A very happy future indeed.
“I love you, Hudson. Forever.”
“Forever.”
Epilogue
One year and one day later
“Happy anniversary, sweetheart.” Hudson’s arms wind around my waist from behind, still making my heart speed up, just like day one. “I’m so proud of you.” He nudges my throat with his nose, sending a little shiver up my spine.
I turn around in his arms to face him, catching our reflection in the bathroom mirror. “I haven’t really done much. The bakery has only been doing so well because these awesome people come in to buy our food every day. It’s all because of them.”
Leaning down, he kisses first one cheek, then the other, before moving to my lips. I feel like I might melt into a puddle if he keeps doing that. “Yes, but someone needs to make all those delicious goodies for those awesome people to buy.”
I chuckle at his insistence. “Okay, I’ll take it. Thank you. I can’t believe it’s already been a year since I opened.”
Gazing up into his eyes, I want to get lost in them like I do pretty much every time. Opening a bakery has always been a dream of mine, and it was fantastic when it finally happened. I’m definitely excited about the first anniversary and about celebrating it, but right now, I’d rather spend some more time with Hudson. Especially since he just got home from the last concert of his tour yesterday—just in time for Mira’s birthday. I’m not sure who was happier to see him.
Sounds like that deserves a celebration too.
Pouting, I lean into him. “Do we have to go? Can’t we just stay home for a bit longer?”
He smiles at me, his eyes sparkling mischievously. “Well, we could, but just think about all those poor people that woke up today wanting to eat some of your delicious cake or pastries.”
“All right, all right.” I mindlessly brush my hands across his chest while still gazing up at him. “I’m so happy you’re back for good now.”
He lets out a big breath, staring at the white ceiling. “Tell me about it. I was seriously counting down the hours. I’m not sure if I was happier when we were done, or the rest of the tour team. Apparently, I’ve been getting on everyone’s nerves a bit.”
That makes me chuckle, especially since I’ve come to know all of the bandmates and most of the tour crew pretty well over the last year, joining Hudson for his concerts whenever it was possible. “I can just imagine you guys. Even though we all know they missed their other halves just as much as you did.”
He puffs out his chest, looking pretty proud of himself. “You’re absolutely right. At least I’m not ashamed of admitting I’ve missed you guys the most.”
“I can certainly live with that. We missed you too. A lot.” A snicker rumbles through my body. “Particularly Mira. I can’t even tell you how many times I’ve heard ‘Daddy’ here, ‘Daddy’ there, especially since she started talking so much more over the last few months.”
“Good. I can’t wait to spend more time with her. Maybe she can come up to the academy with me sometime next week? I already have a few music sessions planned.”
I nod enthusiastically. “She’d absolutely love it, no doubt about it.”
“Perfect. Now let’s go.” He pulls me out of the bathroom, through our bedroom, and down the stairs.
“What is going on with you this morning?” I laugh at his unusual behavior, trying to keep up with his rushed steps. “Usually you’d be the first one to say ‘screw everyone,’ and have me pressed up against a wall.”
“Later, sweetheart.” He squeezes my hand and turns around to grin at me. “It’s a big day, so I’m excited.”
I sigh loudly, knowing exactly how right he is.
Today is a big day.
“Hudson, stop for a second. There’s something I need to—”
My words trail off as we walk into the kitchen, and I stop at the sight in front of me.
The whole room is filled with flowers. Tulips, to be exact. My favorites. They’re everywhere—on the kitchen bar, the big island, the countertops, the bar stools. Wherever the eye can see, there are tulips in all possible colors.
It’s nothing like I’ve ever seen. So beautiful.
“Wow, I…” That’s pretty much all I can think of saying.
“Shh.” Hudson chuckles as he holds my hands, exhaling loudly as he slowly goes down on one knee. “My turn first.”
Despite the situation, we both have to laugh, and I’m already loving this moment more than I ever thought I could.
Even though I can’t believe this moment is really happening.
“Charlie, right here in this kitchen is where we first met and where our journey began. You had me mesmerized from the first second, even when I only caught a glance of you before you threw a ball of dough in my face. You’re beautifully different and everything I could’ve ever dreamed of finding in a partner. You’ve brought me so much joy by not only being the wonderful person you are, but also by enriching my life even more with our beautiful girl.” He pauses to take a deep breath and reaches into his pocket.
Even though I know what’s coming, my breath still hitches in my throat, my hands shaking like trees in the wind. A sigh escapes my mouth when his hand appears in front of me, but this time, he’s holding a beautiful ring between his fingers.
“Sweetheart, there’s never going to be anyone more perfect for me than you, and I can’t imagine the rest of my life with anyone but you and Mira. Would you do me the honor of becoming my wife and letting me officially be Mira’s father?”
Tears run down my cheeks as I look at this beautiful man in front of me. Seeing him down on one knee brings out emotions I didn’t know existed—they’re so overwhelming that my knees start shaking too. I was certain I’d cry today, I just didn’t know it was going to be this early on or for this reason.
He’s still looking up at me expectantly, making me realize I haven’t given him an answer yet.
“Yes, yes, yes. Absolutely yes.”
Before he can get back up on his feet, I throw myself into his arms, making both of us topple over onto the floor. “Of course I’ll marry you.”
He laughs and pulls my face to his, showering me with impatient kisses.
After a few minutes, he pushes me back gently so we’re both seated on the floor.
He gently lifts up my hand. “May I?”
I nod eagerly, spreading out my fingers in anticipation. Once the ring is on my finger, I pull it close to my face to get a better look at it. It’s different than anything I’ve ever seen, but somehow it looks familiar too. I don’t know much about jewelry, but it looks like it’s vintage with a modern look to it.
It’s absolutely breathtaking.
“Do you like it?” Hudson’s voice is filled with uncertainty. “We can get you something else if you want. No worries at all. I know it’s nothing big and fancy, but I thought it would—”
“Shh.” This time, I interrupt him. “Thank you so much, it’s absolutely perfect. I can’t imagine anything more beautiful, so give me a moment to fully take it in.”
“I’m glad you like it. It’s a very unique piece, just like you.” His next words come out in a soft whisper. “It’s your grandma’s ring. Well, at least part of it. My grandma found it in her belongings and thought you might like it. The band was pretty demolished, so we had that exchanged for something more modern. But the stone was still in great condition, so we used that in combination with the new band.”
“Oh, Hudson.” I throw myself at him again, burrowing my face into his shoulder. My sobs are quiet but heartbreaking. I will never be able to tell him how much this gesture means to me. This will be one of my most treasured possessions, I’m absolutely sure of it. “Thank you so much.”
“Anything for you. I’m just happy you like it and that you said yes.” He gives me a big smile, gently wiping my tears away with his thumbs. “What an awesome day.”
Giving him a small smile, I reach into the back pocket of my
jeans to hand him the small package I put there earlier. “Maybe we can make it even better?”
“What?” The smile falls from his face as he stares at the small rectangular box in my hands, looking at it like it might bite him at any moment.
I push it toward him, nudging his hand with it. “Here, I’ve got something for you too. Open it.”
“Are you sure?” His eyes are as wide as saucers, and I have absolutely no idea what’s going on in his mind right now.
“Yes, of course I’m sure.” I pull it back an inch toward me, the shape poking my belly. “Or do you want me to open it?”
He shakes his head, almost grabbing the package out of my hands with a newfound eagerness. “No, no. I’ll do it.”
Getting to work immediately, small pieces of paper fly in all directions, making me chuckle.
And then Hudson stares at the contents in his hands for a long time. “Is this for real?”
I nod, unable to hold back the gigantic grin on my face.
“We’re really going to have a baby?” He holds up the pregnancy test I wrapped for him, his voice completely in awe.
“Sure looks like it.” I can’t help myself and squeal a little.
This time, I’m the one being tackled to the floor. Hudson hovers over me, carefully holding my face in his hands. His eyes are watery, gazing into mine with so much affection that mine automatically start tearing up again too.
He bends down to smother my face with kisses before settling on my lips for good. “I can’t believe we’re going to have a baby. Mira is going to be the best big sister ever.” He keeps shaking his head. “A baby. I can’t wait.”
A second later, he’s up on his feet, holding out his hand to me. “Come on, let’s go. Everyone’s waiting at the bakery to celebrate with us. Boy, they don’t even know half of it. They are going to flip.” He chuckles softly to himself before pulling me closer. “I love you so much.”
Snuggling into him as close as I can get, I let out a deep, relaxed breath before kissing him deeply. “I love you.”
When we pull apart and I look up at his face, I’m pretty sure his smile could light up an entire continent, and I can’t get enough of it.
Lifting me up, he spins me around in a bed of tulips. “Best day ever.”
I laugh because I couldn’t agree more. “Definitely best day ever.”
Bonus Chapter One
Bakery Anniversary
Hudson
“Daddy!” Mirabelle runs over to us as fast as her little feet can carry her. My heart feels like it might explode at any moment. It always does when I see her, especially if I’m gone for a few days.
“Hi, sweetie. How’s my little girl?” I catch her easily and lift her up into my arms, swinging her around until her little giggles are all I hear.
“Good.” She’s squeezing her little arms tightly around my neck as much as a two-year-old can muster.
“I’m glad to hear that.”
“Mira miss Daddy.” Hearing her call me Daddy never gets old. Never. Hearing her say it in her little high-pitched voice makes it all the cuter. Paired with that gorgeous toothy grin of hers, I’m like putty in her hands.
“I missed you too, sweetie. A lot.”
She gives me another big smile and nods. After getting kisses from Charlie too, she wriggles in my arms, signaling she’s already done with this scene. Done with me. For now, at least.
“Mira see Gigi?” Mira sees my grandma and takes off running before we even have a second to reply.
The attention span of a toddler is one of the funniest and most frustrating things I’ve witnessed so far. Toddlerhood is no walk in the park but definitely the most exciting one. Especially with this precious girl and her mama.
My brand-new fiancée, who also happened to tell me mere hours ago that we’re expecting.
We’re expecting.
As in, I will be a father. To a baby.
Becoming a dad to Mira has been one highlight this last year, but this, becoming a dad and being there from the very beginning is something completely different. I don’t think I’ve fully grasped the extent of that one yet.
“That girl must be the busiest person around here.” Charlie stares after her, a big smile on her face.
“And next year, there will be another one.” I turn her way and pull her closer. “I still can’t believe we will really have a baby.”
“No freaking way. Shut up. Did you hear that, Charming? Please tell me you heard it too. Can someone please pinch me, so I know I’m not dreaming? Ouch.” Monica’s unmistakable voice comes from behind us, and I groan.
I look at Charlie, grimacing. I’m sure that’s not how she wanted to make the announcement, especially to her best friend. I should have looked around first before blabbing everything out.
Thankfully, Charlie only laughs before facing Gabe and Monica, who are staring at us with big eyes, clearly waiting for a response.
When Charlie nods, Monica throws herself at her, and they are a big mass of giggles and shouts. It doesn’t take more than a few moments before there are sniffles and tears too.
“Congratulations, bro.” Gabe pulls me in for a quick hug and claps me on the shoulder. “You deserve it, man.”
“Thank you.” I’m suddenly fighting against a big lump in my throat. “Hey listen, there’s something else I wanted to talk to you about first. See, Charlie and I—”
A shrill shriek from beside me makes me stop mid-sentence, and I turn around, expecting to find one of the nearby buildings on fire.
Instead, it’s Monica holding up Charlie’s hand, inspecting her fingers up close. “I can’t believe it. Oh my gosh, Charlie. I don’t even know what to say.”
“That would be a first.” Gabe coughs next to me to mask his words, and I punch him in the shoulder.
He finally catches onto what’s happening and slings his arm around me as we watch the two women in front of us jump up and down.
“Well done, bro. A proposal and a baby on the same day?” He whistles and we both chuckle. “I’m thrilled for you. And about your question. Yes, I’d love to be your best man.”
I push him away playfully but have a big smile on my face. “Thanks, man.”
He knew what I wanted to ask him. Sometimes, it works in my favor that he knows me so well.
He nods before rubbing his hands together. “Anytime. Let’s go celebrate.”
“Sounds like a plan.”
He pulls Monica away from Charlie, even though she protests. After pulling her in for a hug, I finally get her back and put my arms around her waist. “Are you ready to face the mob?”
She gives me a kiss and pulls me toward the crowd, having one of the biggest smiles I’ve ever seen on her face. “You betcha.”
In the back alley behind the bakery, Claire and Max have set up bistro tables and chairs next to a few stands filled with all sorts of pastries and other goodies. There’s also a table with refreshments and whatever else we could use for this little get-together. It’s supposed to be a thank-you for the customers, but it’s also a nice way to get our family and friends together to celebrate the bakery’s success.
Who would have thought we’d be celebrating so much more today?
We say hi to everyone, and I head over to the table to get something to drink. So far, it’s only our friends and family, and we still have time before the official celebration with the customers begins. I don’t want to waste another second of this still-private gathering.
When I join Charlie to hand her some juice, I pull her a little to the side. “Are you okay with telling everyone right now?”
“Mo knows, so we might as well. Her excitement will set everyone off sooner rather than later anyway.”
She gives me a big smile, and relief shoots through me when I see she really means it. The last thing I’d want is to upset her with this, especially today. She seems happy though, so I take her word for it.
“Well, let’s do it then.” I take her hand and tu
rn to face the crowd. “Excuse me, can I say something?”
Everyone’s attention is quickly on us as I look into the happy faces of those who mean the most to me and Charlie. So far, they’re only excited to celebrate the bakery’s anniversary.
Even though that’s a great occasion on its own, one that deserves a grand celebration, everyone sure is in for an extra special surprise now.
“Thank you all so much for coming out here today to celebrate with us. Charlie deserves all the success she’s had in her first year with the bakery. We all know how delicious her goodies are.” That earns me an elbow to the ribs from Charlie and a few wolf whistles from the crowd. I can’t do anything but laugh, sure that nothing can turn this day sour. “The bakery goodies, people. Get your minds out of the gutter.”
“Get to the point!” Monica’s already shouting, her eyes shining wildly, proving Charlie’s point that her best friend is already bursting at the seams with excitement.
Before I have a chance to say another word, Charlie goes up on her toes beside me, bouncing up and down.
“Hudson asked me to marry him and I said yes. And we’re having a baby.” Without taking a breath once, all the words come out in a rush.
I stare at her in amusement as she mouths, “Sorry.”
Throwing my head back, I laugh. Loudly. Happily. Before grabbing her by the neck to plant a kiss on her delectable lips.
She’s my freaking fiancée. I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of saying or thinking that.
“Don’t you worry for a second, sweetheart.” I bend down to give her another kiss before we turn back to the crowd.
It’s then I realize everyone’s gone completely quiet, the shock clear on their faces, except Gabe and Monica. Those two are grinning like fools, and I’m sure Charlie and I look the same.
Soon after, it’s almost like a sudden awareness hits the crowd, and everyone cheers and claps. I’m pretty sure I can already see some wet eyes as people approach us, one by one.
The Mitchell Brothers Collection: A Feel-Good Romance Box Set Page 31