Epilogue
West
One year later
“Look, there’s Mama,” I say to Waylon who squirms in my arms as Daisy stands beside the mayor, Maya Ortiz, holding a giant pair of scissors, in front of The Wildflour Bakery.All of Red River Canyon has shown up for the opening, and I couldn’t be prouder.
Daisy’s a knockout with those pretty brown eyes sparkling with happy tears and her blonde curls spilling down her shoulders.Her soft pink dress perfectly matches the pink building behind her.The dainty, striped awnings look like something you’d see in Paris.A waterfall of silk flowers cascades over the entrance, and pink chairs and tables dot the sidewalk.
Inside, it’s a riot of wildflowers and sugary pink fixtures and furniture.There’s even a pink bathroom, and Lemon contributed all of the custom artwork and wallpaper.The whole town came together to help make this bakery a success, and they’ve turned out for her today too.She really did it.Despite the odds, despite a deadbeat husband who left her barefoot and pregnant, a cowboy who needed to get his head on straight, and a baby who needed her around the clock, she made this dream come to fruition.And I couldn’t be more fucking proud.
The Mayor cuts the ribbon and officially declares the Wildflour open.
“Yay, Mama.”I say, kissing Waylon’s blond curls.
He claps his chubby little hands, “Mama, yay.”
At one year and three months, he’s a handful, and I can’t imagine what it’s going to be like with the four of them running around.Daisy cradles her round belly as the photographer snaps a few more pics, and I grin like a goddamn fool.I can’t believe I get to love this woman, and to have her love me back.
I also can’t believe we’re having triplets.
She gives us an exuberant wave and beams as she poses for photos with everyone, and then we’re called over to take photos of the family for the Red River Canyon Gazette.
“Alright then, come on in, y’all,” Daisy says opening the door to the café.Everyone bustles in, grabbing tables while others in their party line up at the register.In no time, the line goes out the door and around the block.
Daisy heads behind the counter where her best friend, Hadley, stands in a Wildflour T-shirt, ready to help out for the day.Beside her, Daisy’s new employee, Greyson, begins looking a little green around the gills at all of the people crowding the bakery.
I’m surprised to see the first people in line are the Thorntons.Instinctively, I edge closer, until Roman and Beau glance up at me with matching scowls.Buck is standing a little behind them sheepishly glancing between me and Daisy.
“Roman, Beau.You got some nerve coming in here—”
“Without your free samples of cinnamon rolls,” Daisy chimes in, shoving a cake stand toward them.She turns and gives me a stern look and then smiles at the Thornton’s.“What can we get you boys today?”
Buck reaches around his brothers and grabs a handful of the samples, shoving them in his mouth.“Everything.”
“They aren’t all for you.Be fucking respectful,” Roman growls at his youngest brother.
Buck frowns mid bite and says, “Sorry.”
“It’s okay, Buck,” she smiles sweetly, and I don’t know how she does it.A year ago, this asshole was scaring the shit out of her, and now she’s entertaining this fool in her shop.
“We’ll take one of everything, Daisy,” Roman says.
And Daisy laughs, “You know y’all don’t have to ration your baked goods anymore.We’re open six days.”
“One of everything in the pastry display.”Roman nods.“And six loaves of that sourdough bread.”
“Okay then.”Daisy smiles and turns to her staff.“Hadley, Greyson, let’s bag up one of everything.”Hadley stares at the brothers for a minute before jumping into action and ordering poor Greyson to grab the bread from the shelves.
“We sure are glad to see you up and running,” Beau tells Daisy.“Been a long time since we had your treats.”
