He pulls over a stool that comes out of nowhere and sits me in front of the table, rolling out blueprints that look an awfully lot like this building.
I scan over everything before he explains, and my eyes snag at the words on top.
“Harrison?” I ask cautiously.
“I said we’re keeping the building. Not the bakery.”
I whip around on my seat to face him. “What are you talking about? Why would you do that and take it away from us?”
“I’m not taking it away from you, baby. I’m passing it on to you so you can start your future. Your mom and I spoke in-depthover the last few weeks, and we’ve decided that it’s time for her to take a step back so you can start your legacy right here in the same space your mom did. Take back hold of your future, and do what you love, not what you think people want you to do.” He smiles softly and runs his thumbs along the apples of my cheeks. “In the new year, your mom is retiring, not only herself, but the bakery. It’s time.”
Oh, Mom…
I glance back to the blueprints and reread the heading.
Petit Papillons School of Dance.
Little butterflies.
He points to the all-glass storefront. “We’re going to build a dance studio for you to teach and finally do something for yourself. You can hire Adriana and whoever else you want.”
“I—I…” I’m at a loss for words as I stare at this beautiful man, completely in awe. “At the masquerade gala, you asked me if I thought you were beautiful, and I said I didn’t know you well enough to say.”
“I remember.” He grins. “I was highly insulted.”
I playfully smack his chest, then leave my hand pressed against him, rubbing circles over his heart. “I said beauty is not about looks but the whole package, and you, Harrison Davenport, are the most beautiful man I have ever met. Thank you for being you,” I say, then hesitate.
“What is it?”
I watch my fingers tracing over his sweater, unable to look him in the eyes. “I’m worried I won’t be able to do it…”
“You’re ready, Jules.” He lifts my chin and cups my cheek. “I never told you that I saw you dancing in the Hamptons. You were like an angel floating around the room, and I couldn’t take my eyes off you. It would be an absolute shame to hide the beauty of your talent, and you’re a phenomenal teacher. Butit’s your choice. We can keep it a bakery and hire more staff. Whatever you decide, it’s yours.”
I shake my head. No, I want to do this…I want to teach Claud in my studio and immerse myself back in the dance world, like my therapist said.
I’m ready to feel alive again.
“Wait…what about all the places we looked at to rent?”
“The ones the realtor said were exclusive, they were fake listings. The ones your mom didn’t like were real. I was worried you’d look them up in detail online.” He winks. “A perk of knowing people in high places.”
God, did he think of everything?
“I can’t believe the bakery will be gone, but you’re right. I think it’s time.”
He points to a small part of the blueprint. “Here we can build out a kitchen, so when you’re not teaching dance, you can still teach your baking class.”
“You’re amazing.” I smile, grateful for this man. “I don’t want to give that up. I love teaching that class. Thank you, Harrison, for thinking of everything and giving me everything I could ever desire.”
I hold out my arms for him to pick me up. “I need to be close to you and kiss you properly.”
“There’s one more thing.” He picks me up but swiftly puts me on the ground before I can wrap my body around him.
“There is nothing else I need, Harrison. You’ve given me too much already.”
“Not even this?” He drops to one knee and opens a velvet box, revealing an enormous, pear-shaped diamond ring. “Juliette Caldwell, will you marry me?”
“What?” I whisper.
