Epilogue

New Year’s Eve…

“ T his seems a bit excessive.”

“Is there ever such a thing as too many cupcakes? I mean…come on.”

Rolling her eyes, Daphne stepped back and admired her handiwork. There were four cupcake towers and multiple other cupcake-filled displays. When Tristan told her about his vision for the party, she thought he was crazy, but the man wanted champagne and cupcakes and…that’s what he got.

Leaning against the massive island in his kitchen, she shook her head even as she smiled. Their guests weren’t due for another hour, so she was relieved to be done so she could have some time to simply relax and get ready.

“Hey,” Tristan whispered softly, holding out his hand to her. “I’ve got a surprise for you.”

“Tristan…” She felt herself blush because she had a feeling he had something sexy in mind.

And she was seriously hoping he did.

Slowly, he led her into the bedroom, and her heart raced with anticipation.

But then he kept walking.

When he pulled her into the bathroom, it was lit only by candlelight.

“Um…”

“I drew you a hot bath. I want you to soak and relax before everyone gets here. These last few weeks have been so hectic for you, and I know tomorrow starts your vacation, but I thought you might enjoy a little pre-party pampering.”

“You are the sweetest!” Humming, she wrapped her arms around him. “How are you even real?”

Grinning, he winked. “Quite the transformation from the man you met, right?”

“Definitely. But…that man just put way too much pressure on himself. I’m glad he figured that out.”

“I have you to thank for it.” He kissed her softly before taking a step back. “Enjoy your bath. I’ve got everything under control.”

She didn’t doubt that for a second.

As soon as he closed the door and she was alone, Daphne quickly stripped and carefully stepped into the tub. The water was gloriously hot and as she slowly sank under the bubbles, every bit of tension left her body.

“Mmm…so good…”

Tristan was right; the last few weeks had been incredibly hectic, along with being an emotional roller coaster. But she’d had a perpetual smile on her face since Christmas Eve morning. From the moment she walked into the lobby and saw that wonderful surprise, she’d been floating on a cloud. Not only had her little gingerbread house been transformed, but so had Tristan.

He'd told her about the conversation he had with his father and starting tomorrow, he was going to be working on projects that gave him joy. He was still going to take on clients for the buildings Knights was known for, but Tristan was going to be heading up their new custom home division specializing in both family and tiny homes. She’d never seen him happier.

And neither had his family.

The year was ending on such a high note that it didn’t seem possible for things to get any better, but she knew they would. By this time next year, she’d have her own bakery and would hopefully soak in a tub like this one, but maybe in a new home for her.

Or maybe…a new one for them .

It was too soon to think about moving in together or getting married, but…that was her dream. Two months ago, Daphne never would have thought she’d find herself in love with Mr. Grinchy Grincherson, but she’d never been so happy to be wrong.