Riding the Sugar High: a Grumpy Sunshine Romantic Comedy

Epilogue

Logan

“You’re so fucking annoying.”

“Am I? Or are you mad because I’m right?”

I stare into Ian’s blue eyes and shake my head. “Hmm...no, you’re just annoying.”

He points at the crate of zucchini between us. “Look, I don’t know much about vegetables, but?—”

“Clearly.”

“But zucchini is one of the few green things I eat. And these don’t look good. Come on, look at them.” He grabs one and holds it close to my face. “They’re yellow.”

I know he’s a client, but this is it. I’ll smack him. “You do know these are yellow zucchini, right?”

His eyes dart from me to the zucchini, then back to me. “Uh, what?”

Good god. “Why don’t you go back to marketing and have your wife, the actual chef, handle this?”

“Amelie is busy. We’re starting a new venture, and it’s been consuming a lot of our time.” When I blankly stare at him, he smiles wide. “Well, since you asked. Private chefs. I’m very excited about it—lots of new opportunities. In fact, we’re hiring. If you know of anyone who?—”

“Do you want the zucchini or not?” I hiss.

“Yes. But, I will tell Primrose that customer service has been lacking.”

“You do that,” I mumble as I gather my things.

Though I’m happy Barbie finally made friends in the area, did she have to get along with these people? I could even get on board with Shane and his wife, Heaven. Her name infuriates me, but when we had dinner at their place last week, Shane and Primrose spent most of the night talking, so I ended up with her and her kids. Cute little things, the two of them.

And Amelie isn’t that bad, either. She’s smart and knows to respect my silence. But this guy? He never, ever shuts up. He never relents.

Unfortunately, Primrose is crazy about him.

“Do you want to come over for the game tonight?”

Game? What game?

I throw him a glance as I grab the pickup keys. “I’m busy. Taking out Barbie for our anniversary.”

“Oh, congrats.” He follows me to the back door of the restaurant. “Shane and I meet every Saturday. Neither of us gives much of a shit about the game, but that’s when the girls have their ‘kids and husband-free night,’ so we made it a thing.”

I think of Primrose scolding me for not giving Ian a chance, then nod. “Fine. Next Saturday.”

“Really?” Brows arched high, he smiles. “Nice. Amelie always leaves us snacks. I’ll make sure they’re vegan-friendly.”

After studying his face for a few seconds, I nod. “Thank you.”

“See ya,” he says as I turn around and walk. “Oh, and really, if you know of anyone looking for a job, we have several open positions.”

I stop in front of the pickup. “My brother has been looking for something.”

“Great. Tell him to check our website.”

“Will do.” I enter the pickup, and I swear I wouldn’t be surprised if he waved until I disappeared behind the corner. If I’m a Doberman, and Primrose is a chihuahua, this guy is a golden retriever.

And I’m more of a cow person.

I grab my phone and tap on my text thread with Barbie.

Logan

On my way back.

Primrose

I’m in Roseberg for a meeting. Did Amelie give you some documents for me?

Logan

Haven’t seen her. She left Ian in charge.

Primrose

Oh-uh. Were you nice to him?

My eyes roll.

Logan

Yep. We kissed and all.

Primrose

I’ll let it slide this time, but you’re only supposed to kiss me. See you later, cowboy. ILY

Sorry. I forgot you hate that. I LOVE YOU!

“Yes, I do hate that,” I mumble with a smile. If she’s going to tell me my favorite words in the whole world, she should actually say them.

I start the pickup and drive towards the farm. Work has finally slowed down after a very intense summer, but I can’t complain. I get to do the best job in the world and fall asleep next to the most perfect woman.

I have family and friends around—even when I don’t want them—and I’m healthier. This reminds me that I’m seeing my therapist tomorrow.

Tapping on Kyle’s contact, I relax into the seat.

“Boss?”

“Hey. All set for tonight?”

“Absolutely. Enjoy your dinner out, and I’ll take care of everything here. Primrose is going to freak.”

Yes, she will. I’ve been freaking out too, in fact, but I simultaneously can’t wait. I’ve been thinking about this for a while, and I know it’s the right moment. Hopefully, she’ll feel the same.

“Great, thank you,” I say as I stop at a red light. “I expect to not be able to work much tomorrow. You and Simon have it covered?”

“Hey, I’m the vice-boss for a reason.”

“That’s a title you made up.”

“Yes, but isn’t it accurate?”

I guess it is. He’s been working like a donkey at the farm. “Sure. I’m still not calling you that.”

“Just get your ass back here. Big night tonight.”

I hang up, then exhale as I grip the steering wheel. “Yep. Big night tonight.”

* * *

Primrose

“Hello?” I call as I enter Desserts for Stressed People. They’re closed today, and seeing the bakery not bursting with customers is weird.

“In here!”

I follow Amelie’s voice to the back, my nose scrunching at a weird smell. I can’t identify it precisely, but it’s terrible. Are they having a sewage problem?

“Hi, Prim,” Heaven says with a tired voice. She’s nursing her newborn, Marty, and though she looks at peace, I can tell she’s exhausted. Especially next to Amelie, who’s always quite energetic.

“Sorry to bother?—”

“Please,” Amelie stops me. She hands me the documents beside her and squeezes my shoulder. Thank you so much for looking at these. The lawyer is out until next week, and we need to get the papers started.”

“Of course.” I’ve done all of this already when I launched Uncandy, and though it’s not exactly complicated, I remember feeling overwhelmed when I first started the application to open a business. “I’m sure you’ve done everything right anyway.”

“Hey,” Heaven says as her eyes narrow. “Isn’t it your anniversary today?”

I nod. I briefly mentioned it when we had dinner last week, but with everything she has going on, I’m surprised she remembered. “It is. Logan is taking me out for dinner. And apparently, he has a surprise for me.”

“Surprise?” Amelie’s eyes widen. “What surprise?”

When I give her a shrug, she scoffs.

“Come on. You must have at least a suspicion.”

I guess I do, but I’m a little afraid to voice my thoughts. If I admit it might be what I think, and then it isn’t, I’ll be devastated.

“Please, tell us,” Heaven whispers as she shifts Marty against her breast. I’m dying to talk about anything other than baby stuff.”

After a moment of hesitation, I smile. “Fine. Okay. I think...maybe, uh...maybe he’ll propose.”

“What?!” Amelie whisper-screams. “Propose?” She gasps, turning to Heaven. “Oh my god!”

Heaven smiles. “Amelie is quite fond of weddings.”

“No kidding. If he does propose, I’ll need help planning it, so...”

“I volunteer.”

I smile, and I’d normally stay and chat for longer than this, but this smell is giving me a headache. “Is everything okay with the bakery?”

“Uh, yes? Why?” Heaven asks in a doubtful voice.

“No, nothing. It’s just—” I point my finger around me. “The smell?”

“What smell?”

I turn to Amelie, and she’s as confused as Heaven. “Did Marty poop?” she asks. “‘Cause at this point, I can’t even tell anymore.”

“No, it’s like, um...sewage, maybe? Do you guys really not smell it?”

“Oh.” Amelie points her thumb behind her. “Did you get here from the square? They’re doing some work on the fountain and, holy stink. Maybe it just rubbed on you.”

I guess that must be it. “Crazy—it feels like it’s right under my nose.” I brush the thought off. “Anyway, I’ll text on the group chat tomorrow. Wish me good luck.”

“Good luck, Prim. Text first thing in the morning,” Ames says with an encouraging smile, but when I turn to Heaven, her brows are tight over her eyes.

“Is everything okay?”

“Oh, yes.” She shakes her head. “I was just...do you really smell that in here?”

I nod. “It’s making me nauseous.”

“Hmm.” Heaven glances at Amelie, who gasps.

“What? What is it?”

Amelie rubs her brow, mumbling something about how ‘it’s happening again.’ Seriously, they’re freaking me out.

“It could be nothing, Prim, but...A heightened sense of smell is a very common sign of, uh...I found out I was pregnant with Nevaeh because Shane was cooking at home, and it felt like he’d shoved an onion in my nostrils.”

I swallow, blinking. Logan and I had to go back to condoms a couple of months ago because my gynecologist wanted me to stop taking contraception for a while. We’ve been careful, though.

Could she be right? Could I be pregnant?

“If you want, I still have a few tests back home,” Heaven offers.

My first reaction is to shake my head, but it’s not a bad idea. I want to run to Logan, but I’m not sure how he’ll react to this, and I don’t want to take the test by myself. “Y-yeah, okay.”

“Don’t worry,” Amelie says as she cups my elbow. “It could be nothing. And if it is, you’ll take it one step at a time. You’re not alone.”

“Right,” Heaven confirms. “And let’s not panic or celebrate before you know for sure.” She stands, adjusting her bra and shirt. “Come on, let’s go. We got you.”

I follow them out of the bakery, unable to process any thoughts. I’ve always wanted a big family, and Logan wants kids too. But is now the right moment? We’ve only been together a year.

And how is he going to take it?

* * *

Logan

“Are you sure you enjoyed dinner?”

Primrose nods, her hand tightening around mine. “Yes, I’m just not very hungry.” She gives me an apologetic smile. “Sorry.”

“No, you’re fine.” It’s just...she was also weirdly silent. I never have to carry the conversation, yet she looked distracted tonight. Maybe she guessed what’s about to happen and she’s nervous. “Ready for your surprise?”

“So ready.” She smiles wide, looking gorgeous in her light blue dress. She’s gotten a whole collection of cowgirl boots, pink included, and tonight, she’s wearing an indigo pair.

“Great.” I step behind her and then cover her eyes with my hands. “Let’s go.”

We walk around the house, and once we get to the backyard, I see Kyle’s setup and mentally thank him. It’s perfect.

“All right. Hope you’re prepared.”

She nods, excitement making her whole body vibrate. “Stop stalling!”

I lift my hands off her eyes and watch her face. Her excited smile turns into shock as she blinks, and once her lips bend in a slight frown, I turn to the pink bike sitting at the center of my backyard. I got her a Yamaha YZF-R3, perfect for beginners, then spent the last week custom painting it pink. The pink helmet is there. So are the pink suit and the pink boots. It’s everything she’s been wanting for the last year, so I don’t understand why she looks...disappointed.

“Oh my god, Logan. This is...perfect.”

“Yeah? Does your face know?”

She gives me a scolding look. “I love it. Wow, look at that.” She walks to the bike, tentatively touching it as if she’s afraid it’ll fall. “I can’t believe you got me a bike.”

Me neither. I might start having panic attacks again. “You’re not allowed to take it out without me.”

“Am I not?” She cocks a brow at me. “Then you’re not allowed to take yours out without me.”

“Deal.” I don’t care if I have to sacrifice a ride here and there. There’s no way I’d be able to cope with her riding by herself.

Her fingers brush the helmet and the suit. She looks at them dreamily, but there’s something wrong. I expected her to be screaming and jumping up and down, to be already trying to get it off the stand, turn it on, and maneuver it. But her head seems somewhere else.

“Backpack?” She glances at me over her shoulder. “Tell me what’s wrong.”

“Nothing’s wrong,” she reassures me. She walks closer and hooks her arms around my neck. “I’m sorry. I promise I love it.”

“Are you not ready to talk about whatever is going on?”

She bites her bottom lip. “Yeah. I’ll need a minute.”

Okay. I’ll respect that. I might die from anxiety, but that’s not her problem. “But you won’t dump me, right?”

Her eyes narrow. “They’ll have to pry you out of my cold, dead hands.”

Good. “And you still...LM?”

With a chuckle, she pulls me closer, and once her lips are an inch away from mine, she whispers, “Yes. ILY.”

I kiss her, and she responds in the usual enthusiastic way, which immediately soothes me. Though I want to know what’s wrong, I can deal with whatever it is as long as she’s with me.

“Do you want to take your new bike for a spin?”

Her eyes blow wide, her hand cupping her belly. “Uh, n-no, not now.”

“Are you nauseous?”

“What?” I point at her hand, and she sucks in a gasp. “Oh, no. I’m fine.”

Weird, weird, weird.

“Okay, then. Let’s go back in?”

Her hand sinks into mine, and she follows me inside the house.

“I know what you need,” I say once the backdoor closes behind me, and I circle her back with my arms. Snuggles and a movie. Get settled under the blanket and choose what we’re watching. I’ll get some snacks.”

“I love you, you know?” She looks up at me, and her eyes are misty. Is she feeling emotional? I mean, I guess I am too. When I woke up this morning, I couldn’t stop smiling. We’ve been together for a whole year, and it’s been the best year of my life. Through arguments and filthy sex, soft moments and new traditions, we’ve made a whole life together. A life I’m pretty freaking proud of.

“I love you.” I rub my thumb along her cheek. “I wouldn’t change a single thing about our life.”

Once again, though I expect a smile, I’m surprised by a frown. “Well, some change is good, though, right?”

“Sure. I just mean...I think everything’s perfect already.”

Her lips twist, and I know I said something wrong, but before I can ask, she leans closer and tilts her chin up. After I kiss her, she smiles and walks toward the living room. “I’ll pick a nice movie.”

“Popcorn incoming.”

I turn to the counter and breathe out. What matters is that she’s mine. That she loves me. Whatever change she’s thinking about, we’ll deal with it together.

* * *

Primrose

Marching past the orchard, I walk to the stables. The guys meet here every morning for their meeting, and I woke up feeling like I would explode if I didn’t talk to Logan. So I will. Right now.

Kyle and Simon are leading the meeting, while Logan is with his back to the stables, and the rest of the workers are scattered around them. As soon as Simon spots me, he snaps his fingers in Logan’s direction and jerks his chin toward me.

Logan’s brows tighten as I stomp closer, until he walks to meet me halfway. “What’s?—”

“A bike, Logan? That’s your surprise?”

His mouth opens, then his eyes dart left and right. “You’ve wanted one since we met. You’ve asked for one nearly every day, and you said it had to be pink, and?—”

“I know all of that!”

“Then why are you screaming at me?”

I don’t know. Hormones? Panic? Who’s to say. After I took those two tests at Heaven’s apartment and two more back at the house, I figured...He’ll propose to me tonight, and I’ll tell him I’m pregnant. Hell, it’ll be the best night of our lives. I was sure of it, even though I had no evidence. Then he showed me the bike.

I’m pregnant, and he got me a motorcycle.

“Are you ever going to propose to me?”

A ‘holy shit’ echoes from where the guys are standing, but Logan barely reacts. “That’s what you’re upset about? You never told me you wanted me to propose.”

“You should want to propose.”

Why am I being such an idiot? We’ve been together for a year. One. Year. Yes, I thought he would propose, but I have no reason to expect him to.

I still can’t stop myself. I was scared of how he’d react yesterday, but after the bike? I’m terrified. I figured he was ready to settle down, while he was thinking about teaching me wheelies.

“What the hell is going on, Barbie?”

I shake my head, then notice the workers staring at me with wide eyes and amused smiles. Bet they think I’m a psycho. God, maybe I am. “Nothing. Just—” I shake my head. “Just forget about it.” I turn, but Logan calls my name, so I face him again. “Seriously, Logan?—”

My voice fades out as I see him kneeling. He looks up at me, and my heart goes into a frenzy.

“No, you shouldn’t propose because I told you to.”

“I don’t follow rules, and I barely take suggestions.” He fishes into his back pocket, then takes out his wallet. As he extracts a ring, my mouth drops open. “Remember?”

Holy shit. So I was right!

“You—you?—”

“Looks like you’re done screaming, huh?” he mumbles. He holds his hand out, and with cheers from every one of his employees, I cringe and walk closer. Once my hand rests in his, he smiles. “Hi, giant red flag. Wanna tell me what’s wrong with you before we do this?”

I shake my head firmly.

“All right, then.” He swallows. “Primrose, I’ve had this ring for the last six months. I bought it the day of Uncandy’s launch, when I moved to Mayfield to be with you. I knew back then that if I was willing to leave the farm for you, I was in love beyond what I ever thought possible.” When I smile, he does too. “And I knew you were the woman I wanted to marry when you didn’t ask me to leave everything behind for you.”

Seriously? I can’t believe he’s had the ring for six months.

“So, on my way to see you, I went to a jewelry store and bought this.”

I look at the ring for the first time—a thin golden band with a light pink gem. Perfectly me. “I love it.”

“I knew you would.” He inhales and exhales, watching my eyes with content ease. “I kept this ring with me all the time, and the only reason I haven’t given it to you yet is that I didn’t know you were ready for it. You haven’t talked about it besides saying that you’d like to get married at some point, and I didn’t want to spook you.”

I wish I’d had the same thought when I shouted at him that he should propose in front of all his employees.

“But I do want to marry you. I want to be with you forever.” He smiles. “I also want to get up, because the guys won’t let me live this down, so...” He kisses the top of my hand, eyes stuck on mine. “Primrose Bellevue?—”

“I’m pregnant.”

A shrieked ‘What?’ emerges from the group—it sounded like Kyle—but I can’t look away from Logan. He seems confused, as if he’s suddenly forgotten how to speak English.

“You...you...” His lifted arm drops. “Is it mine?” When my fear morphs into anger, he shakes his head. “N-no, that’s a stupid question. I, uh...”

I’m going to stomp on his head.

“We’re having a baby,” he whispers. His shoulders rise and fall fast, and though I wish he hadn’t said that, I can’t be mad at him. He’s doing so much better these days that I forget he’s still working on his anxiety. On his trauma.

I kneel in front of him and take his hand in mine. “Are you okay?”

He’s as white as a sheet as he lifts his gaze off the ground. “Are you?”

“I think so.” Though I definitely planned to wait a little longer, after sleeping on it, I can confidently say I’m happy about it. And Logan just proposed, which means he must be somewhat ready for the next stage in our lives. Doesn’t mean he’s ready to be a dad, though.

“Because you know I’ll support you no matter what you decide—about this or anything else.”

“I know, but I...I want this.” I tuck his hair behind his ear. “How do you feel about it?”

He blinks, and tears fall down his cheeks. I think they’re happy tears, but I need him to say something.

His arm wraps around me, gently pulling me forward. Once my face is buried in his chest, he fits his in the nook of my neck, and his soft tears turn into full-fledged sobs. I rub a soothing hand on his back, and he peppers my shoulder with kisses. “I was so afraid, Barbie. I was terrified.”

“I’m...I’m sorry. I just needed some time to process it. I hate that I worried you.”

“No.” He sniffles, grasping my face with both hands. “Before I met you, I was so scared this would never happen.” He kisses my chin, my lips, my cheeks. “And now I have you.” Another peck on my nose, my forehead, then my hairline. “And you love me so much you want to marry me.” The kisses keep raining down on me, and I fight against the overwhelming emotions I feel. “And now I’m going to be a dad.”

When he breaks into sobs again, I hug him. I’ve never seen him cry like this—never seen him so happy either. It makes me wish I’d told him immediately.

Clearing his throat, he pulls back and smiles. “Okay, let me do this right.” He shows me the ring, then cups my face with the other hand. “Primrose Bellevue, I found the ultimate reason not to date you.”

“Is that so?”

“Yes.” He kisses my lips. “Because if that’s okay with you, I’d rather marry you.”

I nod, and though I don’t have it with me, I mentally strike through the last item on my list. Not ‘marry me,’ no.

Give me a happily ever after.

THE END