She dropped her chin. “That’s the other thing…CatyCakes. Business is booming, but I can’t find a bakery nearby that I can afford. I need help, but my kitchen can’t handle more people.” Talk about a no-win situation.
“What are you going to do?”
“I might have to look farther away and maybe move.” Neither option held any appeal, but then neither did eating noodles everyday.
“Maybe I have another option. Just wait before you say no again. Join me at The Sweet Shop.”
“Ian, I don’t—”
He kissed her and as far as distraction techniques went, it was a good one. Caty shut up and looked at him, waiting.
“Thank you. I said join me. Become my partner, fifty-fifty. I hate baking and designing wedding cakes. You love them. I’ve already got extra staff, and you need them. And as a bonus, we get to be together. I love you, Caty. Say yes.”
He was handing her dream to her. How could she say no?
“Yes, and I love you too.”
Epilogue
One year later…
Caty Kennedy sat in the bride’s room at the Casa Blanca Resort and Spa watching Shay O’Malley, soon to be Mackay put on her veil. She was beautiful, radiant really, but then that was love.
Gussie, Ari, and Willow had been in and out to check on them and assure them everything was set. In a few minutes, they’d walk out of that room and Shay would step onto the sand and into the arms of the man she loved. Caty was completely envious of her.
The past year working with Ian had been a dream. He’d kept his word and didn’t boss her around…much. Actually, the man never said no to her, which had led to some pretty interesting and fun evenings.
“Are you ready?” Caty asked.
Shay turned to her with misty eyes. “Tell me something. When are you going to say yes to that brother of mine?”
Caty laughed. “Well, he’d have to ask first. But today is not about me, it’s about you. Now let’s get going before Colin busts in here and carries you off.”
The two of them excited the room and slipped through the resort and out the back doors, down the pathway and to the beach. They set their shoes aside and the music started.
“Here we go.” Caty went down the aisle first, as she was the maid of honor, and took her place across the aisle from the man who held her heart.
Shay followed and all eyes were on the bride, except for her brother’s. Ian hadn’t taken his eyes off of Caty. If she’d thought the man had looked good in shorts, Ian in a suit was breathtaking.
The minister rambled. The bride and groom said ‘I do,’ and the celebration started. As weddings went it was short, sweet, and perfect. The band struck up, and after the bride and groom took their place on the dance floor others followed.
Ian held out his hand to her. “May I have this dance?”
“You may.” Caty let him lead her to the far corner. The music was slow and sultry—perfect for holding the one you loved close. The song ended and Ian held her tight.
“Are you happy, Caty?”
She looked up at him. “Of course. We’ve got the day off, we’re at your sister’s wedding, and we’re dancing. Why wouldn’t I be?”
“I don’t mean right this moment, I mean with me, with the life we’ve been building?”
She kissed him softly, wanting so much more, but that would have to wait until later. “Very much so.”
Ian looked over to his sister, who nodding, and then he dropped to one knee.
Oh my God, what is he doing?
“Caty Eileen Kennedy, I moved to Mimosa Key to find a life and I found you. I’d always dreamed of finding a love like my parents and grandparents, but never believed I’d find it, but then I found you. If I died today, I’d only have one regret and that would be leaving you, but don’t worry, I have no plans of going anywhere. Not for a very long time.”
A few people in the crowd chuckled, probably the ones who’d heard the tale of O’Malley’s ghost. She could feel everyone watching. She tugged on Ian’s hand, trying to get him to stand.
“Caty Eileen Kennedy, I love you and I don’t want to just go through life with you at my side. I want you as my partner, at work and in life. I want you as my wife. Say yes. Say you’ll marry me?”
She had tears streaming down her cheeks as she laughed at the crazy man in front of her.
“Ian Patrick O’Malley, I love you. Yes, I’ll marry you.”
She’d said she’d never let another man rule her life, but she knew with Ian, that wouldn’t be their life. It would be nothing but a sweet surrender.
About the Author
Gail Chianese's love of reading began at the tender age of three, when she'd make her grandpa read Fourteen Country Rabbits over and over and over again (and correct him when he skipped parts). While she's branched out over the years by reading mystery, women’s fiction, and urban fantasy, she always circles back to romance in the end. That's probably because she's married to her real life hero. Her wonderful hubby served in the US Navy for the twenty-seven years and he’s done things he can’t tell her about. But it doesn’t stop her from being extremely proud of him and the sacrifices he made for her, his family, and his country. He’s also uber-supportive of her dreams and of their three children. Living in Mystic, CT and a member of Connecticut Romance Writers of America, Gail loves to hear from readers. Visit her online at GailChianese.com, Facebook, follow her on Twitter @Gail_Chianese, or send her an e-mail at [email protected].
Books by Gail Chianese
The West Side Romance Series
Bachelorette for Sale
Boyfriend for Hire
Fiancé for Keeps
The Changing Tides Series
Love Runs Deep
A Hero to Love
Disarmed by Love
Barefoot Bay: Sweet Surrender (Kindle Worlds Novella) Page 11