Page 149 of Stuck with my Mechanic Daddies

New shelves lined the space, stocked with hand-picked books, and a charming café corner now stood where an unused storage area once had been.

And the best part?

Right near the register, sitting proudly on a display table, was my book.

My book.

I still couldn’t believe it.

A soft tap on my shoulder made me turn, and I was met with Ethan’s knowing smirk. “You're staring at it again.”

I huffed. “I am not.”

“You are.” He crossed his arms, leaning against the counter. “You do that thing where you tilt your head, like you're still trying to convince yourself it’s real.”

I sighed, glancing back at the neatly stacked copies of my debut novel. “Maybe I am.”

Ethan’s smirk softened. “It’s real, Aurora. You did this.”

I pressed a hand to my chest, my fingers brushing against the chain of the necklace I always wore—my uncle’s old safe key, now a reminder of how far I’d come.

“I didn’t do it alone.”

“Maybe not.” Ethan’s voice was quieter now, more thoughtful. “But you didn’t give up. That's all you.”

Before I could get too emotional, the front door swung open, and Mason strolled in, a to-go coffee in each hand. “All right, nerds. I come bearing gifts.”

He handed one to Ethan before setting mine on the counter with a wink. “For the boss lady.”

I raised a brow. “I don’t pay you, Mason.”

He smirked. “And yet, here I am, showing up every day like a dedicated employee.”

Ethan rolled his eyes. “He's just here for the café pastries.”

Mason gasped, placing a dramatic hand over his heart. “How dare you. I’m here for moral support.”

I snorted. “Right.”

The door chimed again, and this time, it was Owen who stepped inside. His gaze found mine immediately, a small smile tugging at his lips.

There was still a part of me that reacted every time he looked at me like that—like I was something worth holding onto.

“Hey,” he said, his voice warm as he leaned in to kiss my forehead. “How’s your morning?”

I exhaled, glancing around the store, at everything we’d built together. “Perfect.”

Owen’s eyes flicked toward the display table. “Sold another copy this morning?”

I bit my lip, the disbelief still lingering. “We sure did.”

Mason slung an arm over my shoulder. “Duh. You're kind of a big deal now, babe.”

Ethan nodded. “We should probably start charging for autographs.”

I rolled my eyes even as warmth spread through my chest. They were teasing, but I knew they were proud.

Owen’s hand found mine, his thumb tracing small circles against my skin. “We’re all proud of you, you know.”

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