That evening, they gathered at Uncle Walter's house. He'd cooked a full dinner—roast chicken (better than Jake's, though Jake pretended to be offended), mashed potatoes, green beans, and a chocolate cake that Uncle Walter admitted he'd bought from the grocery store bakery.
"To Lucy," Uncle Walter raised his glass. "For being brave enough to choose herself. Your grandmother would be so proud."
"To Lucy," everyone echoed.
Lucy felt tears start. These were her people. Her family. The ones who'd support her no matter what.
"Speech!" Rei demanded.
"I don't have a speech—"
"Make one up."
Lucy stood, glass in hand, looking at the faces around the table. Uncle Walter, who'd been her rock for five years. Rei, who'd never let her hide from life. Mae, who'd believed in her even when customers were boycotting. Jake, who'd chosen her every single day.
"A week ago, I thought my life was over. I thought I'd destroyed everything—the bakery, the town's trust, any chance at happiness. But standing here now, I realize something. I didn't destroy anything. I just made space for something new." Lucy's voice cracked. "Thank you. All of you. For believing in me even when I didn't believe in myself. For pushing me to want more. For showing me that choosing myself isn't selfish—it's necessary."
"Here, here!" Uncle Walter cheered.
They ate and drank and told stories late into the night. Jake fit seamlessly into the group, trading jokes with Uncle Walter, discussing physical therapy techniques with Rei, listening to Mae's college stories.
This was Lucy's life. Not perfect. Not what she'd planned. But real and messy and full of people who loved her.
Around 11 PM, Jake and Lucy walked back to their building together. The November air was cold, but Lucy barely felt it.
"Friday is the signing," Lucy said. "After that, it's real. The bakery won't be mine anymore."
"How does that feel?"
"Right. Scary but right." Lucy squeezed his hand. "Thank you. For everything. For supporting me even when I was spiraling. For choosing to stay. For loving me."
"Always. That's not going to change just because you're in Paris."
At Lucy's door, Jake kissed her goodnight—long and slow and full of promise.
"See you tomorrow?" he asked.
"Wednesday pork buns at 8:17?"
"Wouldn't miss it."
Lucy watched him walk to his apartment, then let herself inside. She looked around at the space that had been home for five years.
In two months, she'd leave this place. Leave Timber Falls. Leave Jake, at least temporarily.
But she'd come back. Eventually. With new skills and new recipes and a new understanding of who Lucy Chen was when she wasn't just her grandmother's granddaughter.
She'd come back and open her own restaurant. Build her own legacy.
And Jake would be here, waiting. Building his own life. Ready to see where their paths led next.
Lucy pulled out her phone and sent a text to Shayna.
Lucy:I'm ready. Let's sign Friday.
Then she texted Jake, even though he was just next door.
Lucy:I love you. Thank you for helping me be brave.
