Chapter 34
I wake up the next morning with a sense of pure excitement. After years of working toward my goal of opening a restaurant, I’m finally one step closer to it becoming a reality. It wouldn’t be possible without Harrison. When he said he had a surprise for me, I never imagined it would be a building, let alone one that I now have the freedom to transform as we see fit.
Admittedly, I was prepared to turn him down despite it being the perfect space. It felt wrong accepting such a grand gesture, especially since I’ve been adamant about doing everything on my own for the longest time. In the past, I refused help because I thought I had to prove I could handle things on my own. But recently, I’ve learned that relying on others isn’t a sign of weakness but strength. It takes courage to trust someone implicitly and let them in to share the load.
It’s still surreal that Harrison told me he loves me. I didn’t think being this happy was possible, but he’s proving me wrong. After our conversation, it’s like everything is falling into place as it should, and I’m ready to start our new life together.
I’m at the kitchen counter with my laptop, looking at design inspiration for the restaurant. I want the place to be a peaceful retreat amidst the hustle and bustle of the city. It’ll include warm, earthy tones, natural wood accents, and vibrant greenery, including hanging plants, indoor trees, and fresh herbs that will be incorporated into the menu.
Cat trots over from his bed in the corner, nudging my leg with his head.
“Hey there, little demon,” I say, bending down to scratch behind his ear. “You’ve already had breakfast, remember?” He meows loudly in protest. “Don’t worry. I’ll get you some salmon delight once Harrison leaves for work,” I coo, ruffling his fur.
“I heard that,” Harrison says from the doorway. “Remember what the vet said yesterday?”
We took Cat to his first vet appointment yesterday and were told he’s in excellent health, but the vet recommended cutting him down to two meals a day to prevent any further weight gain. It seems I’ve been overindulging him.
I gently turn Cat’s head in Harrison’s direction. “How am I supposed to say no to this face?”
Harrison laughs softly, glancing down at Cat. “You’re right, he is downright adorable when he’s not attacking plates or knocking things over.”
He maneuvers around Cat, leaning down to kiss me. He looks utterly edible in a three-piece navy suit. He got a haircut yesterday, styled in a tapered fade.
“I love you,” I murmur.
“I love you too, trouble.” He caresses my jaw, giving me another soft kiss. “Have a great day, and don’t you and Cat get into too much mischief while I’m gone.”
“We make no promises,” I tease.
Now that I’m moving into Harrison’s bedroom, we’re working on converting mine into a sanctuary for Cat, complete with a climbing wall, a cat tree by the window where he can nap in the sun, and a scratching post in the corner to encourage him to leave the other furniture in the house alone. It’s perfect timing, considering the new couch for the living room, and the dining room table and chairs we’ve ordered will arrive in a couple of weeks.
Harrison grabs his lunch from the fridge I made him earlier, and hugs me on his way out the door. “Can’t wait to see you tonight.”
“I’m looking forward to it. I love you.”
“I love you too, beautiful. See you soon.” He waves before heading down the hallway.
Before I go back to looking at design inspiration, I check my phone to find a message waiting.
Lila: I can’t wait to fly out for the restaurant’s grand opening and shower you with hugs!
Fallon: It’ll take at least a year before we open.
Fallon: But have your hugs on standby!
After Harrison surprised me at the restaurant, I had to call Lila and share all the exciting news. Of course, I couldn’t wait to tell my best friend that I’ve found the love of my life.
Lila: How did Theo take the news?
Fallon: He was very supportive.
When I told him what Harrison did and that I’m opening a restaurant for those with food sensitivities in New York, he confirmed that he’s not moving forward with his plans in London. However, he does want to explore the possibility of investing in my business and expanding to Europe. It’ll be a while before that’s even on the table, but having his support is invaluable, especially when I’m ready for advice on the menu, marketing, and other aspects of the business.
Lila: That’s amazing, babe!
Lila: I can’t wait to meet the man who stole your heart.
Fallon: Back at you. I still need to meet Brooks.
Lila: Who would have thought we’d both find our Prince Charming!
Fallon: Well, obviously. We’re amazing.
Lila: I know, right?!
An hour later, I step off the elevator to the lobby of the apartment building. Walter is standing at the concierge desk, sorting through a box of supplies filled with tissues, envelopes, and a package of extra key fobs.
He looks up with a smile. “Good morning, Miss Fallon.”
“Morning. I brought you some chocolate chip cookies.” I hold out a clear container, setting it on the counter between us.
“Thank you. I can’t wait to try them,” he says enthusiastically. “Mr. Stafford was telling me all about your restaurant on his way to the office this morning. I can’t wait to see it.”
“If you’re free later, we could stop by,” I suggest. “It’s still a construction zone, but I’d like to get your thoughts on the space. I have a call with an interior designer next week and need to finish putting a plan together before then.”
“Let’s go during my lunch break,” Walter says as he pulls out another box of tissues. “Would you mind putting this in my desk drawer?”
I nod, grabbing the box and moving around Walter’s desk to open the top drawer. I have to shuffle through pens, sticky notes, and old receipts to make space for the tissues. At the bottom of the pile, a blue collar catches my eye. Walter doesn’t own a pet, so it’s curious that he has one. Maybe it’s from an animal that belongs to one of the residents.
I glance over at Walter, who’s rushing to open the front door for a woman in a black blazer and pencil skirt, with a briefcase in hand, heading out of the building.
With him distracted, I grab the collar to study it closer. The small size and the bell attached suggest it’s a cat collar. The only reason I know that is because I had to buy one for Cat. I squint to read the engraved tag: “Urban Tails Animal Shelter.” That’s the shelter where Walter volunteers. He’s told me they primarily take in cats, which is a perfect fit given his reputation as the “cat whisperer.” He’s definitely earned the title in my book.
Cat was surprisingly at ease around him when Harrison and I left for Aspen Grove, and even now, Cat still gravitates toward him whenever he comes up to the penthouse, which is odd since he’s still cagey around everyone else, including Harrison.
And then it clicks.
The day Cat showed up, the penthouse was hectic with deliveries for my catering events, and Walter made multiple trips upstairs to lend a hand to the couriers. I was busy in the kitchen and wasn’t paying attention to him coming and going, but he must have brought Cat up at some point. Now that I’ve found this collar, it’s the only explanation that makes sense.
My mind races, wondering why he would have left Cat with me in the first place. I did mention the pranks between Harrison and me and how I was relieved that he hadn’t pulled another one before he went on his trip. However, there was no guarantee that we would keep Cat or that it would bring Harrison and me together.
“You okay, Miss Fallon?” Walter asks, approaching the desk.
I glance up, holding out the cat collar. “Look what I found.” I pause, watching for his reaction. “Is this Cat’s?”
“Curious.” Walter rubs his chin thoughtfully. “Wonder how that got in there.”
I raise an eyebrow. “Am I to believe it’s a coincidence that you have a cat collar in your desk, and I happen to have a cat in my apartment who showed up out of thin air?”
“Stranger things have happened.” He shrugs. “I must’ve put the collar in my pocket after an adoption event at the shelter and forgot to put it back.”
Except it’s not.
I’m certain it was Walter who brought Cat to my apartment. No matter his reasons, I’m grateful to him. They’ve both become part of my family—Walter is like the grandfather I never had and is now one of my closest confidants. I’m grateful to have him looking out for Harrison and me. Cat can be a handful, but he’s ours and I wouldn’t change a thing.
I place the collar back in the drawer, and tuck the tissues beside it.
Walter watches as I approach him and I wrap my arms around him for a hug.
“Thank you for everything,” I whisper.
“You’re welcome.” He draws back with a smile. “Are you happy, Miss Fallon?”
“The happiest I’ve ever been.” I grin.
No truer words have been spoken.
A year ago, I never could have pictured this life for myself—with a man who loves me unconditionally, a cat who shares my fondness for scary movies, and a strong support system in Walter and the Staffords.
Somehow, Harrison and I ended up exactly where we were meant to be. Funny how those closest to us always seem to interfere for the better, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. Having people who care enough to push me toward happiness is something I’ll never take for granted.
This is only the start of our love story, and I can’t wait for what comes next.