrace, feeling the warmth of her body against mine. "I'm the lucky one," I murmur into her ear. "Having you by my side, creating a future together, that's all I could ever ask for."
Sophia pulls away to start looking around, her eyes taking in the dusty shop like a feast. "This...this is where I'll put the displays, of course," she says. "Gorgeous gowns, a cute window display...and tons of flowers. And here..."
She strides forward to the desk, turning around to beam at me. "Can't you see me standing here, taking orders, making reservations? It's going to be amazing."
"That's why I bought it," I smile back, following her with my hands in my pockets.
"And fitting rooms," she says, launching into a new phase, walking toward the corner. "A lounge where a family can hang out, then...upstairs! Oh my gosh, I didn't even know upstairs was..."
She trails off as she climbs the stairs, quick on her feet even though she's been tired from the pregnancy.
As Sophia reaches the top of the stairs, she gasps in awe at the sight before her. The spacious loft opens up into a wide-open area with exposed brick walls and large windows that allow natural light to flood in. It’s a perfect blank canvas for Sophia to transform into her personal haven. Tex trots over and sits down in a beam of sunlight, wagging his tail.
Sophia's eyes glimmer with excitement as she envisions the possibilities. "This could be my design studio," she breathes, her hand instinctively resting on her belly. "I can see it now—sewing machines, cutting tables, racks of fabric everywhere."
I step up behind her, wrapping my arms around her waist and pressing a gentle kiss to her temple. "This place is going to be everything you've ever dreamed of," I whisper, my voice filled with unwavering support.
Sophia turns in my embrace, her eyes brimming with gratitude. "Thank you, Ryan," she whispers, tears of joy streaming down her cheeks. "You've given me the most incredible gift. I can't wait to start this new chapter of our lives together."
"And I can't wait to see you thrive in this space," I reply, my heart swelling with love for her. "You have so much talent and creativity, Sophia. This boutique is just the beginning of what you're capable of."
She smiles up at me, her eyes shining like stars. "I don't know what I did to deserve you," she murmurs, resting her head against my chest.
"You've done nothing but bring joy and love into my life," I say softly, cupping her face in my hands and brushing away a stray tear. "And now, it's my turn to support your dreams."
Sophia leans into my touch, a small sigh escaping her lips. "I promise to make you proud," she whispers, her voice filled with determination.
"I already am," I assure her, pressing a tender kiss to her forehead. "Let's make this boutique everything you've ever imagined."
We head back down the stairs together with Tex in tow, and then we finally make our way to our new house. We've only been in Summerville a short time, but I can already tell this is where we were supposed to be. Soon, we'll have our baby...then our wedding, and two thriving businesses on top of that.
It's all coming together.
Thanks to the girl I never thought I could have.
Chapter thirty-two
Epilogue: Sophia
We have our baby on a beautiful late fall day...almost nine months to the day from the very first time we hooked up.
To me, that's a sign that this was all meant to be.
Ryan and I…here in Summerville with our beautiful boy.
We're about to throw a belated wedding reception in my shop with all our friends from the White Oak Society.
We dress up the boutique with flowers, garlands, and twinkle lights, and I put on a handmade white dress just before our guests arrive. Our son, Isaac, is with his grandparents for the evening—and this is just a party for us to celebrate when we didn't get a chance before. I stand and look at myself in the mirror, making sure everything is just right.
