Page 98 of Be Your Forever
“Yes. If you trust her, then so do I. We’ll miss having you around here. You better visit us from time to time. I’ll even give you the employee discount whenever you get your hair done here.”
“Thank you, Alison. I’ll miss you guys, too. Y’all took me on when I was just starting, and I’ll be eternally grateful for every opportunity you’ve given me.” Alison stands up and walks around her desk to pull me into a hug.
“Love you, kid.”
“Love you, too.” My welcome back party turns into a goodbye party. I’m going to miss these girls, but I know I’m making the right step.
About an hour later, I’m walking into the house I now fully share with Asher. He’s sitting on the couch reading the book I recommended to him. The second he sees me, he puts the book down and opens his arms for me. I crawl into his lap and press a kiss to his neck.
“How’d it go?”
“It was sad, but good at the same time. I’m ready for this next adventure in my life—in our life.”
“I can’t wait for our store to open. We’re gonna do good things, Bri.” Asher and I cuddle together on the couch, and he talks about hiring his replacement and the tension that seems to be emanating between Gage and Kennedy. That’ll be interesting to watch unfold.
“Love you, Asher. Thank you for knocking on my door all those months ago.”
“Love you too, Bri bear.”
Brianna
You’re my little warrior, my Bear
Sevenmonthslater
It’s finally time. Months of blood, sweat, and tears, and it's finally opening day for our store. The second I stepped into the store this morning, I fell to the ground. Xander has been working tirelessly to bring the vision Asher and I had to life.
Max has been extremely helpful in his own way. Getting him to be open with what he’s going through feels impossible. I know he’s struggling because his use of humor has been more excessive than usual. That, and he’s still insisting that the doctor has these weightlifting restrictions still in place. I mean, I don’t know much about healing from multiple surgeries, but something feels off. Still, having him delegate tasks to his team makes him happy. And he still gets to be a part of this process, so I’m not pushing him on it. Well, not pushing as hard as I want to, if I’m being honest. I know it killed Max not to have more of an active role in the creation of Booked ‘N’ Boozed. But his fingerprints are throughout this store, and for now, that’s enough.
Avery is in the corner, feeding her baby girl while Cas and Asher run around the room putting up last minute touches. I walk over to Avery and coo over her gorgeous baby, Paisley.
“I still can’t believe you're a mom. She’s literally your spitting image, Aves. How’s motherhood treating you?”
“I’m exhausted and cranky, but I wouldn’t change it for the world. Being a mother is truly a gift I didn’t know I needed.” I brush my fingers over her dark curls, admiring the freckles on her cheek.
“How are you feeling about today?” Isn’t that a loaded question. Today has been a whirlwind, but Avery insisted on getting my hair, makeup, and nails done for today. She told me it was necessary for tonight and that I’d hate myself if I looked like a crazy person in my photos.
“I’m overwhelmed and anxious, but excited. We’ve been working so hard these last few months, so now that it’s finally here? It’s surreal.”
“Well, at least you look good.”
“Well, yeah. My best friend forced me to get ready with her. Of course I look good.”
I feel Asher’s arms wrap around me, swaying our bodies back and forth.
“Hey, baby. Today’s the day. Are you ready?” I turn around to peck his lips.
“Hey. Yeah, I’m more than ready. Are you?”
“I’ve been ready for years.”Years?That’s weird since we haven’t been planning this for that long. Whatever, I have other things to think about.
“Well, everyone’s here. You want to give your speech now?” Asher asks.
“More than ever.” I give him another quick kiss before removing myself from his arms.
Asher and I walk up hand in hand to the front of the shop, and I loudly clear my throat to gather everyone’s attention.
“Hi, everyone. Thank you for coming to the opening of Booked ‘N’ Boozed.” I pause, taking in the loud applause and cheering. “We’re so happy you decided to join us in the celebration. First, I wanted to shout out to my partner, Asher. If it wasn’t for you pushing and encouraging me to be the best version of myself I can be, I wouldn’t be who I am now. Thank you for always being the man I needed and helping me see the woman I was—especially when I couldn’t see it myself. You are truly the best man I could ever share a life with.” Asher kisses my cheek and squeezes my hand.
