An hour later, Rowan is taking me home. Riley and Hailey told me to go and rest. I couldn’t be happier to have them help me with all of this. It was such a whirlwind. All the excitement that surrounded me. I must admit, it’s pushed me even more toward the idea of making Honey Cakes a real thing.
I told Rowan I wanted to walk home and change for dinner. He insisted that he give me a piggyback ride because of how much I've complained that my feet hurt. I didn’t pass up the opportunity.
“Who knew how much I’d be able to see at this height? No wonder you can see the next town over, you’re giant,” I mock.
“I can see the craters on the moon from where I stand,” he jokes back.
I slide off Rowan’s back and open the door to the guest house. I kick off my shoes and let out a sigh while I walk to the kitchen, exhausted from the success I’ve had today. As I grab two glasses, I feel Rowan’s large hands wrap around my stomach and his chin dipped into the crook of my neck.
“I love you,” he whispers.
A smile tugs at my lips while the warmth of him relaxes my body, “I love you,” and pulling him into my chest. His arms wrap around my waist.
He pulls back, turning me to face him, and looks into my eyes and then down to my lips. His way of telling me he wants a kiss. I gave him one. With his lips against mine, all I feel is happiness. Me in Rowan’s arms. Him in mine. I place my forehead on his and breathe in his scent.
He smells like salt water and citrus.
“I’m the luckiest person to have you in my life, Ellie Thompson.”
I pull my head back, and he tucks a strand of hair behind my ear.
“This was the craziest summer of my life, and I wouldn’t take back one minute of it. And I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with you,” he whispers. “Only if you’ll have me forever.”
“Youaremy forever. Maybe someday, I’ll be Mrs. Williams.” I smile.
He looks at me for a beat and then throws me over his shoulders. I let out a scream and start to laugh while he walks us to the bedroom. “What are you doing?” I slap his butt while I yell.
“I’m going to make love to the woman of my dreams. And then we’re going to shower and continue our love making. Then we’re going to get ready to go to dinner, come back home, and not get any sleep. So, I hope you’re ready.”
“As ready as I’ll ever be.”
“That’s what I like to hear.”
epilogue
ELLIE
NEW YEAR’S EVE
“Thank you,everyone, for coming to celebrate with us,” Rowan announces to the crowd in the cavernous room.
I look up at him and admire his beauty. He’s wearing a sleek, black suit. His jacket isn’t buttoned, along with the first two buttons of his crisp white shirt. His hair is pushed back, with a small strand falling above his brow.
My lips want to feel his clean-shaven jaw that the Greek Gods blessed him with. Even though I woke up with him between my legs this morning, I want to take him back home and tangle up together in bed.
“I chose to have our New Year's party here because this is the space that will soon be Honey Cakes,” he says.
The room around us gasps. My mom and dad are struck with awe. Addie jumps up and down in excitement.
“Wait, this is going to be your bakery?” August asks, looking around with his hands in his pockets.
“Yes, Clark Kent,” Riley drawls.
“You think that’s an insult, but Superman is a very handsome man.” August pushes his glasses up his nose with a finger.
“Riley will be helping when she isn’t working at the yoga studio. Just with accounting. I’ll need to hire someone to help with other things, but I’ll worry about that when the time comes,” I say.
Riley takes a large gulp of her wine. “And I’m going to rock the shit out of it.”
