Page 30 of Single Dad Dilemma

We head down to the kitchen where I've already prepared Violet's favorite breakfast: blueberry pancakes with freshwhipped cream. The kids help me arrange everything on a tray while I brew coffee.

"Can I put the flower on?" Will asks, holding up the single red rose I bought yesterday.

"Of course, buddy. Right in the middle."

He places it carefully next to the stack of pancakes, then steps back to admire his work. "Perfect," he declares.

"Now can we wake her up?" Margo asks.

"Alright, but remember—nice and gentle."

They race up the stairs while I follow with the breakfast tray. By the time I reach our room, they're already climbing onto the bed. Violet stirs as Will pats her cheek.

"Mama, wake up! We made you breakfast!"

Her eyes flutter open, and that smile I fell in love with spreads across her face. "What's all this?"

"Happy anniversary!" the kids chorus.

I set the tray across her lap and lean down to kiss her. "Happy five years, beautiful."

Her eyes get misty as she looks at the breakfast spread. "You remembered the blueberry pancakes."

"Of course. Just like the ones you made the morning after I proposed." I sit on the edge of the bed while the kids snuggle up on either side of her. "But breakfast is just the beginning. We've got the whole day planned."

After breakfast, we head down to the dock where our newest boat, the one I built specifically for family outings, is waiting. Violet gasps when she sees the decorations Margo and I put up last night—white roses and twinkling lights strung along the railings.

The day passes in a blur of laughter and joy as we cruise around the lake. The kids splash in the water while Violet and I watch from the deck, her head resting on my shoulder. In the afternoon, we anchor in our favorite cove for a picnic lunch.

"Remember our first boat ride?" I ask as we watch the kids building sandcastles on the small beach.

Violet laughs. "You mean when you were trying so hard not to fall for me?"

"I was fighting a losing battle." I pull her closer. "You and that bakery of yours just kept drawing me back in."

"Speaking of the bakery, Jane says the new location in Denver is doing amazing. Who would have thought our little Grand Lake shop would turn into a successful chain?"

I press a kiss to her temple. "I always knew you were destined for great things."

As the sun begins to set, we head back to the house where my parents are waiting to take the kids for the night. Once they're gone, I lead Violet back down to the dock. The twinkling lights reflect off the water, creating a magical atmosphere.

"Dance with me?" I hold out my hand as soft music plays from the boat's speakers.

She steps into my arms, and we sway together under the stars. Her body fits perfectly against mine, just like it did that first night. I trail my fingers down her spine, feeling her shiver in response.

"I love you," I whisper against her hair. "These past five years have been the happiest of my life."

She lifts her head to meet my eyes. "Even with all the chaos of running two businesses and raising two kids?"

"Especially with all that." I cup her face in my hands. "You've given me everything I never knew I needed—a partner, a mother for my children, and a love I never thought I'd find again."

Her eyes shine with tears as she rises on her toes to kiss me. The passion between us ignites instantly, just as strong as it was five years ago. I lift her into my arms, carrying her back to the house and up to our room.

Later, as we lie tangled in the sheets, Violet traces patterns on my chest. "You know what I was thinking about today?"

"Hmm?"

"That first morning you came into the bakery with Margo. If someone had told me then that this would be my life five years later, I never would have believed them."

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