Epilogue
Nadine: Two Years Later
And I had tried. Much to Aaron’s amazement, I was suddenly a morning person. But I wasn’t above an afternoon nap after I closed.
The new house, new to us at least, was half the size of the one in which we raised our children. It still had three bedrooms and boasted a backyard just big enough for a swing set and a kiddie pool, neither of which were needed but we had hope.
Aaron vetoed the condo in short order. He needed space for all his gear. The first and only addition he made to our new home was a large shed in the back to house his snowmobile, skis, snowshoes, kayak, and all the rest of the summer sports paraphernalia he hoarded.
For now, Aaron was bent and determined to get a dog. So far, I’d managed to hold him off as I had significant travel plans. But he might get his wish sooner rather than later because when I mentioned it to Wren, she was all in to take the puppy when we traveled.
The one and only dog she’d ever had was Brooklyn, Audrey’s autism service dog. Losing Brooklyn damn near broke her. Max swore there’d be no more dogs, he couldn’t stand to see her so upset.
She positively giggled when I asked if she could babysit and swore me to secrecy.
Aaron’s schedule was a little more chaotic than mine, but it worked for him, freed him, even. By the time I woke up from my afternoon nap, he was rumbling through the door smelling like sunshine and sweat and testosterone.
There were definitely worse things.
The door to the bakery swung open.
“Speak of the devil,” I teased.
He looked around. “There’s no one else here, baby. Talking to yourself again?”
I shook my head in mock dismay. “Don’t mock me, old man.”
He swept a hand down the length of his body that was nearly as toned and fit as it was in our twenties. “Old? Who are you calling old? This is a prime specimen of manhood.”
Grinning, I walked around the counter of my bakery to greet him properly.
He dipped his chin, smiled into my eyes, and dropped a kiss on my mouth. “Mm, you taste like chocolate.”
“Quality control,” I murmured.
“I like it,” he grinned. “You have anything ready for me?”
“Of course.”
Pulling away from him, I rounded the counter and brought out the small cooler I had packed. “All your favorites,” I promised.
“Thank you,” he replied seriously. “You’re amazing.” Taking a quick look around, he raised his eyebrows. “It’s looking really good in here.”
I nodded, taking in the freshly painted walls, the new shelves and display cases along with the artwork on consignment from local artists on the walls.
I kept the name. ‘Beach Buns’ was too ingrained in Sage Ridge history to let it go, but I had slowly and steadily added my own touch. Luckily for me, the old owners gifted me with their famous cheese buns recipe.
“I’m happy.”
“Are you?” he asked sharply.
My head whipped around to find his eyes laser-focused on my face.
“Are you happy, Nadine?”
Snaking my arms around his waist, I looked up and smiled into those hazel eyes that had regained their spark of mischief. “I am. I promise.”
Since taking over the outdoor adventure sector at the resort six months ago, his smile had returned full force. He was fitter than he’d been in years, and sunshine dusted his cheeks with freckles and dipped his eyelashes in gold.
And that drive he had to help kids? He still had it. But he helped them in different ways now.
“Good,” he muttered, his gaze dropping to my lips. “I gotta go.” Dropping another firm kiss on my mouth, he released me and turned toward the door. “Teenagers are not known for their patience.”
“Where are you taking them today?”
“Wildflower bluffs.”
“Bring me a bouquet?”
“Don’t I always?” He threw me a dirty wink and a promise. “Going to eat you tonight.”
“Really?” I retorted drily. “I’ve heard these rumors before. Like, yesterday. When you passed out on me.”
Shaking his head, he narrowed his eyes in warning. “Oh, woman, you don’t know what you’ve done now. You’ve challenged my manhood and unleashed the beast!”
I rolled my eyes. “Is that what it takes to unleash the beast in your pants?”
Pointing a finger at me, he commanded, “You. Naked. In bed. Eight o’clock.” He nodded and raised his eyebrows, then laughed. “Lights out by nine.”
The End.
Thank you for reading The Next Of Us!