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Epilogue
RILEY
“Is the blindfold necessary?” I ask Daniel as he leads me down the back stairs of our apartment to the shop.
“Yes. It’s the only way to fully appreciate how epic this moment is.”
Realizing my dream is a pretty epic moment, I’ll give him that. But as much as I trust Daniel to get me down the stairs safely, I don’t much trust my own feet. Especially having to balance the planet-sized belly I’m lugging around over the top of them.
“Last step,” Daniel says, one arm still firmly wrapped around my ribs. Ensuring me falling was never an option.
After a few steps, hushed voices echo off the high tin tile ceiling. I can’t help smiling even though I know I’m not supposed to know anyone’s here. I had an inkling when Daniel went out of his way to convince me we’d be alone for the reveal. He’s a terrible actor.
“Okay.” Daniel stops me and turns me with his hands on my waist until I’m facing what I’m sure is the best view of the many months-long renovations. Knowing him, he spent hours looking for the perfect spot to put me for the reveal. “Are you ready?”
My heart skips, its pace doubling with anticipation.
It’s not like I don’t know how the shop will look now. I helped design it and oversaw most of the work. But as my belly grew, my involvement in the project lessened. Then, about a month ago, Daniel got the wild idea to keep me out completely wanting to make the final result a surprise.
After taking a calming breath, I nod.
When the blindfold falls away, I open my eyes to the most beautiful scene. All my favorite people—Lainey, Spencer, Nell, Will and Jax, Julia and Leslie—shouting surprise standing behind the glass display full of my baked goods on the plates Daniel made for them.
“You guys! Thank you!” I call out as they come out from behind the counter and surround me.
While they all pass me around for hug after hug, I take in the rest of the space.
Daniel kept the controlled chaos of his pottery piled on tables and shelves and hanging from the rafters but made room for the cozy corners I always wanted. The perfect space for people to sit, eat sweets, and appreciate the art and atmosphere.
“It’s Aglazing and Adoughrable.” I read the wall behind the counter. “Is that the name I agreed to?”
“Yep,” Daniel says before planting a triumphant kiss on my cheek.
“Pregnant brain betrayed me didn’t it?”
“Yep,” he says again, sweetly. His lips tickling my skin.
“So, the cookies are really pretty on display and everything,” Julia says. “But when are we allowed to eat them?”
“Help yourselves,” I tell her and the others. “There’s plenty more where they came from.” I don’t have to insist. They all practically trample each other to get back to the case and clean it out.
“So?” Daniel takes my hand and pulls me to him. “What do you think?”
“It’s perfect, Danny.” I just wish my dad would have come. He’s still refusing to meet Daniel but I’m still hoping he’ll come around after his first grandchild is born.
Daniel dips down placing his forehead on mine and his hand on my round belly between us.
“It is, isn’t it?”
“Worth all the trouble?” I ask nudging my nose against his.
“Always,” he says and kisses me senseless.
∞∞∞
