Epilogue
Six months later
Ava
I never imagined my life would be filled with so much joy, but here I was living out my spectacular dreams. Sierra and her family were on trial for a long list of crimes. Austin and I had a small wedding in January and enjoyed our honeymoon in Paris.
I’d resigned from my city job and now dedicated myself to Beautiful Buns, creating more unique pastries and bread.
We added a new addition to the store, allowing for more tables and chairs and a party room.
Paula had returned and resumed her baking duties.
We also hired two new employees, one of whom managed our marketing campaigns.
I prepared one last platter of animal-shaped bread for a little girl’s birthday party. “This is ready for Francesca Lombardo.”
“Are you okay?” Cindy asked. “You look pale.”
“I’m heading home early. Been working too much.”
“We know.” Cindy smiled. “Go home. We’ve got it here.”
I grabbed my purse and started out when a family strode in. I sneezed as Juan approached.
“Bless you,” he said.
“Thank you,” I said to the man who had stolen my emerald bracelet. I’d heard from Officer Jensen that he’d finished his community service early.
“Hi.” I smiled. “How are you?”
“Because of you, I’m good. This is my family.” He gestured to a lovely woman in a floral dress. “My wife, Carla, and daughter, Joelle.” His daughter looked healthy and happy in her Hello Kitty T-shirt and jeans.
“Thank you for giving him a chance,” Carla said with tears filling her eyes. “You saved our family.” She draped an arm around her daughter. “Joelle has recovered wonderfully, thanks to your husband.”
Austin?
“Oh, what did he do?”
Juan smiled. “He paid for Joelle’s medical services—all of them.”
My chest constricted. I had no idea Austin had done that. I loved that man more each day.
“Thank you for helping me.” Joelle walked up, hugging me.
I embraced her back. “I’m so happy you’re healed. Live life to the fullest, and listen to your parents, okay?”
“Okay.” She beamed. “We’re here to support you. I love pastries.”
While Carla and Joelle browsed, Juan told me, “I got a new job that has better health insurance now.”
“That’s wonderful news!” I cheered.
“I’m part of the maintenance team at Austin’s new property in Auburn. It’s about a ten-minute drive from home. Thank you for everything.” He reached for my hand and shook it. “I’m so grateful.”
“You’re welcome.”
My heart was full when I arrived home. Who knew Juan’s life would turn out so beautifully. He’d made a mistake because of his love for his daughter. Everyone deserved a second chance.
Feeling overly sensitive, I poured myself a glass of juice and sat on the couch in the living room, crying.
When Austin arrived home, he saw me and rushed over. “What’s wrong?”
Austin
“Just happy.” She stretched out her arms to me.
Coming home and seeing her everyday was a blessing. When Jeremy told me Sierra had targeted Ava, I was ready to release my evidence. But I didn’t need to anymore because other victims had come forward with more proof that would put the Montage family in prison for a long time.
“Happy tears?” I wrapped an arm around her. “Tell me what I missed.”
I was worried she’d been working too much. She’d looked pale for a few weeks now. I’d told her to cut back her hours at the bakery, but she refused. The joy on her face when people bought her creations was indescribable.
“Juan stopped by the shop today with his family. He told me what you did.” She cupped my face with both hands and kissed me. “Why didn’t you tell me?”
I shrugged. “You were busy fulfilling orders. He mentioned he’d stop by with his family to thank you.”
“You’re now his boss.” Ava leaned back onto the couch, sounding out of breath. “You gave them a miracle.”
“You were my miracle when you came back to me.” I squeezed her shoulder. “So it makes sense to share the magic with others.”
She told me about Carla buying two boxes of pastries to share with their friends.
Ava shifted to face me. “I’ve got a miracle for you.”
“Yeah? An evening date baking in the kitchen with you in sexy lingerie?”
“Maybe.” She laughed. “I’ve got a bun in the oven.”
“What are you baking?” I looked toward the kitchen. “I don’t smell anything.”
She took my hand and placed it over her belly. “This kind of bun.”
Unspeakable joy burst in my belly. “Really?” I rubbed her flat stomach.
“I found out last week.” Excitement filled her eyes. “Haven’t told anyone yet.”
I kissed her and understood why she’d felt tired. Excitement, worry, and happiness coursed through me.
“We both ‘kneaded’ love.” I smiled at my gorgeous wife as I gave her belly a light squeeze. “And that created our little bun.”
Laughing, she kissed me. “Never gonna get bored of these puns.”
“We can open a sister store and call it Buns and Puns. We can add a bookstore to it.” I kissed her neck. “Maybe this is an opportunity for your collection of edible wearables for lovers.” Our honeymoon flashed into my mind. “We can repeat what happened in Paris.”
“Not a bad idea at all.” She giggled.
Grateful for this new addition to our family, we spent the rest of the day exploring baby names. My family was growing, and I was a blessed man excited to meet my son or daughter.
Thank you so much for reading!