Page 131 of Defensive Desire

We stand there under the dancing sky, Emma pointing out patterns as they shift and change. Her excitement is contagious, her joy perfect.

In her, I've found everything I never knew I needed.

And as the lights glow stronger above us, I silently thank my mother for leading me home—not just to Finland, but to Emma.

To the love that finally made me whole.

Epilogue

Emma

Five Years Later

I love the view from my office.

From up here, I can see the entire café floor below, the heart of my empire.

Yes,empire.

I still smile when I think of that word. Grandpa Walt's prediction has come true in ways I never imagined.

Chapter & Grind has transformed from my little corner bookshop into something magnificent. Something beyond even my wildest dreams.

The original location now spans three storefronts in downtown Iron Ridge, with reading nooks tucked into every corner, a custom roasting room with glass walls so customers can watch the magic happen, and a mezzanine level filled with overstuffed armchairs and people lost in worlds between pages.

The scent of freshly ground beans still fills the air, mixing with the comforting smell of old books and warm pastries.

Some things never change, and I refuse to let them.

My gaze drifts to the wall of framed photographs charting our journey.

The ribbon-cutting at the original shop with Grandpa Walt beaming beside me. The Arena Experience Day that changed everything. The third location opening in Pinecrest. The fourth in Oakwood. The fifth in Riverdale.

And last year, the luxury flagship store in Aspen that has celebrities posting about my "Hat Trick" blend on social media.

Six locations. Six dreams built from one.

And through it all, there's been one constant.

My tummy flutters, looking across at Logan's smile in every photo, his arm around me, his belief in me unwavering.

Georgie knocks at the door and drops the quarterly reports on my desk with a dramatic flourish.

"Damn, Emma," she says, perching on the edge of my desk like she's still the college student who used to camp out by the window, not my Director of Operations. "These numbers are insane. The wholesale line is up thirty percent from last quarter."

I flip through the pages, pride warming my chest.

My signature coffee blends now sit on grocery shelves across three states, their forest green packaging instantly recognizable with the Chapter & Grind logo embossed in gold.

"The Idaho distributor wants to increase their order again," I note, scanning the report. "And look at this. The Icehawk Arena location broke its own sales record during playoffs."

"Speaking of breaking records," Georgie grins. "Your mother called. The special arrangements for the anniversary party are ready. She sounded... excited? Is that even allowed?"

I laugh, glancing at the gorgeous bouquet gracing my desk. Delicate white anemones and sprigs of rosemary arranged with coffee beans and sprays of baby's breath.

The card simply reads:For my darling dreamer. Love, Mom.

Five years ago, I would've checked for hidden criticism.

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