Total pages in book: 88
Estimated words: 87289 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 436(@200wpm)___ 349(@250wpm)___ 291(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 87289 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 436(@200wpm)___ 349(@250wpm)___ 291(@300wpm)
The room explodes in applause and cheers. Champagne corks pop, laughter rings out, but all I see is her. All I feel is the way she fits against me, her arms tangled around my neck, and the press of her lips to mine.
I ease back just enough to meet her gaze. “I love you.”
Her lips tremble into a smile. “I love you too. You gave me everything I didn’t know how to ask for.”
A warmth unfurls inside me as I brush my nose against hers. There is nothing I wouldn’t give this woman. “And you gave me something I never thought I’d have. A family. A future. A reason to fight for every single day.”
Her kiss is tender and full of promise. Against my mouth, she murmurs, “Then let’s do everything we can to make it count.”
In that instant, the laughter and music fade into silence. All that exists is her. Us. And the unshakable truth that forever isn’t waiting somewhere down the road.
It starts right here, in her arms.
48
Callie
Lakeshore Sweets is bathed in morning light, the kind that filters through the front windows in golden streaks and makes the glass display case gleam. The scent of fresh coffee and warm sugar hangs in the air as I slide the last cupcake into its box, fingers tugging the ribbon into a neat bow with more care than usual.
For once, everything feels easy.
From our usual corner table, Lilah, Rina, and Sloane are caught up in a fit of laughter over something I only half catch. Lilah’s in a floaty, bohemian top, and her blonde hair shines in the sunlight. As she lifts her hand to rest absentmindedly on her belly, I stop short.
“Look at you,” I say. “You’re starting to pop.”
Lilah beams, and her whole face glows. “I kind of feel like I swallowed a cantaloupe.”
Laughter ripples around us, and for a beat, I let myself simply enjoy being here, surrounded by my friends.
The door opens, and I glance up to see River walk in, wearing Railers gear and looking entirely too good this early in the morning with messy hair and a hint of stubble on his jaw.
The man is ridiculously handsome.
And trailing behind him is Oliver.
River doesn’t hesitate. He strides straight toward me before cupping my face in his warm hands and kissing me as if he’s been thinking about it all morning. The world narrows to the minty freshness of his breath and the solid press of his body against mine.
I smile against his mouth as the bakery explodes in commentary behind us.
Rina whistles. “Well, damn. Is it me or did it just get a little hotter in here?”
“I always knew there was a happily ever after in their future,” Lilah says with a dreamy sigh.
Oliver lounges against the counter, his gaze locked on Rina. “I’ve been looking for you.”
Rina arches a brow. “Unfortunately, it looks like you found me.”
A slow grin curves Oliver’s mouth. “There’s no place you can hide that I won’t find you.”
“That sounds like a threat,” she shoots back.
“Consider it a promise, sweetheart,” he counters smoothly.
Color blooms in Rina’s cheeks, and for once, she doesn’t fire back with something sharp enough to draw blood.
I glance at Lilah, who’s biting her lip to keep from laughing. “Who knew we’d get breakfast and a show?”
“As long as it doesn’t turn into a crime scene, we’re all good,” Sloane says with a chuckle.
Rina looks seconds away from wrapping her hands around Oliver’s neck and wringing it.
Or… maybe not.
Sometimes I get the feeling there’s more between them than either of them is willing to admit.
River leans in, brushing a smudge of flour from my cheek with his thumb. “I missed you this morning. I don’t like waking up without you next to me.”
I melt a little before teasing, “I had cupcakes to frost and a bakery to open.”
“I’ll let it slide this once.” His eyes darken, fingers skating along my jaw. “But tonight, you’re all mine.”
My breath hitches as I manage a nod. “Deal.”
He gives my hand a quick squeeze before stepping back. “We should probably get moving before Coach fines us for being late.”
Oliver’s gaze stays fixed on Rina, who takes a deliberate sip from her mug without meeting his eyes. “Catch you later, Reynolds.”
“I sincerely hope not,” she mutters under her breath.
I watch him go, my hand drifting to my stomach without conscious thought. I’m not sure why the gesture feels so right.
Maybe it’s nothing.
Or maybe it’s everything.
What I do know is that the future doesn’t scare me.
It feels wide open, full of promise, and I can’t wait to step into it with River by my side.
Epilogue
Callie
If someone had told me two years ago that my life would look like this, I wouldn’t have believed them. Not in my wildest, most desperate dreams.
Lakeshore Sweets is closed today, but the air inside is sweeter than any recipe I’ve ever whipped together. My bakery, the place I poured my soul into, has been transformed into something magical. White ribbons drape from the ceiling beams, fairy lights twinkle along the walls, and bouquets of wildflowers spill from mason jars on every table. Thick white candles flicker across the counters, their light spilling in a honeyed glow.