Back in the Day has been my life's work, but it's been YOUR heart and soul for the past decade. The store thrives because of you, Elyse, and I have complete confidence in your vision for its future.
Call me when you've reviewed everything. And remember what I always say: books find their way tothe people who need them most. You found your way to my little bookstore all those years ago, and now it's finding its way to you.
With admiration and affection,
Meredith
I looked up at Drew, my vision blurring. "She's really doing it. She's selling me the store."
Drew's face broke into a wide grin. "Of course she is. No one loves that place like you do."
"But the money?—"
"We've been over this," he said gently. "We can make it work. Between my promotion and the equity from your parents' investment property, we've got the down payment covered. The rest is just commitment and hard work, which you've never been short on."
I stared at the documents in my hands—ownership of the bookstore I'd poured my heart into for years, the adoption paperwork for Holly, the life I'd always wanted materializing in ways I never could have predicted.
"Two dreams coming true at once," I whispered. "Seems almost too good to be real."
Drew's arms tightened around me. "Not too good. Just right. Just time."
The sound of the front door opening interrupted us, followed by Holly's voice calling out, "I'm home! And I brought tortes! Where is everyone?"
"In here," I called back, hastily wiping my eyes.
Holly appeared in the doorway, a white bakery box balanced in her hands, her pink and purple hair pulled back in a messy bun. Flour dusted the front of her T-shirt, and a smudge of what looked like chocolate decorated one cheek.
"Jenna says these are 'technically acceptable for publicconsumption,'" she announced, mimicking Jenna's serious tone, "which is basically a five-star review in Jenna-speak."
"They look amazing," Drew said, moving to take the box from her.
Holly's eyes narrowed as she looked between us. "Why are you both being weird? What's going on?"
I laughed, my soon-to-be-daughter's directness still catching me off guard sometimes. "Two pieces of big news, actually. Your grandparents confirmed they're coming for the hearing next month."
Holly's face lit up. "Awesome! Grandma's bringing her famous snickerdoodles, right? Because I told Noah all about them and kind of promised he could try some."
"I'm sure she'll bring enough for the whole neighborhood," Drew assured her.
"And the second piece of news?" Holly prompted, perceptive as always.
I held up the documents. "Meredith is selling me the bookstore."
Holly's mouth dropped open, then curved into a huge smile. "For real? You're going to OWN Back in the Day?"
I nodded, still processing it myself.
"That's AMAZING!" Holly launched herself at me, wrapping me in a tight hug that smelled of sugar and vanilla. "You deserve it so much. That store IS you."
"Thanks, sweetheart," I murmured into her hair, heart full to bursting.
Holly pulled back, eyes dancing with excitement. "We have to celebrate! Like, all of it. The adoption, the store, everything! A party with the whole Sensational Six crew!"
Drew laughed at her enthusiasm. "I think that's a great idea. Maybe after the hearing, once everything's official?"
"Perfect," Holly agreed. "Oh! And I could make a cake! Jenna's been teaching me how to do those fancy mirror glazes,and I've been wanting to try it on a multi-layer?—"
She continued chattering about cake designs and party plans as we moved to the kitchen to try her tortes. I followed behind, watching my husband and soon-to-be-daughter?—
