I paused, then added softly, “Please take care of him. Good bye..”
I left her standing there and walked toward my car, where Ashton waited. He opened the door for me.
“Am I being cruel for cutting ties with my own father?” I asked.
“No,” he said without hesitation. “You’re protecting yourself from being hurt again.”
His words eased something tight in my chest. As I slid into the car, I saw Amelie driving away. I hoped she listened. If she truly loved my father, she would fight for her marriage.
“Thank you, Ashton,” I said quietly. “For everything you’ve done for me. For always stepping in, for being there. We’ve hurt each other so much, and the mistakes we made will take time to heal.”
“I know,” he said. “All we need is time. I’m going to be honest with you, Bailey. I want to fight for us, and I’m willing to wait. No matter how long it takes.”
“Don’t get your hopes too high,” I replied gently. “It might take forever.”
“Then forever,” he said, “I will wait.”
I smiled and shook my head at his ridiculous sincerity. I started the engine, and Ashton closed the door for me.
As the car pulled away, it felt like I was finally leaving the past behind. I glanced in the mirror and saw Ashton standing there, watching me go. My heart ached.
Eight years ago, I left with my mother and no one said goodbye.
This time, they let me go by saying it.
And somehow, that made all the difference.
Epilogue: Three Years Later
BAILEY
Who would have thought it had already been three years since I first came back to deal with the shop Marie left to me?
Now I stood in the same place, but everything had changed. The bakery buzzed with life, the lunch crowd filling every table, laughter and conversation weaving through the air.
Haven & Hearth had officially opened five months after I left three years ago. Since then, it had stood strong. A year into its operation, it went viral, thanks largely to Eva, who never stopped introducing new varieties of pies, and Shanna, our incredible barista. With her cheerful charm and talent for brewing and inventing new coffee flavors, she captured the hearts of coffee lovers who kept coming back.
Coming back to my hometown for good a year and a half ago had been the best decision I had ever made. Traveling back and forth between Michigan and Brookvale had grown exhausting, but more than that, I did it for my son.
Tristan wanted to be closer to his father.
He wanted to give Brookvale a chance after hearing Ashton describe how beautiful this place was.
Now he was thriving. He had made new friends and was almost overwhelmed by the attention the town showered on him. Everyone knew Ashton was his father. I had been relieved by how easily Triston was accepted. Perhaps carrying his father’s name helped. No one dared treat him differently.
Haven & Hearth looked different now. Modern and chic, yet still cozy and inviting. In one corner, I had created a quiet space displaying old photographs of Marie, her customers, her family, and even myself. It was my favorite spot, meant for those who sought silence and sanctuary.
Today, it was occupied by Daniel.
Three years ago, he had been the scrawny boy who boldly asked for a job. Now he was no longer a boy, but a teenager. No longer scrawny either. His frame had filled out nicely, likely thanks to the free pies Eva fed him almost daily.
Watching him sit alone in that corner made something tighten in my chest.
He reminded me too much of myself.
“I know that look.”
Ashton’s voice startled me from behind.
