21. Epilogue
Epilogue
Luna
“All I’m saying is, it’s the perfect time for a little updating.
You can put your own spin on the place,” Mav says before stuffing his face full of carrot sticks.
Bleh. How anyone can eat such rabbit fodder when the heavenly scent of baked goods emanates from the kitchen is beyond me, but to each his own, I guess.
“I get it, but I like it the way it is. I’m not saying a fresh coat of paint and some new lounge chairs are out of the question, but I want to keep the magical charm this place has going for it.
” I shove another tray of scones into the display case while Miss Rose hums and preps the coffee machines.
It’s been two weeks since I officially left Chatswain City and moved back home to Coldstone Creek. Staying with my parents has been nice enough for now, but I can’t wait until October comes and I can move into my farmhouse with my husband.
“What about upstairs?”
“I haven’t thought about it, really. I’m focused on the transition right now and learning everything there is to know about running this place as well as your family does,” I admit.
“Incoming!” Rafe calls before he pushes the kitchen door open and hauls in a whole tray full of chocolate chip cookies. He’s got flour all over himself, but he made this batch all on his own. I’m a proud fiancée.
“Oh, those didn’t burn,” Miss Rose says and pats him on the shoulder.
It’s a compliment from the spitfire we all know and love, especially since she doesn’t dole them out to other people where baked goods are concerned.
She told me my blueberry scones were not only scant on the blueberry, but desperately needed lemon to balance their sweetness. She was right…but still.
“Did your mom ever finalize the engagement party date with your parents?” I ask, still trying to make room for all the upcoming events in my head.
There’s my big move, taking over the bakery, engagement party planning, wedding planning, and I keep forgetting that I need to mark Natasha’s trip on my calendar.
I’m supposed to water her plants while she’s at a conference this November.
It’s a long, long way off, but if I don’t write it down, I won’t remember it for even another day.
“I think so. Did you set your appointment to look at dresses?” Rafe asks. He truly has no idea what he’s asking about, but he’s making effort to be involved, keep up communication, and ensure we’re on the same page.
“I did.” I wipe my hands on my apron and try to steal a cookie.
Miss Rose swats my hand with a spatula. “Ah, ah, no eating the inventory.”
“But it’s my bakery,” I whine.
“And do you want it to remain operational?” she asks and arches a wiry eyebrow.
“Fine,” I whisper and maneuver around her to get to the back, where I’m positive Rafe kept a cookie or two aside for me.
“Well, whenever you decide to paint, I’m your…” Mav fades off and stares out the window, squinting and leaning forward as if trying to see across the street.
“Everything okay?” I ask and peer around him to see if I can figure out what has caught his attention.
“Yeah. No, I thought I saw someone I haven’t seen in a long time.” He steps closer to the window, and I follow him, curious and nosy as I am. By the time we get there, the sidewalk has cleared of everyone except Mrs. Kilmer.
“Oh, no. I’m out,” Mav says and bolts for the door to the kitchen.
He’ll go out the back and escape, but as for the rest of us…
wait…I’m alone. I glance around and realize everyone disappeared to the back, leaving me to face our mayor’s wife alone.
I might as well get used to it again, especially if I’m going to be taking over one of the most established shops on the street.
Beside her, Bethany carries a clipboard and a wide smile. It can’t be all bad if she’s smiling.
I check my hair in a mirror hanging on the wall, wipe some flour from my cheek, and plaster on a smile when the two enter the front door.
Just when I think I’m going to have to manage whatever she throws at me on my own, I feel Rafe’s hand settle on my back.
I relax and breathe out, knowing he’s willing to tackle anything with me, even whatever is about to be assigned to us from that clipboard.
“Good morning, Luna! Rafe!” Mrs. Kilmer’s excitement is boundless this morning.
“Good morning, you two. What can we do for you?” I ask.
“Well, just a cup of coffee would be lovely, thanks,” Mrs. Kilmer says. “Bethany and I are just going over the final details for the summer parade and we needed a boost.”
“That…that’s all?” I ask, glancing up at Rafe.
“Oh yes, and would you be a dear and make it to go?”
“Absolutely, Mrs. Kilmer. Bethany, can I get you anything?”
“The same and a slice of cinnamon toast, please.”
Rafe and I work in tandem to fill their order while they chat at the counter. I feel a little bad that I was so worried they’d give me more work to do, so I throw in an extra couple slices of Miss Rose’s famous bread. Once they’re sent on their way, Rafe and I exchange a glance.
“That could have been a disaster,” he says and chuckles.
“For sure, but is it weird that I’m almost disappointed she didn’t rope us into something?”
“Ha! Have you forgotten the things that woman has made us do? You were a cheerleader, Luna. How many times have you tossed those pom poms in parades? Hung up literal miles of lights and garland? Hidden hundreds of dozens of easter eggs for kids?”
I laugh as we reminisce for just a moment about growing up in this small town.
And then…as if she forgot something…Mrs. Kilmer stops in the middle of the street and makes a complete turn, headed back for Sweet and Salty.
“Run.” Rafe grabs my hand and jerks me toward the kitchen door. We fly through it, pass Mav and Miss Rose chatting, pass his uncle getting supplies ready for some deliveries, and even pass his mother walking through the back door.
“What in the—”
“Can’t talk now. Busy, busy, busy!” Rafe says and makes the turn toward the back set of stairs leading to the upper part of the bakery.
I have a good feeling I know where we’re headed.
I should say no, remind him that we need to be responsible business owners and commit to making sure our hometown is the best in the world, but I can’t muster the motivation.
I’d rather kiss him in our secret hiding place.
At the top of the stairs, he rounds the banister and pushes a pocket door aside, then pulls up the little hatch door few people know about.
It leads into a sort of storage room you can barely stand up inside, but it’s cozy in the I want to be near you sort of way.
I definitely want to be near him, but a little guilt sinks in.
“Should we be grown-ups and manage Mrs. Kilmer?”
“Nope,” Rafe says and yanks me inside the room with him.
Another day.
We’ll be grown-ups tomorrow. Today? I’m going to kiss my fiancé and think about how lucky we are to have found each other again.