Chapter 24
Eleanor
Standing in the middle of The Dancing Daisy, I turn in a circle to take it all in. Strong arms wrap around me and pull me against a hard chest.
“It’s ready. You’re ready,” Shinsu says. I can’t help thinking he’s right.
I’ve kept most of the shop the same as Lucille had it, but I’ve added a fresh coat of paint, changing the sage-green accents to an aquamarine shade that reminds me of Shinsu.
The same orange leather chairs still sit in the reading corner and are now surrounded by a wider variety of magical candies, all of which Shinsu and I have explored together.
In the stationery section, I’ve added a few Knights and Castles materials too, including a wide selection of dice and other gaming props recommended by Shinsu. Plus, a sign-up sheet for anyone who wants to join their next campaign, which already has my name at the top of the list.
I rest my hands on Shinsu’s arms and lean into him. “It has to be ready. Not like we can cancel the ribbon-cutting ceremony.”
Shinsu turns me around and cups my shoulders. “If you tell me you want to cancel, I’ll lock the door right now. Just give me the word.”
Smiling up at my handsome dragon, I say, “And I’ll love you for it. But I’m okay. I’m excited.”
Like fate had timed those words, a knock sounds at the door. “Cake delivery!” Maisie says brightly as she waltzes in, Ren close on her heels as he carries the enormous cake, propping it up with his tail for extra balance.
“I love what you’ve done with the place,” Maisie says as she turns in the center of the shop. Her gaze bounces over the stone walls and the shelves filled with a now much-expanded romance section before settling on the large calendar with its colorful markings. “Is this a community activity board?”
I walk over to Maisie while Shinsu shows Ren where to put the cake.
“Thank you, and yes. I’ll explain everything later in my speech, but I’m planning more events and opportunities for everyone to connect.
My hope is that The Dancing Daisy will become a community hub where we can get together and do things we enjoy, maybe even learn a new skill or hobby.
” I point at the different days on the calendar as I explain, “We’ve already got the themed book clubs, and we’ll do craft nights too for embroidery, crochet, and knitting.
There will also be sip-and-paint evenings and book bedazzling.
A little something for everyone. And so many of the locals have offered to lead events, so it’s really a joint project on the hill and I’m just hosting. ”
Maisie bumps me with her shoulder. “Will you get annoyed with me if I sign up for all of them?”
I chuckle. “Not at all. I’m always happy to see you.” And I mean that from the bottom of my heart.
Since moving to Starry Hill, I’ve felt happier and more fulfilled than I ever have before. I didn’t realize how bad the quagmire of my life was before I became a part of the Starry Hill community. Here, they’ve breathed new life into me.
Especially Shinsu. Being loved by him is a gift.
Going swimming with him at sunset every day is fun, either in his dragon form or his human form.
Reading in my chair while he games with the boys on Saturdays is delightful.
Eating his freshly baked bread and cooking dinner with him in the evenings is a dream.
Everything about our life together feels like a fairy tale and like I’m living in my happily ever after.
Including waking up with him in the mornings, making slow, passionate love as the sun’s rays filter into our home, or evenings where he fucks me so hard I scream until my voice is hoarse—it’s all one giant adventure. A very happy one, at that.
Since I’ve been here, I’ve not had any contact with my mother.
I’ve thrown away my straightener and had Beryl—Bodin’s twin sister and owner of The Viny Shears, Starry Hill’s barbershop and hair salon— teach me about curly hair care, following her advice and ordering the right products to look like my most authentic self.
Every day, I get to wear dresses, if I want. I love embracing my curves, and I love the way Shinsu loves them too. It’s like I lived in the shadows for most of my life, and now I’ve finally found my way into the light.
Maisie takes both my hands in her. “I’m so happy you’re here to stay. You’ve already made such a big impact on Starry Hill. And Beck.” Cringing, Maisie smacks herself on the forehead. “Sorry, I mean Shinsu. I’m still getting used to calling him that, but isn’t it just such a good name?”
I lower her hand and smile understandingly.
“It’s okay, and I agree. It’s a beautiful name and suits him perfectly.
” Rubbing my thumb over the back of Maisie’s hand, I think back to the reason I came to Starry Hill in the first place, feeling grateful for fate leading me here to help her open her cakery.
“Thank you, Maisie. Thank you for welcoming me and making me feel a part of the community right from the start.”
Narrowing her eyes playfully, Maisie shakes a warning finger at me.
“You can’t start with all the deep feelings so early in the day, or else we’ll all be a crying mess before the main event.
But let me just say, it wasn’t hard by any means to befriend you.
You slotted right into place here the moment you set foot on the island. ”
I’m about to reply with my thanks again, but Maisie forges ahead, slipping her arm through mine and dragging me toward the refreshment table.
“Now let me show you the cake. We went with carrot because it was your favorite at your first ladies’ night, but I added a bunch of stuff to it to make it more interesting—you’ve got a load of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, coconut flakes, raisins, chopped pecans, some pineapple juice, and then the best addition, a generous helping of spiced rum. ”
My mouth gapes open at the decadent two-tiered cake. “That does sound amazing. And it looks incredible. I love it all. Thank you so much.”
“The pleasure is all mine.” Maisie juts her chin toward Ren and Shinsu hanging out by the candy display.
“Just look at our guys chatting and smiling so much. You know, not too long ago they were the quiet awkward ones on the island. I mean, they still have their oddities, and we love them for it, but they’re no longer the outcasts living on the edge of the community.
Look at them here at the center of it all, helping with the town’s biggest event in ages. ”
My heart blossoms with her words, watching Shinsu smile and laugh with Ren, knowing he’s loved and valued and integral to Starry Hill. There’s a relaxed set to Shinsu’s shoulders, a smile always lying in wait when he looks at me, and a lightness in his gaze now that he’s at peace with his dragon.
Like the guys know we’re talking about them, they come over, each of them slinging a possessive arm around our waists.
“Congratulations on the reopening of The Dancing Daisy,” Ren says, perhaps a little shyly. “It looks new yet familiar. Refreshed is perhaps the best word.”
I press a hand to my chest. “Thank you, Ren. The Daisy already has such a strong spirit, I didn’t want to change her too much. But I’m excited for our future.”
“I hope I’m included in this future,” a sassy voice calls from the entrance.
My jaw drops as Audrey waltzes in with a giant bouquet of red roses. “Audrey. You’re here.”
“You didn’t think I’d miss this, did you?” Audrey says as she draws me into a hug. Speaking over my shoulder, she passes Shinsu the flowers. “Be a doll and magic up some water for these, please.”
My brain is still trying to catch up. “It’s Friday. It’s a work day.”
Audrey shrugs as a sly smirk kicks up at the corner of her mouth. “So what if it is? I can take down the patriarchy any day of the week, but it’s rare that one of your best friends opens her dream shop.”
Tears fill my eyes, but before I can let them fall, Tilly waddles into the shop too, Bodin hovering close behind her.
“Oh, look. The gang’s all here,” Tilly says as she joins us, one hand cradling her growing stomach.
Audrey gives Tilly a quick once over. “Fucking hells, cousin. You okay?”
“Why wouldn’t she be?” Bodin asks defensively.
“Because based on my research, her stomach is significantly bigger than what’s to be expected at this point in her pregnancy.” Turning to Tilly, she says placatingly, “But you look fantastic though. You’re glowing. Never been more beautiful.”
Maisie studies Tilly’s rounded belly. “Is it because it’s a half-orc baby and they’re bigger than human babies?”
Tilly’s eyes widen and she wobbles her head from side to side, not denying nor confirming Maisie’s question.
Audrey gasps. “Don’t tell me there are two in there.”
Bodin puffs out his chest. “Twins run in our family.”
“Holyyyy—”
“Damn—”
“Fucking—”
“Congratulations!” I raise my voice about the cacophony of expletives. “That’s so exciting.”
“And scary,” Maisie says, knocking her knees together.
Shinsu looks down at me as he pulls me closer, keeping his voice low as he says, “Maybe soon we can also give them a little friend to play with?”
“Maybe,” I say, knowing that plan isn’t too far into the future. Shinsu and I both want a family with at least a couple of kids, and neither of us want to wait too long until we start trying.
For now though, we’re enjoying each other and settling into our new life.
Lucille is next to arrive and I give her a private tour, showing her everything that I’ve kept exactly the same. I wait nervously for her approval when I show her the changes and the community board.
Lifting a wrinkly hand toward me, Lucille gives me a watery smile. “Eleanor dear, you’re exactly what The Daisy needed. I knew she had a lot more to give, and you found a way to bring that forth.”
I squeeze her hand gently. “I want to make you proud. And make our Daisy proud.”
Lucille shakes her head. “My dear, you don’t need my approval, even though you’ve always had it. The only person whose opinion matters here is yours. I hope you are so proud of yourself for how far you’ve come, how much you’ve grown, and how much you’ve given to our community.”
Tilly inconspicuously hands me a handkerchief as she passes by, and I dab at my eyes, not wanting to ruin the little bit of makeup I have on today.
Soon, more creatures arrive, gathering outside the shop while my friends help me with some finishing touches. Shinsu, Ren, and Bodin hand out wrapped books to those in line, a little blind-date-with-a-book gift chosen from my list of personal favorites to those who are joining us.
By the time Arran—in full sunscreen protection—and Doc Calla arrive, everyone’s buzzing with energy, ready to cut the giant orange ribbon and head inside to explore the shop.
Doc Calla, as the town’s matriarch, gives me a heartwarming introduction and then it’s time for my speech.
I swallow down my nerves and stand tall as I start speaking.
“Thank you to everyone who’s made it here today to celebrate the reopening of The Dancing Daisy with us.
For decades, The Dancing Daisy has been a fixture in this community, and being entrusted with her means so much to me.
The legacy of what Lucille and her Lochan built here, with the guidance of his family before them, I promise to continue.
My hope is that The Dancing Daisy will become a hub in this community, a safe space to connect with others, not only for the bibliophiles, but for anyone needing a friend or a new hobby to explore.
” I look toward Arran and dip my head at him, echoing this community’s slogan that he made almost four hundred years ago.
“Starry Hill—and The Dancing Daisy—welcome all.”
Arran approaches me and shakes my hand. “Congratulations, Eleanor.” Then, he hands me some very large antique-looking shears before melting back into the crowd.
I can’t help but think of how many shop reopenings these shears have been a part of and how much history they’ve witnessed in this community. Getting to hold them too is an honor I don’t take lightly.
Looking at everyone gathered in front of me, and Shinsu by my side, a smile stretches across my face as I angle the shears against the orange fabric. Cheers resound from the crowd as the ribbon separates and flutters to the ground, amplifying the exhilarated feeling rushing through my veins.
My heart swells as creatures slowly funnel into my shop, smiles and words of encouragement on their lips.
I lean against Shinsu as I watch them head to different sections, many of them pointing out changes I’ve made, and a large group lingering around the community board, discussing which events to sign up for.
I couldn’t have imagined a more perfect day.
Shinsu presses a kiss to my head. “You did it, Nori. You made your own dream come true. I know you don’t need to hear it from me, but I’m so proud of you.”
I wrap my arms around Shinsu’s waist and stare up at his beautiful face and the two pearlescent horns glinting in the sun.
“Thank you. I don’t think I would’ve been brave enough to do this without you.
Your support, all the planning sessions, the late nights we’ve worked together, the numerous trips into the city to get the right stock, it means so much to me. ”
Shinsu cradles my face, his thumb brushing across my cheek. “You’re very welcome. I’ll always be here to help you with anything you need.”
“Well, since you’re offering…”
“Yes?”
I flutter my eyelashes at him, pretending this is a new idea and that I haven’t been practicing in secret over the past few weeks. “Can we go to The Singing Seahorse tonight? I have a little surprise for you. Just a small thank-you for everything.”
Shinsu’s eyes widen, anticipation building behind them. “Are you going to sing karaoke?”
I try my best to give him a nonchalant shrug, fighting off my blush that he’s already figured out my plan. “You’ll just have to wait and see. Now let’s head inside and celebrate this day with our community.”
Shinsu laces our fingers together. “You lead the way.”
Every night when I go to sleep, I think that day was the best day of my life. So far, each day has only gotten better, but it’s certainly going to be hard to top today as my current number one.