35. Daphne
Daphne
Six Months Later
I look around my new bakery and the pride and accomplishment I feel is earth shattering. I never thought I could do this. Eli always believed in me, but deep inside me was still that teen who had all these dreams, but allowed a man to make her think she couldn’t do it.
I haven’t heard from Dane since he signed the papers.
I did receive the money he agreed to pay and after paying the club for the building—Pez had paid quite a bit on it, but our money is in a joint account so, I didn’t bother losing our fight about me paying him back.
I’m not starting out our relationship counting dollars about what part is his and what part is mine.
We’ve both agreed this is a mutual partnership and we’re a team.
The bakery’s money is in a separate account.
I draw a salary but that’s it. Any money after paying the bills stays in the bakery’s account.
It’s a daunting journey, but I’ve loved every minute of it.
Today, all my family and friends are gathered here in celebration.
Tomorrow is the grand opening, but today I just wanted a private celebration.
The inside of the bakery is gleaming and ready to go, but today the party is the courtyard that is attached to the building.
I step through the double doors on the side that open to a beautiful courtyard that is covered by a pergola, with lights dangling along the way.
At night it will look something akin to a fairy garden thanks to the stone flooring and strategic landscaping.
Relaxing music plays in the background and fans keep the breeze going, cooling the entire area.
Eli, King, BB and Spider are laughing at a picnic table that is on the far end, away from the pergola seating—which has six round tables under it and a sitting area that is just a sleep outdoor sofa and two matching chairs.
It’s the wall of my shop where the pergola is, The matching wall I put up to close off the area that is attached and the wall of the building beside me that I love the most. I hired BB’s wife Beau to do a mural for me.
It covers all three stone walls and depicts a fantasy garden that you’d think a dragon would be lying in the middle of resting.
It’s perfect. We also wired the walls with lights that change colors to highlight the fantasy atmosphere.
The nice woman who owns the building beside me, didn’t even mind getting her wall painted.
She loved it. I was going to pay her, but we settled on me giving her employees at the clothing shop she runs, free coffee and dessert on their lunch breaks.
She only has five employees, and I like them all. It was a deal for me.
“I think it looks good,” Beau murmurs from beside me.
We’ve become really great friends. Well, me, her and Gabby.
Their friendship is nothing like I had with Serena.
I’d trust these women with my life. Maybe it’s because they seem to love their men, like I love Eli, but getting close to them, just came naturally.
I hug her as Gabby comes over. “I love it, Beau. It takes my breath away every single time.” Beau actually blushes, and I can tell she’s a little too embarrassed to reply.
“I love it too. I told King we’re going to have to hire you to do something similar at our house. I can’t get my girl out of that dang cave you made,” Gabby says.
I laugh along with them as I look over and see Ella and Cammie playing in the small cave.
We made the cave area first. I tired some contractors who used foam and cement to make three adjoining caves that glow with a soft green light.
Beau painted the caves larger on the wall, so it looks like the small cubbies are actually just the entrance to the caves.
It’s kind of awesome. I have outdoor cushions in them, too.
Cammie is older than Ella, but they’ve become fast friends and I’m glad, because I was worried about moving to Corbin.
Me, her and Pez all live in the apartment above the building.
It’s more than enough right now, but that’s getting ready to change.
Eli and I found a house which is just fifteen minutes from the bakery and about the same from the clubhouse.
We put in an offer this morning. The real estate agent was pretty sure it’d be accepted without issue.
It’s a two-story, barn dominium that’s white with black dark wood accents.
It’s gorgeous, comfortable with lots of windows and light.
It also has five bedrooms. Eli was adamant that we’d need it because we were going to have more kids when I was ready.
I want to get my bakery well-established, but having more kids with Eli is definitely on the list. I’d love a little boy with his beautiful features.
“The party can start now. We’re here!” Dad announces I turn to look at him and Cory walking into the courtyard hand in hand.
The difference in my father the last seven months or so have been everything I’ve ever asked for.
He’s happy. He said Cory brought peace back in his life and gave him permission to let old ghosts die.
I loved her before, but she’s become a second mom to me.
I walk over to hug Cory and when I do, I can’t miss the flashy diamond on her ring finger. “What is this?” I squeal, grabbing her hand.
It alerts everyone around us, and they all gather closely. I feel Eli’s arm go around me and I relax into him.
“Dang, Sabre. You move quick,” Eli says, pressing a kiss against the side of my head.
“I’m older, Pez. Time is precious. I want to spend the years I have left with my family and Cory by my side. She brings me peace,” he leans down and kisses Cory. It’s a sweet kiss, but the love and happiness I see in their faces, brings tears to my eyes.
Skull comes up to my dad and gives him the equivalent of a bro-hug. “Latch would be happy for you, brother,” Skull says, quietly.
Dad nods. “Yeah, maybe. I’d like to think he’d be.”
“He would. Stop second guessing yourself, old friend. You’ve grieved for far too long. Let the past go. Sé feliz,” he says.
My Spanish is rusty, but I know he just told my dad to be happy, and that’s exactly what I want.
I look around the area and see the men and women from my childhood—my dad, mom, Skull, Torch, Beth, Katie, Gabby, Hunter, and Spider.
I see numerous new people from my mom’s new husband, Cory, the new members of the Blaze, Beau.
There’s so many and I never thought I’d be standing here, not by myself and not as an outsider.
I’m standing here in the arms of a man I love more than life itself and feeling a part of this life.
I belong here more than I ever belonged anywhere else.
“You okay, sweetheart?” Eli whispers in my ear.
I grin up at him. “I’m perfect.”
“That you are,” he fake growls, making me laugh.
Yeah, this is where I definitely belong.
I’m home.