28. Hayes
Chapter twenty-eight
Hayes
I roll over and stare at Lennon. Today is the day. The day that my life changes for the better. We have the grand opening of our new shop…yes, our shop. It would have never happened without Lennon, no matter what she says. I barely slept last night for many reasons. For one, for how busy everyone will be today. For another, Lennon’s book was released at midnight, so I woke up and started it. I’m not going to lie and say that I’ve already had to fight back tears. I can tell that she put a lot of her experience into it. I’m not the only one that started reading it already. Cash and Shelby have texted me with their reading updates. And there is one more reason I could barely sleep last night and that is what I’m most worried about. I want everything to be perfect today.
“Hayes? What time is it?” I pull my girl into my arms, not ready to get up and start the day. “It’s early, sunshine. Five. Sleep for a little longer. I’m going to get up and get showered and I’ll start breakfast.” She is already falling back to sleep by the time I am climbing out of bed. I tuck her back in before I head into the bathroom and start the shower. I look at my phone on the counter before stepping into the shower.
Pops
Still want me over at six thirty, son?
Yeah, if you don’t mind.
I’m getting in the shower now; I already have a bag packed for Rosie and Max.
Pops
Sounds good. See you soon.
My dad offered to watch over Rosie during the day, even though she’ll be at the shop with me and Lennon, and he’ll keep her tonight as well. I’m hoping that Rosie is so exhausted from the day that she won’t be upset about staying with my dad, because I know if Lennon sees her upset, she will be coming home with us. And I have plans for tonight.
I’m surprised when I come out of the attached bathroom, and Lennon is no longer in bed. I go downstairs and find Max lying on his dog bed, and Lennon in the kitchen starting on breakfast. “I love you for wanting me to be able to sleep in, but this is not the day for that, babe. Here’s some coffee. Bacon and eggs will be ready in a few minutes.” She hands me a steaming cup of coffee and goes back to the stove. “Oh, and Travis should be here in ten. I told him to come for breakfast.”
God, this woman. I love how she cares so much for everyone around her. She really claimed Travis as a pseudo younger brother, and I can tell that he loves it and thinks of her as a sister that he never had. “Thank you, sunshine. But you should have slept for a little bit longer.” She glares at me from over her shoulder. “Hayes. You and I both know that this whole weekend is not one to sleep in on. We can be lazy next weekend.” She’s right about that. I may suggest that we turn our phones off at least one day next weekend. I walk over to the oven and pull her into my arms. “I know. Me, you, and Rosie, blanket fort next weekend.” She nods her head. “And Max.” After hearing his name, the puppy runs into the room, wagging his tail.
I see Travis walking towards the house from the shop, so I walk to the French doors, and open them. He looks like he has something on his mind, so I step outside after whistling for Max. “Morning, Travis. Something bugging you?” He leans down to pet Max before speaking. “I read Lennon’s book.” My eyes widened at his admission. I only got to about fifty percent before I forced myself to put my phone down and try to get some sleep. “All of it?” Travis nods his head. “It was fucking amazing. Romance isn’t usually my thing, but I’m starting to rethink that.”
“That is going to mean a lot to her, Travis. But remember, she doesn’t know yet that we know about the book.” He doesn’t have a chance to respond because Lennon opens the door and tells us to come eat. “Morning, Len.” Travis gives her a hug before stepping into the kitchen. Once we sit down at the island, she sets heaping plates in front of us. “You need to eat something too, sunshine.” She sticks her tongue out at me as she holds up her small plate of hashbrowns and a piece of toast. Travis laughs at us as he starts to inhale his food. Before I know it, he is standing up, bringing his plate to the sink and washing it off. “Thanks for the breakfast. I better get to the shop and go over everything again before everything starts. ”
“Not so fast. Hayes is going with you.” I look at her in confusion, because that wasn’t the plan. “Babe, you need to go in and get ready and you know it. I will stay here until your dad comes to pick up Rosie and then I will meet you. I’ll be fine. Promise.” I know she is right, but I still take a minute to think about it. My dad should be here in about an hour, and I’ll text him and ask if he can follow her into town. I take my plate to the sink before giving her a kiss goodbye and telling her to be careful.
Today has been insane. I knew it was going to be busy, but today has blown me away. We have already sold two restorations, and I have two meetings lined up with potential customers. Travis has had a smile plastered on his face all day as people have come up to him to talk about his projects. I know that I made a good choice promoting him, he is doing better than I even thought he would.
“Hayes!” I turn to find Lennon walking over to me, but she isn’t alone. I take in the short blonde and the guy that looks familiar next to her. Lennon scoots under my arm. “This is Lily, her and her mom own Rise and Grind. And Elliot, her best friend. He is a firefighter, but you probably recognize him from playing him in baseball.” That’s where I recognized him from. I shake their hands. “Hey, nice to meet you, guys. Thanks for coming out. Lily, your desserts are simply amazing. They are a big hit!” Her cheeks pinken, while Elliot looks down at his friend with a wide smile. “Thank you, that means a lot to me.” I talk to them for a few more minutes and give Elliot my card when he says that he wants to talk sometime about a truck. I see my sister waving me over, so I excuse myself and head over to her.
“You ready, big brother?” I don’t even need to think about my answer. “More than ready.” I spot Cash and Shelby standing next to my dad with the kids, so I climb onto the small stage we put up. Travis hands me the microphone and he goes to stand next to Cash.
“Excuse me. Can I get your attention for a moment.?” I give the crowd a minute to quiet down before I continue, “I wanted to thank everyone for coming out today and supporting us on this move and expansion. But I wouldn’t have been able to do it without someone. Lennon. Sunshine, can you come up here please?” I see her weaving her way through the crowd, and she climbs up onto the stage and stands next to me. “For those of you that don’t know, this is Lennon. My girl. And she thought she was going to hide something from her family. Today she has published her first book, and I couldn’t be prouder of her. So how about we show her our love? Make sure you download her book, All Because of You.” Cash and Travis bring out the cake Shelby had Lily make. Lennon opens her mouth and then closes it. She has tears streaming down her face as I take her hand.
Shit, that was the easy part. What if she says no?