Epilogue
EVE
May, Five Months Later
Stopping outside the empty storefront window with a coming soon sign hanging in it, a smile breaks free for the millionth time in the last two months. It’s all mine. I still can’t believe I’m opening my own boutique after a year in business.
The lease opportunity was too good to pass up when this space in Main Street Square became available.
Plus, I have the best support system in the world. Cole, my family, and friends all have my back like they have from the beginning.
Upbeat music drifts from inside. I unlock the door and balance the coffees I stopped for on the way back. Another smile tugs at my lips once I walk inside.
Cole’s dancing with Bauer’s front paws in his hands. Pink paint splatters the white t-shirt stretched across his broad frame. There’s some in his messy brown hair, I think.
The grand opening won’t be for another month. Once we got the keys, we got to work right away on turning this space into my vision. Cole’s even going to build me a fake camper display in the corner.
When I look back only a short while ago to how nervous and freaked out I was leading up to my first market event, I shake my head at myself. There are still days I get jitters.
It’s amazing to be in full control of my job and every decision that goes into it, though it all still falls on me. Sometimes I have a huge win and sometimes my choices are a flop. I have to own them either way.
Although when things are hard, I never have to face them alone.
These days I feel like I’m more settled. Days still pass me by quickly, but I no longer dread the end of the year because whatever I’ve accomplished, I’m proud of. I feel like I understand myself and what I want a lot better.
My business has continued growing steadily. In addition to opening my own boutique, I have interest for my first wholesale partnerships sitting in my inbox.
A year changes so much. I’d never be here without everyone’s support.
I love my life now. And I love Cole with my entire heart.
“Hey,” he says warmly. “How’d it go?”
I set the coffee tray down so I don’t spill it before twirling and striking a pose. “You are officially looking at the full-time artist and owner behind Sweet Luxe.”
Mr. Boucher was unsurprised when I finally gave notice today at the end of my shift. I’ve been putting it off despite my dwindling hours. Reagan’s taken over most of my usual nights as a bartender.
It’s so freeing to let go of the job I’ve kept since college because it was the only safety net I knew. Now I’ve built something for myself that I’m passionate about, a career that I wouldn’t trade for the world. It feeds my creative soul and my need for new challenges.
Cole pats the puppy’s flank when he lets him down from dancing and comes over to hug me. I fall into his embrace, comforted by his woodsy scent enveloping me.
“That’s my girl. I’m proud of you.”
“I’m proud of myself, too.”
Bauer noses at my hip. I pull free to kneel at his level.
“And my sweet Bauer-boy is proud, huh?”
He gets worked up, responding with chatty barks. I ruffle his fur, then hug him. When I look up, Cole is taking photos of us on his phone.
“You got a lot done while I was out.”
“Benson was here this morning to give me a hand.”
The bond of their friendship hasn’t been damaged by us hiding our relationship from him. They’re closer than ever.
I hand him his coffee and sip mine. Bauer trots around the room before settling in his bed beneath the checkout counter in progress. I unlock my phone to check my email, but open my library app on autopilot. A delighted noise leaves me.
“The next book in the cowboy romance series I wanted to borrow is available.” I waggle my brows at him. “This one’s about the older brother’s best friend.”
He steps behind me, drawing my hair aside to kiss my shoulder. “Get it. We can start listening to it tonight.”
I love listening to books with him. He’s gone from being the guy I dream up for every hero to my real life book boyfriend.
The next song from the playlist he’s listening to is slower. He plucks the phone from my hand and turns me around, drawing me into dancing with him. I giggle when he nuzzles my temple and plays with the scarf tying my hair back.
“You’re beautiful.”
My eyes crinkle with serene joy. “What’s that for?”
“Just because.”
I lift my chin for a kiss, smiling when his lips meet mine. He adjusts his grip on my hand and twirls me. I overcompensate, getting too into it. I wobble off balance with a bright laugh, steadying myself.
Cole holds out a hand. I slip mine into it without hesitation, glad we no longer have to love each other in secret.
“Ready to go home?”
My heartfelt smile could light up the whole room. I lean into him. He plants a kiss on my head.
“I’d happily go anywhere with you.”
Because as long as I’m with him, there are no bad days.