Epilogue
After everything, the time is here. Two years of culinary school, two years working under top pastry artists, and an extra year studying in France—it’s time. I stand outside the shop, my eyes watering as I take in the sight of the cream and pastel pink decorations—ornate, with a sign that reads:
EVIE’S BAKERY.
I touch the golden doorknob, inhaling slowly. It’s a smaller opening than it was in my dreams. There’s no line around the block. It’s too early for that, I suppose… but I have everyone I need right here with me.
Everett offers me an encouraging smile. “Are you going to keep standing there, or will you open the damn door?”
Theo laughs. “Give her a second!”
“Yeah! Give me a second.” I peer into the shop, still dark in the early morning, and finally push the door open.
When I flick on the light, everything comes into view—the round pink tables and matching chairs, and the empty display case on a pink countertop encrusted in gold. Dried lavender and pink roses hang from the air, and there’s a mossy wall for taking pictures.
The sign above the countertop is nearly identical to the one outside, with my name on it.
Theo places a hand on my shoulder, grounding me. The glint of his wedding ring still makes my heart race, even though we’ve been married for three years.
“What do you think?” Theo asks. “Is it everything you wanted?”
I look up at him, my eyes sparkling. Seeing him here, with the mossy backdrop, knowing he’s part of this journey with me…
“Yeah,” I say. “It is.”
It couldn’t be more perfect.
Everett groans and cracks his knuckles. “All right. Stop making googly eyes at each other—we have an opening day to get ready for.”