Holiday Hoax: Epilogue

Almost One Year Later

‘Thank you all for coming. This past year has been a whirlwind of dreams coming to fruition, including this store. And congratulations to our franchisees, Donna and Zach Martin. Austin will be a great market for you and Grammy’s Cupcakes,’ I declare, glancing over at them.

Zach tugs Donna closer to him. Their excitement is palpable, and it increases the joy I feel.

I turn to my right, and my heart swells so big, it might burst. I add, ‘It wouldn’t be right for me not to express my gratitude for my husband, Sebastian Cartwright.’

Sebastian’s blues twinkle with pride and his arrogant gaze is nowhere to be found. It’s always absent whenever it comes to my business. He’s always humble, which is the only time in business I typically see him that way.

I continue, ‘You’ve helped me in ways I can’t even describe. I’m forever thankful for your knowledge, support, and curiosity about cupcakes.’

The crowd laughs.

He winks at me, and my stomach flutters.

‘You’re my biggest cheerleader, an amazing mentor in business, and the best husband a gal could ever have. I love you.’

He grins and mouths, ‘I love you too, Sunshine.’

I gaze around the room. Everyone I care about is here, even though it’s a three-to five-hour round trip, depending on where they came from. Melanie and Greg beam at me and so does Sebastian’s entire family. And I might as well be blood because they’ve never once treated me as anything else.

Since Sebastian and I committed to each other, we’ve both changed. He’s more relaxed. He still keeps up on his crazy workout schedule, but he’s learned to have some balance in his meals. And the late nights at his office are rare. We’re both busy with our careers, but we try to be home by six every night. Not because we feel pressured, but because we can’t wait to see each other.

Most of my growth has been with my naivety. I’ve learned to speak up where Sebastian is concerned. He’s not perfect, and neither am I. What goes on in his head isn’t always clear to me, so when I need to, I ask him what his intentions are about whatever is confusing me. He’s aware if I do ask him that, he needs to stop doing whatever it is and think before he speaks. Sometimes his ghosts reappear. It’s typically during a vulnerable conversation, so I try to stay patient and gently ask him point-blank if what he’s saying is how I’m interpreting it.

Normally, he’s trying to tell me something completely different than what I’m hearing. So we’ve both learned the more we can talk about an issue, the stronger our marriage grows.

When I think about my life before him, it seems so dull. He’s opened a new world for me, not only due to his lifestyle but because of the love he shows me daily.

I tear my gaze off him and motion to the Martins. They step forward next to me, and the mayor hands them a huge pair of scissors. I grab Sebastian’s hand, and he kisses it then releases it. He slides his arm around my waist, tugging me against him, right where I belong.

The Martins cut the red ribbon, and everyone cheers louder than before.

Sebastian spins me into his arms and gives me a chaste kiss. Then he leans into my ear. ‘Well done, Mrs. Cartwright.’

I beam at him. ‘We did it!’

He shakes his head. ‘No. You did it.’

I open my mouth to protest, but he puts his finger over my lips. He leans into my ear and states, ‘Sunshine, I think it’s time I showed you how proud of you I am.’ He gives me a challenging stare.

My favorite scent of praline, citrus, and sandalwood teases my nostrils. I squeeze my thighs together, arch my eyebrows, and reply, ‘Oh? What’s involved?’

His lips twitch. ‘Now, what fun would it be if I told you?’

I put my fingers together, bat my eyelids, and whine, ‘Just a little hint?’

He chuckles, undresses me with his eyes, and my cheeks flush with heat. His hot breath hits my lobe, and he teases, ‘What would you say if it involves sugar, roses, my tongue, and your naked body?’

I inhale deeply, shift on my feet, and lift my chin. ‘I think that would be perfect, Mr. Cartwright.’

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