Epilogue Three Years Later
BAILEY
Who would have thought it had already been three years since I first came back to deal with the shop Marie left to me?
Now I stood in the same place, but everything had changed. The bakery buzzed with life, the lunch crowd filling every table, laughter and conversation weaving through the air.
Haven & Hearth had officially opened five months after I left three years ago.
Since then, it had stood strong. A year into its operation, it went viral, thanks largely to Eva, who never stopped introducing new varieties of pies, and Shanna, our incredible barista.
With her cheerful charm and talent for brewing and inventing new coffee flavors, she captured the hearts of coffee lovers who kept coming back.
Coming back to my hometown for good a year and a half ago had been the best decision I had ever made. Traveling back and forth between Michigan and Brookvale had grown exhausting, but more than that, I did it for my son.
Tristan wanted to be closer to his father.
He wanted to give Brookvale a chance after hearing Ashton describe how beautiful this place was.
Now he was thriving. He had made new friends and was almost overwhelmed by the attention the town showered on him. Everyone knew Ashton was his father. I had been relieved by how easily Triston was accepted. Perhaps carrying his father’s name helped. No one dared treat him differently.
Haven & Hearth looked different now. Modern and chic, yet still cozy and inviting. In one corner, I had created a quiet space displaying old photographs of Marie, her customers, her family, and even myself. It was my favorite spot, meant for those who sought silence and sanctuary.
Today, it was occupied by Daniel.
Three years ago, he had been the scrawny boy who boldly asked for a job. Now he was no longer a boy, but a teenager. No longer scrawny either. His frame had filled out nicely, likely thanks to the free pies Eva fed him almost daily.
Watching him sit alone in that corner made something tighten in my chest.
He reminded me too much of myself.
“I know that look.”
Ashton’s voice startled me from behind.
“What look?” I asked, feigning innocence.
“Stop whatever you’re thinking,” he said calmly. “Leave the boy alone.”
“But I can’t help it,” I whispered. “Look at him. He’s always here, sitting alone, barely talking to anyone. I bet he has problems at home.”
I gestured toward Daniel, who was completely oblivious to his surroundings, lost in thought. Something was clearly bothering him.
“Don’t compare yourself to him, Bailey,” Ashton said. “I’m pretty sure the only problem he has is being rejected by his crush.”
“How do you know that?” I challenged him.
“Because that’s exactly how I looked when my first crush broke my heart,” he replied casually.
I turned to him slowly, my face tightening. “And how old were you when that happened?”
“Probably ten or twelve. I can’t remember.”
“Oh my gosh,” I gasped. “How many girls did you date before I met you? I can’t believe I ended up with a playboy.”
I marched toward Daniel’s table, fuming, while Ashton laughed behind me.
“Daniel,” I said sternly, “don’t waste your time crying over some girl. It’s not worth it. Now stand up and make yourself useful by helping Eva in the kitchen, or I swear I’ll tell her to stop feeding you for free.”
Daniel stared at me, mouth hanging open.
I walked past Ashton, who was laughing so hard he had to grip a chair for support.
“I know you think the boy needs saving,” Ashton said, still amused, “but I think he’s going to survive just fine.”
I glanced back at Daniel, who was already heading toward the kitchen, his shoulders noticeably straighter.
Maybe Ashton was right.
Maybe not everyone who sat alone was broken.
And maybe this place, this life, had quietly become exactly what Marie had hoped it would be.
****************************
ASHTON
I was having the best time of my life, something I had never imagined my future could become.
At last, I was close to my son.
When Bailey first told Triston that I was his father, he accepted the truth without hesitation.
During that first year, we talked constantly, over the phone and through video calls.
He asked many questions, and I answered them as honestly as I could, especially the hardest one of all: why I had been absent for so many years.
He understood.
He told me that adults made mistakes, and what mattered was fighting to fix them and doing better. His forgiveness humbled me.
Once the custody agreement was finalized on Bailey’s terms, terms I willingly accepted, I made the biggest change of my life. I shifted my work to Michigan, working remotely for a week or two each month. I rented an apartment there so I could truly get to know my son.
It was not easy.
But it was worth every sacrifice.
I had never been happier.
My patience paid off when Bailey began to see my effort to be a present father. As Haven & Hearth continued to thrive, she decided to move back to Brookvale.
And now they were here.
My family.
Not officially yet, but I intended to change that.
Since their return, Bailey had slowly warmed to me again.
Our relationship began with friendship and co parenting, and I took my time.
I started bringing her into my world, asking her to be my plus one at official events and galas.
I introduced her to my partners and clients, always keeping her close, a hand at her back or my fingers brushing hers, reminding her that I was there and that I was not going anywhere.
A year ago, our friendship shifted into something more.
It started with small kisses on her cheek, then gradually found their way to her lips. When she responded, my heart filled with hope.
Now we were closer than lovers should be.
I spent most of my time at her childhood home, the one I had renovated until it no longer resembled the house that once held so much pain. I wanted it to feel safe and comfortable for her and for Triston, even if it meant erasing memories that hurt her.
When we were there together, we already lived like a real family.
Triston had hinted more than once that he wanted us to be one.
So I had made a plan.
And now, all I could do was hope that it would come true.