“‘Whisk It Good’ was my favorite,” Ruby chimes in.
Walker groans as I laugh loudly. God, I love this town.“The name is perfect,” I tell him, already itching to get inside. But before I do, I look back to my mother to make sure she’s all right.
She flashes me a grin. “He would be so proud of you. Hewasso proud of you. Now go on and enjoy your surprise. The cowboy did good.”
With her approval, I rush toward the bakery, pausing just for a second at the door, where the hours are listed. I snort when I see the words “Tally Tuesdays, store’s closed” scrawled on the second line.
I push inside and gasp at what awaits. “Walker, what did you do?”
“It wasn’t just me.” He clears his throat. “Everyone helped.”
Pink and yellow tables with matching chairs dot the fresh space. The counter—which just last week had been a weathered wood—is now sanded and sealed, and the old-fashioned cash register has been shined so thoroughly, it looks brand new.
I continue my tour to the kitchen, now decorated with teal cabinets that contrast beautifully with a yellow mixer that stands proudly in front of the picture window framed by pink curtains.
I rush over to see the view, and my breath catches at the sight. “I can see the wildflowers from here!”
Walker steps up behind me and rests his head against mine. “It’s like it was meant to be.” He presses a kiss to the spot below my ear. “Are you happy?”
I spin around and throw my arms around him. “Happy?! Walker, this is the best surprise ever.”
“I can’t take all the credit. Your dad had this vision. With the limited hotel options for tourists, he wanted to clean up the cottages on the farm for an extended wedding season.And now that we’ve fixed up the cottages, we’ve finally got a fighting chance of making it all work. It was his dream, and it became mine. But he knew it wasn’t yours.”
I open my mouth to object, but he stops me.
“I think he might have been wrong. I think you could be happy here. So now you have this kitchen, and I hope maybe you’ll want to do all of this with me. Run the business, feed more people,bake.”
“It’s incredible,” I say through more tears, though I’m smiling. “It’s everything I could have ever dreamed of and more. Thank you. For everything.”
“So what do you say to a little baking? All the ingredients you need to make my favorite cupcakes are in the kitchen, and you’ve got a line of customers outside waiting to try your desserts.”
I wrap my arms around Walker’s neck and press the first kiss of many to his lips.
“They can wait,” I say with a smile. “I’ve got cowboy things to do first.”
Epilogue
Tally
HOPE HARBOR TOWN CHAT
RAYNA:Don’t forget to get your tickets to the Spring Fling! Last chance!
BABS:You can also get them at the door right? My son wants to come but his wife isn’t. Wink wink, Penny Darling!
ROSIE:This is a public chat, Babs! Reign. It. In.
ROSIE:Also can you confirm my hair appointment for 11?
BABS:You’re all set.
STEW:Mayor, I thought this was for announcements and emergencies only!
FLETCHER:Ladies, please start your own group chat.
RUBY:Has anyone confirmed that Walker is coming? He’s not on the list.
BABS:Walker?
