Epilogue

Three months later…

The crowd gathered around the front of my bakery is five deep. It feels like the whole town came out for me today. It makes sense, the entire town has been rebuilding with me for the last three months.

The day after the anniversary party, the town got to work on my shop. Jace led the way with demolition. He and the guys from the station hauled every piece of charred wood, table, window, every appliance from the kitchen and loaded it into dumpster after dumpster. Watching them completely gut the inside was heartbreaking but exhilarating because I knew this was a rebirth.

This new shop was going to signify everything new that I found in this town.

Jace's uncle, Zach Hart, is head of recruiting for the football team at Carolina U. He works closely with the NFL team, the Carolina Warriors, whose head coach happens to be the brother-in-law of a well-known construction company. They're based in Christmas, Texas, but one phone call had House O'Love Construction Company descending upon Love Beach.

The owner, Adam Casanova, refused any payment for the work, citing bakeries are a big part of his family and he was just happy to be able to help. Said coming here gave him an excuse to visit his sister and catch his ‘infamous' brother in law coaching a game.

After the rebuild was complete, which boasted an even larger kitchen than before, plus extra space for more tables, new electrical wiring was run. Jay was next to install a new HVAC system. And then of course, decorating and painting. Reece, Logan and I went wild with the cutest cupcake designs and pastel colors throughout the entire building. Then, to complete the circle, Poppy showed up in her truck stuffed to the ceiling with just about everything she owned.

"I can't stay away anymore. I've heard too many good things about Love Beach, Logan and the hottie firemen in this town!"

"We've got one you need to break in, girl!"

Ignoring Logan's comment, I jumped straight into her arms beyond excited to have her here with me. I'd figure out the ‘why' later, but for now, I'm so glad to see her.

Which brings us to today.

"Welcome to the grand re-opening of Cakeology!"

A giant pink bow is strung from corner to corner of the building and I stand in front with Maddox and an extra-large pair of scissors ready to open the shop.

"There are no words to express how you've all made me feel so welcome and like I've found my forever home these last three months. This is the exact place I always dreamed myself to be and to live that dream now, is amazing. So thank you again for ever–"

Maddox clears his throat. "If I could interrupt for just one minute before we cut this ribbon. I also want to thank you all for the work you've put in here for my girl. Making her feel at home is just what I needed you all to do because I want to make sure she won't ever want to leave this town."

Maddox reaches into his back pocket and drops to his knees.

I gasp. "What are you doing?" I'm so shocked at what I think is happening right now, that I drop the scissors and they cut the ribbon which falls to the ground around our feet.

"Oh, Goldie, you just had to cut that ribbon before I asked, didn't you?"

"Maddox!" I cry out and he chuckles, grabbing my hands and steadying me.

"Goldie, our little spark grew into a flame I don't ever want to put out. I want to see it burn for miles and miles… years and years. Tell me you want that, too."

I nod, tears sting my eyes and I bounce from left foot to right foot. Maddox laughs at me, steadying my hand once more. "Goldie, hold still. If I drop this ring, my sister will kill me."

I take a deep breath and nod. "Yes, Mads, Yes!"

"I didn't ask yet, Marigold."

"Just fucking ask her, stud!" Logan yells from the front row and everyone around us laughs and cheers.

"Yeah! What he said!" Poppy retorts and I giggle at the two of them.

"Marigold James, will you do me the greatest honor of my life and say yes to being my wife?"

"Yes! Yes, I will."

He slides the ring on and I grab hold of him as he stands. He swings me around and the crowd cheers. Logan, Poppy, Reece and Isaac rush us, hugging us.

"Cakeology part 2 is open for business! Everyone inside for cake!" Logan yells and the crowd pushes past us. I stay wrapped in Maddox's arms.

"You're my sweetest forever, Maddox. I never imagined this is what I would find when I stumbled upon Love Beach."

"I'm glad you stumbled." He gives me a sweet kiss. "You're my brightest flame, Goldie. Thank you for reigniting my life with love."

THE END.