“Are you going to fight me on this? I’ll win.”
“I will,” he insists. “I’ll out-stubborn your competitive streak every time, sweetheart, because no matter how much you love me, I’ll love you back harder.”
“Why are we like this?” I ask through laughing so hard my sides cramp.
“Because this is us,” he murmurs before kissing me again.
When we first matched on Love Struck, I thought the universe was hating on me by showing me everything I wanted that I couldn’t have in him. It turns out, it was showing me how much I needed him. How much we needed each other.
We’re a match in every way.
EPILOGUE
EVE
May, Five Months Later
Stoppingoutside the empty storefront window with acoming soonsign hanging in it, a smile breaks free for the millionth time in the last two months. It’s all mine. I still can’t believe I’m opening my own boutique after a year in business.
The lease opportunity was too good to pass up when this space in Main Street Square became available.
Plus, I have the best support system in the world. Cole, my family, and friends all have my back like they have from the beginning.
Upbeat music drifts from inside. I unlock the door and balance the coffees I stopped for on the way back. Another smile tugs at my lips once I walk inside.
Cole’s dancing with Bauer’s front paws in his hands. Pink paint splatters the white t-shirt stretched across his broad frame. There’s some in his messy brown hair, I think.
The grand opening won’t be for another month. Once we got the keys, we got to work right away on turning this space into myvision. Cole’s even going to build me a fake camper display in the corner.
When I look back only a short while ago to how nervous and freaked out I was leading up to my first market event, I shake my head at myself. There are still days I get jitters.
It’s amazing to be in full control of my job and every decision that goes into it, though it all still falls on me. Sometimes I have a huge win and sometimes my choices are a flop. I have to own them either way.
Although when things are hard, I never have to face them alone.
These days I feel like I’m more settled. Days still pass me by quickly, but I no longer dread the end of the year because whatever I’ve accomplished, I’m proud of. I feel like I understand myself and what I want a lot better.
My business has continued growing steadily. In addition to opening my own boutique, I have interest for my first wholesale partnerships sitting in my inbox.
A year changes so much. I’d never be here without everyone’s support.
I love my life now. And I love Cole with my entire heart.
“Hey,” he says warmly. “How’d it go?”
I set the coffee tray down so I don’t spill it before twirling and striking a pose. “You are officially looking at the full-time artist and owner behind Sweet Luxe.”
Mr. Boucher was unsurprised when I finally gave notice today at the end of my shift. I’ve been putting it off despite my dwindling hours. Reagan’s taken over most of my usual nights as a bartender.
It’s so freeing to let go of the job I’ve kept since college because it was the only safety net I knew. Now I’ve built something for myself that I’m passionate about, a career that Iwouldn’t trade for the world. It feeds my creative soul and my need for new challenges.
Cole pats the puppy’s flank when he lets him down from dancing and comes over to hug me. I fall into his embrace, comforted by his woodsy scent enveloping me.
“That’s my girl. I’m proud of you.”
“I’m proud of myself, too.”
Bauer noses at my hip. I pull free to kneel at his level.
