Chapter 23

CHAPTER 23

VIOLET

O n Friday, my friend Luna flew in for a visit but hadn't said when she was leaving. I enjoyed her company. It was a distraction from what a mess my personal life was.

Ryder had finally responded to one of my texts asking if he was okay. He'd said he was staying to work a few things out. I took that to mean he was moving to Virginia and wouldn't be coming back. He'd been clear on the phone that our relationship was over.

"Are you ready for tonight?" Charlotte climbed down the ladder where she'd spent a good chunk of the day hanging twinkling lights and decorations on the ceiling.

"You thought of everything."

We'd be giving out free samples of my newest flavor, Violet Dreams. I'd been up all night the last three nights working on the recipe. I'd finally settled on a berries-and-cream combination that was delicious. I couldn't wait to hear what everyone else thought.

I'd even walked the reporter through my process while answering her questions.

I hoped she captured the essence of what I was trying to do here. I wanted to create a space that would draw customers in and make them feel good about choosing to eat my ice cream.

There was a story behind each flavor, and Charlotte wanted me to spotlight one a week. We'd post about it on social media and mark it as the special of the week.

I loved all of Charlotte's ideas. I wished I'd hired her sooner because she was so inspiring. I'd never been so motivated around my business. I got stuck in the day-to-day running of the place. But the marketing stuff was just as exciting as creating a new flavor. I hadn't realized that until I talked to Charlotte. But then again, she could make anything sound exciting.

The music was playing over the speakers, the shop was decorated, and there were tubs of my new flavor available to sample. Charlotte had the reporter's story framed, and it would be unveiled during the party.

I'd invited the Calloways and everyone else in town who wanted to be here. The unveiling of the article was scheduled for later in the night. I wanted people to come in and sample the ice cream first. Hopefully, the only ones left for the story unveiling were close friends and family.

I'd invited my grandfather, but my parents couldn't get off work to come since it was too close to Christmas. I'd finally promised l'd travel to Florida to see them over the holidays.

Since it seemed like Ryder was moving on with his life in Virginia, it was time for me to live mine.

Luna had been helpful, working alongside us, cleaning and prepping for the party.

"Are you ready to get started?" Charlotte asked.

We'd closed for the afternoon so we could get ready, and now it was time for the big reveal. "Let's do the video, and then we can open the doors."

I stood in front of the ice cream case to introduce my new flavor. I called it Violet Dreams because it represented everything I wanted out of life. It was light and airy and full of hope. I'd started filming these videos the last few days. We'd gotten a few followers, but it was a slow build. Charlotte had said that was normal but that the reporter's story would help bring attention to the store and my social media accounts.

I wore a white eyelet dress to complement our violet theme, and I tried not to think about how the most important person wasn't here tonight. Daphne had mentioned he'd put off the divorce to dispute custody. That had hurt even if we weren't dating anymore.

I ended the video with a question— "What are your dreams? Let me know in the comments."

Charlotte did a little dance. "I'm uploading now."

Julia gestured at the line of customers on the sidewalk. "I'll open the door."

There were people already waiting outside. I smiled and answered questions about the new flavor. I was surprised by the number of people who'd said they'd never been here before.

The night was turning out to be a success, and I hadn't even read the article yet. Would it put Sweet Scoops in a good light, or would the reporter talk about the glut of ice cream shops in the area?

As the night wore on, the number of customers held steady. We offered free samples of Violet Dreams, and the take-home cartons were almost gone.

"This is going better than I thought it would," I said to Charlotte when there was a lull.

Charlotte shot me a look. "I told you it was going to be amazing."

I hugged her. "I shouldn't have doubted you. I wish I'd hired you sooner."

"That's the biggest compliment you can give me." Charlotte looked around the room. "We're going to do the big reveal soon."

I drew in a shaky breath. "I'm ready for it."

The bell over the door sounded as Daphne came in carrying Colson with Cole following close behind. I was surprised when they were followed by Wes and Sutton, Jameson, Claire, and Owen, Fiona and Aiden. Then Al walked in with my grandfather. I hadn't expected the entire family to come.

I moved to greet them. "I'm so happy you're here."

"Wouldn't miss it," Wes said with a grin, and I wondered how I'd made such an impression on him.

He must have cataloged my surprise, because he leaned in to say, "We liked you for Ryder."

I held my tongue because I wasn't so sure Ryder did. "Thank you."

I went down the line, thanking everyone until I got to Al. "Thank you for coming."

Al smiled. "We wouldn't miss it."

It hurt that Ryder's family had come, but he hadn't. I hadn't talked to him about it. But he was preoccupied with everything going on in Virginia. I'd given up on getting updates from him.

Grandpa looked around. "The place looks great."

Charlotte had painted the store with two different shades of violet stripes on the walls and white on the wainscoting. Then she'd taken photographs of me making the ice cream, blown them up, framed them, and hung them throughout the store.

I held out my hands, cognizant that Teddy stood behind Al. "This was all Charlotte. She had a vision in her head, and she made it a reality."

"She's magic, isn't she?" Al said with a glint in his eyes.

"She's something all right," Teddy mumbled as he moved past us.

Al nodded after Teddy. "He's all right. He just doesn't like the changes Charlotte's making around the farm."

Charlotte stood on a chair near the frame with the story printed on it that was covered in a white sheet. "We asked someone special to read the article in the paper for everyone tonight. But first, I wanted to do the big reveal."

Teddy moved closer, and I wondered if he was worried about her standing in those heels on the metal chair.

Who would she have invited? The reporter? I looked around for Mindy but didn't see her.

Charlotte whipped off the sheet, and I was stunned by the full-page article that included a picture of me in the kitchen, wearing my Sweet Scoops apron with a large bowl in front of me on the counter. I held a spoonful of ice cream in the air and was smiling wide. It was probably the moment I realized that my new flavor was perfect.

I moved closer to the frame, the crowd parting for me. I heard the clapping, the whistles, and even the cheers, but everyone's face was a blur. I couldn't believe that my shop had gotten a spread like this in the paper.

When a low voice read the title, "'Local Woman Moves Home to Open Sweet Scoops,'" my body heated.

Teddy helped Charlotte down from the chair, exchanging some words with her, but I was mesmerized by the man who stood next to the framed article, no chair necessary to be level with the words.

"Ryder?" My heart was pounding. "What are you doing here?"

"I'm reading an article about my amazing and accomplished girlfriend."

Girlfriend? We hadn't put a label on what we were. But he'd talked about our relationship like it was still viable. Not like it was in the past. Something to be cherished and remembered.

Before I could form an intelligent response, he continued reading the article. "Violet Pendleton moved from Annapolis the summer after second grade and returned after the death of her grandmother to be close to her grandfather and to open her dream store, Sweet Scoops. Her idea was to create fresh flavors. She's partnered with local pie-shop owner Daphne Calloway to create lovely pie flavors for the holidays, including cherry, pumpkin, and apple.

"She just created her flavor, Violet Dreams. It's a combination of berry and cream, but Violet said it represents her dream, this store, and the happiness people feel when they enjoy her cold treats."

Ryder paused for a moment as if taking a breath or checking my reaction. It was probably a combination of both, but I couldn't take my gaze from his finger that rested on the frame.

His hands were large and strong, and he was here, reveling in this moment with me. What did it mean? Why was he here?

Then he continued, "I'd be remiss if I didn't mention the burgeoning love story that began as soon as her childhood husband moved to town."

"It doesn't say that," I interjected, but the crowd behind was quiet. It felt like it was just me and Ryder in the room.

Ryder winked at me. "It does, actually. Ryder Calloway said he's been in love with Violet since she asked for his name in second grade. They were instantly boyfriend and girlfriend. They planned pretend weddings at recess, held hands in the hallways, and even went to the principal's office when they kissed. Elementary school sweethearts, these two recently rekindled their relationship." Ryder paused to take my hand.

"If you haven't had a chance to stop in at this unique and special shop, do so the next time you're in town. It's a must see."

The crowd around us erupted in applause, but Ryder stepped closer to me, his shoulder leaning against the wall as he touched my hair.

"I can't believe she wrote that." It was more than I was expecting. So much more.

"I might have called and told her our story. Mindy wanted to include it. I hope that's okay."

"I don't mind if people know our history," I said, even as butterflies fluttered in my stomach.

"The thing is, I want to be part of your present and your future."

My heart squeezed. I had to know what he was asking. "Aren't you moving back to Virginia?"

Ryder's lips quirked and his gaze was so tender, his touch reverent as he tucked my hair behind my ear. "My life is here with you."

My heart beat erratically. "What about Faith?"

Ryder inclined his head so that it felt like our conversation was private. "She wants me to live here. She loves being close to my family and you."

"I thought you wanted to move into your family home in Virginia?" I asked, wanting to be sure I understood what he was saying.

"I was never happy there. It wouldn't be good for me or Faith to go back there."

"So you're home for good?"

"When I threatened to delay the divorce hearing, Stacy realized I was serious about living in Maryland. Faith told her how she felt too. Stacey agreed to negotiate a different schedule, one where Faith will live with me during the school year and visit her every other weekend."

"Wow. I wasn't expecting Stacy to give in."

"I think she's overwhelmed with Phil and his boys, and it's easier this way."

"How does Faith feel?"

Ryder chuckled. "Relieved and excited."

"I'm happy if you are," I said carefully, not quite ready to draw any conclusions about what he'd said.

"I'm not quite there yet."

"No?" I asked, relaxing only slightly.

His hand drifted down my arm, sending tingles through my body. Then he interlaced his fingers with mine. "Let's go somewhere we can be by ourselves."

He led me into the kitchen where we could be alone. He flicked on the overhead light and shut and locked the door. "I know you're the woman of the hour out there. But I just need a few minutes to ensure you know where I stand."

"Where is that?" I asked as I leaned against the counter, and he stood in front of me.

"I'm in love with you, Violet. I have been for a while. I might have started falling in second grade when you were so confident and sure of yourself. You wanted me, and you weren't shy about claiming what you wanted."

I grinned at the memory.

"I'm sorry I shut you out the last few days. The custody stuff twisted me up inside, and I let Stacy call too many of the shots. But I know what I want now. I want you and Faith in my life. I want to live near my family. I want to see George on my morning runs."

"I want that too."

"I realized that I was letting Stacy take too much control of my life. I need to do that for myself, and I don't want to go through it alone again. I want you by my side."

I nodded, not quite trusting my voice.

"In second grade, you were the one who did the asking, but now, I have something I need to ask you."

He dropped to one knee, and I sucked in a sharp breath. "Will you marry me this time for real, Violet? Will you create more dreams with me?"

"Yes." I tugged on his hand until he was standing and threw my arms around his neck.

Then he was kissing me, and finally my world righted. This was exactly where I wanted to be.

When I pulled away, my chest was heaving. "I can't believe you came, that you talked to the reporter."

"I wanted to show you that I was serious about our future. I was too scared before to say what I wanted, but I'm not anymore. I want to be with you. I want to create a family with you."

He lifted me so that my legs wrapped around his waist. "I want everything with you."

I thought I was too impulsive, too quick to love, but it turns out I just had to follow my heart. It would lead me right where I was supposed to be. It knew what that was in second grade, and it was right now.