Eli’s mouth quirked into a half-smile. “Henry insisted. The pink is non-negotiable, in honor of my grandmother.”
“I like it,” I said, smiling through the tears. “I like that it has a history, a story.”
I followed them around as they pointed out things they’d done, already seeing the possibilities. My mind raced with ideas—how I’d arrange the space, what displays I’d build, which collections would feature prominently, and which vendors I’d invite to have their own displays at the shop.
“Why?” I asked finally, turning back to face them. “Why do this for me?”
They exchanged a glance, and I recognized the silent communication they’d perfected long before I entered their lives.
“Because we want you to stay,” Eli said. “We know you’re a little afraid of putting down roots, so we had to sweeten the pot.”
“I don’t know what to say,” I whispered, tears finally spilling over. “Thank you. It’s beautiful. I love it.”
Eli crossed the room in three long strides, pulling me into his arms. “We’re not going to ask you to decide right now,” he murmured against my hair. “Run the numbers. Think it through.”
ButI already knew my answer as Luke joined our embrace, his arms wrapping around both of us. For the first time in my life, running away was the furthest thing from my mind.
“There’s more,” Luke said, eyes bright with excitement as he took my hand. Eli led the way out of the gift shop, through the lobby, and back outside, toward the garage.
We climbed the familiar stairs—the same ones we’d ascended weeks ago when they’d “trapped” me in the apartment above the garage. I gasped as Eli swung the door open with a flourish.
The dusty, half-abandoned apartment was transformed. Gone were the yellowed curtains, the musty smell, and dated furniture. In its place stood a beautifully renovated living space that took my breath away.
Warm light from modern fixtures illuminated freshly painted walls in soft neutral colors that brightened the space. The hardwood floors gleamed, and comfortable furniture sat around the refurbished fireplace in the corner, creating an inviting sitting area. A kitchen with new appliances occupied one corner, separated from the living area by a breakfast bar topped with polished granite and a big, rustic farm-style table.
“How did you—when did you—?” I couldn’t form a complete question, stunned by the transformation.
“We’ve been working on it every spare minute since that day,” Eli explained, watching my face. “Luke found a contractor willing to rush the job for the right price, and we brought in the furniture and decor from his loft in Boston.”
I moved further into the space, taking it in. What had been a dusty time capsule weeks ago was now a warm, inviting home. Someone had even put up a small Christmas tree in the corner, decorated with simple white lights and wooden ornaments.
“I took the small office. I’m going to set up a consulting business,” Luke said, pointing through a side door.
Eli beckoned us to another door. “And the other spare room is empty,” he said, pushing it open to reveal a bare room with freshly painted white walls and large windows that would flood the space with natural light. “Available for whenever you decide you’re ready.”
I stepped inside, picturing my workbench against the wall, my tools arranged just so, and a comfy chair in the corner for reading or sketching designs. The windows would provide perfect light for intricate beadwork. It was the ideal workspace.
“We fixed up the primary bedroom, too,” Luke said.
He pushed the door open, revealing a spacious suite dominated by the largest bed I’d ever seen. It had to be custom made. It was wider than a king, with a sturdy frame built to withstand the activities of three enthusiastic adults.
“That’s ridiculous,” I blurted, staring at the enormous bed with its crisp white sheets and mountain of pillows. “Did you special order a California Super King?”
Eli’s laugh was low and warm. “We needed enough room for all of us.”
The implication sent heat pooling between my legs, memories of our night together flashing through my mind—the way they’d moved in sync, pleasuring me from both sides, filling me so completely I thought I might shatter.
“This is crazy,” I whispered, turning to face them. “We barely know each other.”
“What? We completely know each other!” Luke protested.
“But you’re right, this is all new,” Eli added. “Which is why we’re prepared to take things as slow as you like. The point in this is simply to let you know we’ve made space in our lives for you.”
“Why?”
“Because we’ve fallen for you,” Luke said, stepping closer. “We know you’re brave, kind, and fiercely independent. You make us laugh and challenge us to be better. When you’re with us, something clicks into place that’s been missing our whole lives.”
“We want you with us, Mioko. Both of us. We’re in love with you.”
