“I hope you don’t mind I got started early,” he said, a hint of uncertainty in his voice. “Everyone was so eager to help, I couldn’t turn them away.”
I took in the chaos for a moment, a swell of emotion rising in my chest at the sight of so many people who wanted to be part of this. My eyes met Teddy’s, and I squeezed his hand, hoping he understood how much his surprise meant. How muchhemeant to me.
“This is perfect,” I said.
He beamed, the tension easing from his shoulders. “Your grandma’s already back in the kitchen making notes about what needs to be changed.”
“What do you mean my grandma’s here?” I gaped at him, certain my loving boyfriend must have bumped his head. But then my parents and Lily walked through the front door, shopping bags in hand. “Mom? Dad?”
“I hope you’re not mad,” Teddy whispered. “When I told your grandpa we were starting today, they asked if we could use more help. They drove up last night and stayed at my place.”
“How could I be mad about that?” Somehow, Teddy and my grandpa had become buddies when I wasn’t looking. I wondered how often the two of them talked and I had no clue about it.
I threw my arms over Teddy’s shoulders and kissed him deeply, not caring who might see. “I don’t know what I did to deserve you but I hope you know you’re stuck with me.”
“I think I’m the one who should be saying that.” Teddy and I both turned our heads at the sound of something clattering in the kitchen. “You’d better go see what’s going on in there. If there’s anything else I can do...”
“You’ve done more than enough,” I said, brushing a kiss against his cheek before heading to the kitchen. The familiar scents of lemon and vinegar hung in the air, and I inhaled deeply, memories of baking with my grandma as a child flooding my mind.
She looked up from scrubbing the work tables the previous tenants had left behind, her eyes crinkling at the corners. “There’s my boy,” she said. “Come give your grandma a hug.”
I enveloped her in my arms, blinking back tears. “You didn’t have to do this, you know.”
She swatted my arm playfully. “And miss out on being a part of getting the hottest new bakery in the Midwest ready to open? No chance. Besides, our bakery has given us so many happy memories over the years. It’s only right I have a hand in giving yours new life.”
New life. That was exactly what this felt like. A fresh start, surrounded by the people who meant the most. I looked around at the chaos, the laughter, the love, and knew that whatever came next, we’d face it together. Just like always. Like family.
By the end of the first day, most of the neglect and grime has been washed away, leaving an inviting space that let in a crazy amount of late afternoon sun. I stood in the center of the dining room, blinking against the golden light streaming through the windows. This was really happening. After six weeks of uncertainty, sleepless nights, and more tears than I cared to admit, my dream was taking shape before my eyes.
A familiar pair of arms wrapped around my waist, and Teddy’s chin came to rest on my shoulder. “It’s going to be amazing, you know that?”
I leaned into his embrace, covering his hands with my own. “I know. It’s just… a lot.” I sighed, shaking my head. “I keep thinking about that first day you walked in with all your sketches for renovating the old place. You had no idea what I wanted, and yet you somehow handed me everything I’d envisioned. Do you remember?”
“Of course I do,” he said softly. “You were so hesitant, worried you were taking on too much. But I could see it in your eyes. The excitement at the possibility.”
“You convinced me to take a chance. On you, and on this.” I turned in his arms to face him fully. “Thank you. For pushing me, for believing in me, for...” My voice caught, and I had to clear my throat. “For loving me.”
“Always,” Teddy said simply, brushing a kiss to my forehead. “Through every challenge and obstacle, I’ll be right here beside you. Loving you with all that I am.”
It was a promise I knew he’d keep.
As the day drew to a close and the last of the volunteers left, my father clapped his hands together and declared it was time for a family dinner. He’d spotted the diner just down Main Street and insisted we all go together to celebrate the progress made. I couldn’t say no, especially with Teddy’s eyes lighting up at the mention of Italian food, one of his favorites other than grilled meat.
We set off down the sidewalk as a group, with my family chatting and joking amongst themselves. Teddy and I walked hand in hand, sharing secret smiles until Grandpa asked Teddy a question and I lost my boyfriend to the patriarch of our family.
As we approached the restaurant, my grandmother pulled me aside, motioning for Teddy to continue ahead with the rest of the family. I looked at her quizzically but obliged, stopping in my tracks to face her.
“Shiloh, my dear,” she began, her voice soft and gentle. “I just want you to know how happy I am that you found Teddy. That man, he’s a rare one. You know, he reminds me so much of your grandpa Thomas when we were young.”
My heart swelled with pride and gratitude, knowing how much my grandparents meant to each other and the strength of their love.
“Teddy will stand by you, no matter what happens,” she continued, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. “That’s the kind of love you hold onto, the kind that will see you through the darkest times and the brightest joys. You deserve every happiness, Shiloh, and I believe you’ve found it in him.”
I looked down at the ground for a moment, overwhelmed by the depth of her words and the love I felt for the man who had become an integral part of my life. When I finally found my voice, it was thick with emotion.
“Thank you, Grandma. I’m grateful every day that I have him in my life, and I’m determined never to let him go.”
She reached out, her warm hand cupping my face gently. “That’s all I’ve ever wanted for you, my boy. To find a love that will stand the test of time, just like your grandpa and I have.”
