Epilogue
Two years later
Maya took a slow tour around her newly designed shop. “I can’t believe it,” she whispered over and over.
“Girl, your hubby did his thing with this shop!” Rhonda said, coming to stand next to her.
“Yes, he did.” Ian had designed the space to include a dozen or so tables and the coffee and tea bar, and made sure she had Wi-Fi for those patrons who wanted to enjoy their pastries while working.
Her kitchen had also been enlarged with an additional oven and more counter work space.
Maya had never thought she could be this happy.
“Do you know how many orders we’ve gotten for Christmas?” Rhonda had been working overtime to create brochures and postcards for every resident in the six-hundred-unit property.
“I can imagine. I’m glad I hired Phoebe full-time.”
“With all these orders, you may have to hire some part-time help for the holidays.” Rhonda nudged Maya.
“Your sexy husband is coming in the door. Girl, the way he’s looking at you, I hope he doesn’t burn the place down before we have the grand opening.
I’m going in the back to help Phoebe. Hi, Ian. Bye, Ian.”
Maya chuckled and watched Rhonda disappear around the corner.
“Does this meet with your approval, Mrs. Jeffries?”
She spun around at the sound of Ian’s voice and smiled. “It more than meets my approval, Mr. Jeffries. It’s incredible,” she said, spreading her arms and gesturing around the shop. “I don’t know how to thank you.”
Ian closed the distance between them and pulled her into his embrace. He placed a tender kiss on her lips. “I know the perfect way to thank me.”
She looped her arms around his neck and gave him a sultry smile. “Is that right?”
He nodded and a wolfish gleam lit his eyes. Bending close to her ear, he whispered, “Bring home two cups of the black-and-white parfait and I’ll show you.”
She remembered every vivid detail of their first night together, and just like then, heat thrummed through her. “That sounds like an offer I can’t refuse.”
“I love you, Maya Jeffries. You were and still are the best Christmas gift I ever received. I can’t wait to have you under my tree again.”
“Neither can I.” She pulled his head down and kissed him with all the love she felt flowing through her heart. Of all the gifts he had given her, his love was the sweetest one.