She let out a breath."I already do."
I raised a brow, stepping forward until there were only inches between us.I needed her to spell it out for me."What are you saying?"
Her lips curved into a smile."I love you too."
My breath caught.I hadn't expected her to feel the same way."You do?"
She nodded.
"Are you saying you'll give me another chance to prove that you're the one for me?"
Her lips quirked."I think I can do that."
My hand dived into her hair, feeling the weight and thickness of it."I never want to let you go again.I don't want to be apart.Not even for one day.These last couple of weeks were torture."
"I thought you'd never reach out.That you didn't feel the same way as I did.That you chose your friendship with Tom over me."
"You couldn't be more wrong.I wanted to finish the renovation and then ask for your forgiveness.I figured you couldn't back out of the reveal."
She tipped her head to the side."Nothing could keep me away from this kitchen.Or you."
I pulled her closer."Can I kiss you now?"
She swayed against me."Yes, please."
I dropped my lips to hers, closing my eyes and reveling in the feel of her mouth moving under mine.Soft music played over the speakers.I was right where I was supposed to be, in this kitchen with the love of my life.
I couldn't believe I'd almost lost everything.But now I had a second chance, and I wasn't going to do anything to mess it up.
Epilogue
Reina
Alarge crowd came out for the first town event to kick off the winter holiday season.The town was always decorated for Christmas, but tonight, Eve had gone all out with Aspen's help.Aspen had recently started working as Eve's assistant.
Christmas trees lined the street, and lights were strung between buildings so that when you walked down the sidewalk, the lights hung overhead, creating a magical feel.
Holiday music played on the town's speakers, horse drawn carriages offered rides down the street, and there were wreathes and garland on every shop window and door.
Beyond town square, the holiday light trail was open, and there was an ice rink.
A blow-up winter snow globe swayed in the wind next to the trail and ice rink for visitors to take pictures inside.And Santa was sitting sentry in his red velvet chair at the square in front of the largest tree, inviting children to tell him what they wanted for Christmas.
Visitors could get some early holiday shopping done in the stores with a town-wide sale, eat at the restaurants, or even grab a snack at the various food trucks.
The best part was that the bakery was open and accepting customers.
There was a brand-new store that sold trains with a track on the wall and trains running around the room that drew in children.
"I can't believe this came together," I said to Morgan, who assisted on busy nights like tonight.He worked alongside me to ring up customers, and box orders.
"We've got this for now.Why don't you take a walk and enjoy the festival?"Jill asked.
"I wasn't planning on leaving the shop tonight.It's so busy."
Jill exchanged a look with Morgan."You promised that you were going to work less and rely on your employees more."
"Yeah, but not tonight?—"
