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Ryan and I confirmed the details of our meet up tomorrow before bidding the other a good night. As I laid down in the cool sheets of my rented bed, I let my mind go to the person who’d captured my heart and how this was the last night that the two of us would ever spend apart from one another.
After all, tomorrow was going to be a big day for us. A life-changing day and I was ready to dive headfirst and get it all started. For now, though, I had to bide my time until morning came and Ryan and I went to take care of the urgent business that needed addressing before Ariel and I could take the next step.
Rolling over, I hugged the other pillow and held it close, pretending it was her there next to me. I’d see her tomorrow. Tomorrow we’d be together again. I sighed as my eyes drooped, heavy from travel and the whirlwind of the last few days. Snuggling into the covers, I reminded myself that I was the luckiest man on the planet. A man who would never want for anything again because I had her and that was all I’d ever want or need.
fourteen
Ariel
Present Day
“Everyone,”Icalledoutas I walked into the shop. “Everyone, can you please come here?” I walked over to the counter and tucked my purse into the cubby space that we all shared. I tried not to smile as I struggled to not grin like an idiot. One by one, Vivian, Russell, and Marie appeared from the back. Their shoulders were slumped, each one dejected and mourning the loss of the place they loved.
I glanced up and offered them a smile. Each one tried to return it, but couldn’t quite achieve it. The glum faces surrounding me left me nearly bursting with excitement. It was an odd feeling to be so upbeat and chipper while my dedicated work-crew of three mourned, believing that this would be their final day working at Everything’s Coming Up Roses.
“How is everyone doing this morning?” I asked while looking into each of their eyes.
“Alright I guess, but I’m not going to lie. It could be better.” Russell was always honest and open with how he felt. It was one of the many things that I adored about him.
“Same,” Marie offered, followed by Vivian who just nodded.
“Well, I have some news.” I decided to jump right in rather than prolong their agony. “There was a big development while I was away.” And just like that, I had their complete and undivided attention. Or at least I thought I did.
The chime over the door dinged unexpectedly, catching me off guard.
“Who the hell are you, gorgeous?” Russell gasped as the front door opened, letting in a gush of hot, humid summer air. Curious, I turned around screamed.
“What are you doing here?” I bolted for the door and jumped straight into Lucas’s arms.
“I wanted to surprise you, baby.” He kissed me thoroughly, one hand splayed across my back and the other planted firmly on my ass to support me. Or so he said.
“You weren’t supposed to be here until this weekend!” I peppered his face with kisses as I threaded my arms around his neck. My gobsmacked employees were temporarily forgotten.
“I know, but I couldn’t wait any longer,” Lucas explained as he lowered me back to my feet and pulled me into his arms. “Did I miss it? Have you told them yet?” He brushed a loose strand of my hair away from my face before he turned to my crew and offered them a devastating smile.
“Tell us what?” Marie asked. I turned to see the three of them practically salivating. Each one was already enamored by the hot blond that was all mine.
“The store’s not closing,” I announced, no longer holding back the delighted grin that had kept tugging at the corner of my mouth. “It turns out the sale of the building was fraudulent and the owner had no intention of selling the building.”
“It’s actually going on the historical register,” Lucas offered as I watched three sets of eyes flood and spill over. “No one will be able to knock it down.”
“Are you for real?” Vivian cried out happily.
“Yep. I’m serious. We’re not shutting down. You’re not losing your jobs.”
En masse, Vivian, Marie, and Russell rushed towards me and enveloped me in the biggest group hug of my life. We laughed, we screamed, we wept, and thanked the gods above. As we hugged, Russell’s hand snaked out and drew Lucas in, tucking him in between him and Vivian. Lucas joined in our celebration, patting backs and congratulating us all on our major win.
A short time later, Vivian announced that there was still work to be done. Ads needed to be sent out. Social media needed to be updated, and a celebratory party needed to be planned. I watched them head off as Lucas stepped up behind me and pulled me against his chest.
“It makes me happy to see you like this,” he said, nuzzling the side of my neck. Turning in his arms, I laid my hands upon his chest and savored how good it felt to touch him.
“I am happy.” I rose up to sample his lips.
“But I know a way to make you happier.”
“Oh really? And what is that?” My eyebrow rose to my hairline as I eyed him curiously.
What happened next nearly knocked my feet out from under me.
