“Not bad,” Gracie says, a huge smile on her face. “Not bad at all.”
“Not bad,” I mock her, repeating her words. I point to the walls vibrantly painted with murals in each section of the huge restaurant. Incredibly detailed palm trees and flowers cover the walls, and in the kid-friendly play area, life-sized monkeys, zebras, parrots, and elephants come to life, thanks to Gracie’s art. “Couldn’t have done this without you, sis.”
I hug Gracie and hold her tight. Ryder, Gracie’s husband, is sitting next to his buddy, Austin. We chat about Gracie’s artwork until I feel a slap on the back of my head.
“Hey, dumbass.” I turn to face Vito, who’s looking at me with a goofy grin plastered on his face. “When’s breakfast?”
“Oh my God, man.” I give him a punch to the ribs, then a brotherly hug. Eden and Junie are over in the kids’ area, playing with Gracie’s three kids. I wave and blow them kisses, relievedwhen I see Ma and Pops wandering over with little Walker. When I turn back, Gracie is introducing Jessa to Austin.
We’re all here.
Everybody but one.
I walk back into the kitchen and find her. Willow’s silky blond hair is up in a bun, and she’s wearing a chef’s coat over a dress as she talks with her staff.
“Remember, everyone,” she says, clasping her hands in front of her chest, “I am so, so happy to have you all on my team. Let’s have some fun and make some great food.”
When she turns to leave and she sees me, her face lights up. She practically runs for me and throws herself against my chest.
“Nervous?” I ask, kissing the top of her head. Even though we already had this talk when we woke up this morning, I know how different it is to have hungry stomachs waiting and a crew at the ovens ready to go.
“Happy,” she says. “Surprisingly un-nervous.” She rises on her toes and whispers in my ear. “A morning of orgasms definitely helped chill me out.”
I kiss her lightly. “Just doing my part.”
The lease on Willow’s condo is up in two weeks, and she’s decided to move in with me. We both love the building, and Jessa and Walker are going to crash in her place while they’re here to celebrate the soft open. The last year has flown by, but if one thing hasn’t changed, it’s how I feel about Willow. If anything, I love her and want her as much, if not more, than I did a year ago.
So much so, in fact, that I’ve made a few changes of my own.
Our family and friends order off the menu, give Willow feedback on the dishes, and congratulate the chefs on the opening. Everything is delicious, and while there are a few minor delays, some cold toast and warm milk that need addressing, Pancake Paradise is ready for business.
By the time we’re done eating, my family all heads out, pretending they have to get to work and other places. My folks stay back since they are riding with me to our next destination. But before we go, I need a minute alone with Willow.
I see Mags walk in, and I wave her over.
“I know you want to get to cleaning and debriefing with your staff, but I asked Mags to come by to supervise and train.” Willow looks confused, but she’s nodding. “Can I talk to you in your office for a second?”
She gives me a look but agrees and heads back to the small, perfectly orderly space that is her new office. As soon as she shuts the door, I pull her into my arms.
“Baby,” I say. “I don’t want to take away from your big day, but I have two surprises for you.” I chuckle. “Well, I guess depending on how the first one goes, there may only be one surprise, but we’ll see.”
She looks at me, puzzled, but as soon as I get down on one knee, her mouth drops open.
“Willow, you’re the love of my life, and you know how much I love my restaurant.” I laugh, and she covers her mouth, her eyes glossy with tears. “The day I met you was the day I knew you were different. No other woman sucked my dick in the shower like you did.”
“Benny.” She’s crying now, a smile on her face, and pulls me to standing. “What are you doing?”
“I want you to marry me, babe. Spend your life with me. Make amazing food, amazing memories, and even better orgasms.” I lean down to kiss her. “If you tell people about this later…”
She is full-body cry-laughing now. “After what I’ve seen of your parents’ sex life, I hardly think they’d be shocked.”
“Oh,” I tell her, then reach into the pocket of my jacket to pull out a small velvet box. “Also, I got you a ring.”
She’s doubled over now with laughter. “At least you didn’t propose with a plate of ravioli.”
“Would that have worked?” I ask. “Because it would’ve been a whole lot cheaper.”
“Give me that,” she says, taking the box from me. She opens it to reveal an oval-shaped diamond with two star-shaped diamond clusters on either side. “Oh, Benny.”
