He pulls me to my feet, and I intertwine my fingers with his. “What could you possibly have to surprise me with now? There’s not a single thing left on this earth that I want that you haven’t given me tonight.”
“You’ll see,” he smiles. He pulls me to the back and gives me a quick tour of the place.
The appliances gleam, and I grin as I picture all the baking I can do here. Ideas start flowing through my mind as we walk around and look at everything. It’s absolutely perfect and exactly what I would have picked for my bakery.
I see herbs placed on the windowsill and my face lights up with joy as I run over to the potted plants.
“I thought Benny and Micky could use some new friends. This is Lavender Lenny,” he laughs at the big grin on my face. “And this is Rosemary Rose, named after you,” he winks. “Last but not least is Timothy Thyme,” he points to the blue pot.
“I can’t believe you got me herbs.” I take a deep inhale of the lavender and smile.
“I hope I got the right ones for desserts. I had to google it,” he laughs.
“They’re perfect and just what I would have picked.” I reach up and bring his lips to mine. “Thank you,” I whisper.
“You’re welcome. I can’t wait to try all the desserts you make in here.”
“You will be the first to tastethem.”
“Mmmm…I can’t wait.” He kisses me again before releasing me.
We go back out to the front, and I finally take in the wooden floors and brick walls. They give the space a nice, homey feel, and I can’t wait to decorate and set up cute tables with vases of fresh roses. I can almost picture the kids coming in wanting a cupcake or some other sweet treat they’ve begged their parents for, like I used to do.
He locks up behind us, and we walk down to the Blue Haven Cafe. Smiling, he opens the door, and everyone I love is standing there waiting for us. The cafe is shut down, and I notice Clara beaming at me as her catering team sets up food for everyone.
Congratulations start pouring in as Sophia, Eve, and Savi run over to hug me and see my ring. I get hugs from his brothers and his parents as they tell me how happy they are to have another daughter in the family.
Clara gives me a big hug, and I squeeze her back.
“I’m so happy for you, dear. I knew you would get your happy-ever-after.” She dabs her eyes before hurrying away to make sure the food is running smoothly.
Laura is next as she hugs us both. “Looks like I have a new neighbor?” She grins.
“I still can’t believe it,” I laugh, shaking my head.
“With that big kitchen, I’ll have to up my orders now that you’ll be creating even more recipes.”
“I’m looking forward to it. Thank you for setting this up tonight for us.” I smile and look around at the cafe I love.
“I get the night off, and someone is cooking for me. I should be thanking you,” she laughs and pats my hand before going over to Meaghan and grabbing a glass of champagne.
“Lyla, someone else is here to see you.” Jake reaches behind him and takes my mother’s hand, bringing her to me.
“Mom?” I wrap her in my arms and hold her tight. “What are you doing here?”
“I wasn’t about to miss my daughter’s engagement party. Besides, I’m leaving The Haven at the end of the month to move into my apartment, so Miss Dorothy and Jack snuck me out for the night.” She points to them as they talk to Clara about something.
I introduced them last month, and they hit it off just as I knew they would. He retired from the hospital and now helps out part-time at The Haven. Those two rarely leave each other’s side now that they work together.
“I’m so glad you are here.”
“When Jake visited me a few weeks ago and asked for my permission to marry you, I got Dorothy on board right away.”
“You asked my mom?” I ask, surprised.
“Of course. She’s your mom and my soon-to-be mother-in-law. I wanted her blessing and to tell her how much I love her daughter and thank her for bringing you into this world.”
“You’ve got a special one here, Lyla. He reminds me so much of your father,” she smiles at Jake. “I was happy to give my blessing, and I know if your father were here, he would have too.”
