Total pages in book: 18
Estimated words: 17362 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 87(@200wpm)___ 69(@250wpm)___ 58(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 17362 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 87(@200wpm)___ 69(@250wpm)___ 58(@300wpm)
“And I love you, Hannah. Always and forever.”
We would stand by one another, and face all of our challenges together. They would be difficult, there would be obstacles, there would be highs and lows, but as long as we’re together, Hannah and Elias?
There isn’t anything that can stop us.
epilogue
HANNAH
The smell of cinnamon rolls and fresh bread fills Hannah’s Sweet Stoppe as I wipe down the counter. My belly feels heavy, and I know I don’t have much longer to go before our little one arrives. Every kick feels like a reminder that our world is about to change again.
The bell above the door rings, and I look up to see Lavender stroll in, her one-year-old daughter Leah on her hip. Leah’s already eyeing the cookies, her tiny hands reaching out.
“Well, there’s my favorite little customer,” I say, smiling as I walk over to them. “How’s my sugar monster today?”
Lavender laughs, brushing a strand of her purple hair behind her ear. “She’s been asking for cookies since breakfast. Figured we’d stop by before heading home.”
“Always welcome here,” I say, reaching out to ruffle Leah’s soft hair. “And you too, of course.”
Lavender grins. “How are you holding up, mama? You look ready to pop.”
“I feel ready,” I groan, placing a hand on my belly. “But this one seems content to stay in a while longer. Any advice from the seasoned pro?”
She laughs, shifting Leah on her hip. “Just wait till they’re out—you’ll wish you had more time.”
Before I can respond, the bell rings again. I turn, and there he is—Elias, striding through the door in worn jeans, a cowboy hat tipped low on his head, and a piece of wheat tucked in the corner of his mouth. He looks every bit the farmer he’s become, his city days long behind him.
“Well, look who it is,” I tease, raising an eyebrow at him. “You planning on joining a rodeo, or just trying to impress us?”
He grins, tipping his hat to Lavender and Leah. “Ladies.” His eyes settle on me, a slow smile spreading across his face as he walks over. “Just trying to make sure my girls are doing alright.”
Lavender chuckles. “He’s gone full cowboy, huh?”
“More like full farmer,” I say, as he pulls me into his arms, his hand resting on my belly. “You should see him out in the fields. He’s got the whole act down.”
Elias leans down, brushing a kiss against my lips. “Hard work looks good on me, doesn’t it?”
I laugh, shaking my head. “You’re ridiculous.” But I can’t help the warmth that spreads through me as I look at him, all rough around the edges and a far cry from the city boy who first strolled into my bakery.
Leah lets out a squeal, drawing our attention, and Elias crouches down to give her a high-five. “Look at you, getting bigger every day,” he says, smiling at the little girl.
Lavender chuckles. “She’ll be as tall as me soon.”
Elias straightens up, then wraps his arm around me, pulling me close again. “How’s my beautiful wife doing?” His voice drops, his lips brushing against my ear.
“I’m doing fine,” I whisper back, my heart skipping a beat.
He kisses me again, and this time I let myself melt into it. It’s slow, sweet, and for a moment, it feels like the world is just the two of us—until I hear Lavender clear her throat.
“You two need to get a room,” she teases, smirking. “Just don’t start making out in the kitchen again. We really don’t want another health inspector busting you.”
Elias pulls back, chuckling as he rubs the back of his neck. “Fair point. We had enough of that fun.”
I laugh, shaking my head. “Yeah, let’s avoid that.”
Lavender laughs along with us, rocking Leah as she starts to get sleepy in her arms. “I’ll leave you two lovebirds to it. See you tomorrow?”
“Wouldn’t miss it,” I say, smiling at her as she heads toward the door.
Elias glances at me, his hand still resting on my belly. “You sure you’re okay?”
I lean into him, resting my head against his chest. “More than okay. This... this is everything I ever wanted.”
We share one last kiss, laughing softly as we pull apart. There’s a warmth in the bakery, a sense of love and happiness that feels just as sweet as any cupcake.
And in this moment, I know I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be.