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We say our goodbyes and Walt hands me his business card. It’s been a while since I’ve seen one of these. We head for the beach, deciding to go for our walk along the shore like we planned. I’m hoping it will give Livy some time to let this new idea sink in and work through the details in her mind.
I take her hand in mine as we walk in silence for a few minutes, listening to the sounds of the waves crashing into shore.
After a little time has passed, I decide I can’t wait another second to ask her.
“So, tell me what you’re thinking, Livy girl.” I’m trying to read her mind. There’s a sparkle in her eye and I’m feeling cautiously optimistic. Hope fills my chest.
Shifting her gaze from the ocean to me, she lifts a hand to shield the sun from her eyes.
“I’m thinking it would be pretty perfect. I love the space. It felt like a lot of love has resided between those walls.”
“Really?” I answer, feeling a little relief.
“Really. But there’s a lot to consider. I need to talk it over with Ellie because she needs to have a say in this too.”
“Of course. It’s a big decision, one that will require some thought.” Say yes.
“And it goes without saying, Livy, I’ll do anything I can to help. I have construction contacts, designers, anything you need to get the shop up and running.” Please say yes.
I can’t contain my excitement, smiling like an idiot from ear to ear. How did we get so lucky, being in the right place at the right time tonight to meet Walt? I can’t help but feel like this is all meant to be, like this could be the solution to our problem of how we can be together without giving up our dreams.
“I know, baby. Thank you. Now before I go discussing this with Ellie, are you sure you are okay with us moving in together?”
“Livy, there is no other option. I can’t go a day without you.” I unlace our fingers and palm the side of her cheek in my hand. She leans into my touch.
Livy’s smile radiates back at me and it’s all the assurance I need to feel like this is going to work out. I kiss her perfect lips and they taste like chocolate and salt and everything right in the world.
I love this woman, every single thing about her. I plan on never stopping.
* * *
It’s been six weeks since Livy signed the lease agreement and started construction on Bloom’s new Cape May location. Once Walt cleared out his treasures, we got to work bringing her vision to life. Livy refused a lot of my resources, wanting to do things herself and knowing how important that was to her, I bit my tongue and let her work. Over the last couple of weeks, on my days and nights off, I’ve been there helping her in any way she needed. If she asked, I did it, happy to feel like my independent girl needs me in some way. I’m so damn proud of her. The end result is nothing short of amazing.
“You ready, Liv?”
“Almost. Would you like to do the honors?” Livy walks towards where I am perched on the end of our bed in my Armani suit, tying the laces of my dress shoes. She turns away from me, displaying the open back of her dress.
“Would I ever.” I reach for the zipper at her waist, pulling it slowly up her delicate back. “Although, as much as I love this dress on you, I would rather be taking it off.”
She turns to face me, and my hands reach for her waist, pulling her in between my thighs. She traces one finger down the center of my chest between my pecs and a heat pulses up my spine.
“You look fucking incredible.” I nearly growl, reaching my palms around her to grab her ass. She’s wearing a form-fitting white dress that rests just above her knees. This girl is going to kill me.
I release her, standing and offering her my hand. I can’t have the guest of honor late for her own party.
“I’m so proud of you, Livy. Today is your day. You ready to do this?”
“As ready as I’ll ever be.” She flashes me a nervous smile and I squeeze her hand just a little bit tighter.
I help her into my Audi and drive us both to the new Bloom. We are meeting Ellie there, who has been here every chance she could, helping with the renovations and getting their second location up and running. This is just as much her grand opening as it is Livy’s. Their dream of opening a second location coming to life. It’s been no small feat.
It is nearing five o’clock and the grand opening begins in half an hour. I’m watching my girl race around the store with Ellie, making sure every last detail is in order. Servers are lining up flute glasses for champagne and the caterer is hard at work plating hors d’oeuvres on trays. He’s going to have to work harder to keep up with Ellie, who is stuffing her face with them as she works.
“I can’t eat another bite. Okay, maybe one more. Where did you find this caterer? You are going to have to roll me out of here,” Ellie grumbles through a mouthful of food, rubbing her stomach with one hand.
“Jesus Ellie, stop eating all the food. I’m going to have nothing left to serve our guests if you keep up at that pace.” Livy sasses back, swatting Ellie’s hand away from the neatly placed finger foods.
“Damn Livy, have you seen how many people are waiting outside? There must be over a hundred people out there,” I announce, peeking out the front window at the crowd that has formed. I spot my parents, Liam and Miles and my sister who are chatting with Livy’s mom and dad and Kate. They were the first to arrive, securing a spot right in front of the yellow ribbon that crosses the front door that Livy will be cutting shortly. They are just as excited as I am and so damn proud of her too. I also spot Walt in the crowd, sitting along the perimeter in a chair we made sure to reserve just for him.
