Haven Bound

Epilogue - Chelsea

One Year Later

“You’re gonna be late if you don’t get out of here,” Kate, my new manager at Buttersweet, says as she steps into the kitchen. I don’t have to look up while frosting a batch of mini bundt cakes to know that she’s checking the time on her watch. Her punctuality and ability to keep other people on task while still balancing kindness is part of why I hired her as manager here at Buttersweet’s primary location.

A few months ago, I finally caved and agreed to Hailey’s idea of bringing the Buttersweet name into the Elysian Suites hotel. For now, we’re only testing out the partnership here in Haven Beach, but it has been incredible. The partnership has fostered new loyal customers here at the bakery. Whether they've experienced Buttersweet's desserts as a guest at the hotel or through meetings and events, they continue to seek out the wide array of desserts that Buttersweet offers.

Austin, Hailey, and I worked to develop a few hotel-exclusive desserts, some that can be found at both locations, and specialty signature items that can only be found here at the bakery. The menu still changes with the season, but a few desserts, including coconut toffee and " Go Commando" cookies have become permanent fixtures that keep our regular customers coming back.

“I know, I know!” I laugh, putting the final swirl of frosting on one of the cakes and finally setting down the piping bag. I was supposed to leave thirty minutes ago so I can head home and get ready for the evening. Today is the anniversary of my first date with Austin. Even though we have agreed that we aren't going to do anything big, I still want a chance to take a shower and throw on a little bit of makeup and clothing that isn't covered in flour. It wouldn't be the first time that I've had flour or some other baking ingredient in my hair or on my clothes during a night out, but something inside of me is screaming "Tonight will be special."

"I've got everything under control here," Kate says from beside me, crossing her arms over her chest as she eyes me.

"I'm going!" I chime, untying the apron from my waist. It only takes me a few minutes to grab my things, get out of the bakery, and make my way towards home.

After spending nearly six months just dating , Austin finally asked me to move in with him. Truthfully, even during those months after we had moved out of the penthouse suite and lived separately, we still spent most nights together. We're currently staying in one of his family's rental homes for now. We could easily make it our permanent residence, but I can't wait for the day when we pick out our forever home together and customize it to fit our tastes. I'm already dreaming of the kitchen that Austin said he would build for me one day.

I’ve never felt as close to him as I do now. I've never felt this safe. Part of that comes from knowing that the men who hurt me are gone, but the other part is purely Austin . He’s always finding little ways to surprise me and show me how much he cares.

As I pull up to the house, the outdoor lights have already kicked on with the setting sun. When we moved in, Austin set them on timers to ensure that I never come home to a dark house. It's such a simple thing that brings me a tremendous amount of comfort. Admittedly, the security cameras around the perimeter of the house took a little getting used to, but with my past experiences and Austin still being an active Legion member, I understand the need for them.

There are a few table lamps inside, one on the entryway table and two in the living room, that he also set on a timer. The soft yellow light illuminates the house enough for me to comfortably make my way inside and set my things down without bumping into anything. I hear my cell phone vibrate inside of my purse, pulling it out to see a text message light up the screen.

AUSTIN

I had to run a quick errand. I'll be home soon.

I love you, Sunflower.

I'm not sure what errand he had to run or how soon he'll make it home, so I don't waste any time jumping in the shower and getting changed. With no idea what Austin has planned for tonight, I decide on a flowy black skirt that hits right above my knee and a dark green top with a low-cut neckline. There was a time when I would have let the negative voices inside of my head tell me that I have no business wearing something like this. No business showing off my body in this way. But now I have someone in my life who loves and adores every inch of my body, stretch marks and all.

The doorbell rings just as I'm curling the last few strands of my hair. A smile spreads across my face when I pull up the camera feed and see Austin standing at the front door.