Thrilled for Ashley, Xavier existed on an adrenaline high for the rest of the meeting. She deserved every good thing that happened to her.
Her beaming smile rivaled the sun as they drove back to his place to pick up the dog and then headed to Everson's house for family dinner. He couldn't wait to share their news with the people who had been there for every up and down.
Family was everything.
It was time to ask Ashley to become an official part.
Everson opened the front door before Xavier had the chance to knock. "We're all in the kitchen. As usual."
Rocky raced ahead, knocking into Shane. Xavier followed Ashley into the house. They were greeted with smiles and hugs, and Everson broke out a bottle of champagne when Ashley relayed all of the amazing opportunities that had come their way.
Xavier lifted his glass. "A toast to Ashley. This is only the beginning. You're going to make Bliss Bakery and your mom's legacy a household name."
Her smile wobbled, and tears sparkled in her eyes. "Xavier, I couldn't have done any of this without you by my side. Thank you for believing in me. You're just as much a part of Bliss as I am. And I can't wait to go through all of these opportunities together."
"I'm glad you feel that way." His heartbeat thudded. Game day nerves were nothing compared to how he felt in that moment. Like he was poised to make the biggest catch of his career. He pulled a folded piece of paper from his pocket and held it out. "Here."
She set her glass down and opened the order slip. His breath backed up as he watched her face. Her brows drew together as she studied the sheet. "Wait, why is your name on an order request for a wedding cake?"
He wiped damp palms on his jeans. "Because while I have learned a lot about baking over the last few months, there's no way I can bake our wedding cake without your help."
Ashley's mouth dropped open, and her hand flew to her chest. "You want..." She took a deep breath. "You want..."
"I want you. Now. Forever." He crossed to her. "What do you say, Ash? Let's be partners in every way."
Smile beaming, she launched herself into his arms. "Yes."
The room filled with cheers. Even the dog barked along.
Xavier bent his head and sought Ashley's lips. She always tasted sweet. As he'd said before, with her, he felt like he was on a permanent sugar high. Having her in his arms, in his life, he couldn't describe the feeling. Only that it was the best rush in the world.
His family crowded around and enveloped them in hugs and questions and well wishes. They'd welcomed Ashley with open arms. She never had to worry about being alone again. He'd do his best each day to show her how much love and support surrounded them.
Xavier wrapped his arm around her as the family toasted to their happiness.
Time would only tell what life had in store for them, but as long as he had Ashley by his side, it was a recipe for success.
* * *
Thank you so much for reading this book! If you liked Xavier and Ashley's story, please leave a review. Reviews, even one line long, help other readers find my books.
About The Author
USA Today bestselling author Susan Scott Shelley writes stories with heat and heart, where love always wins. Her romances give readers lighthearted and emotionally satisfying escapes into happily ever after. In addition to crafting stories, she is also a professional voiceover artist and enjoys lending her voice to a wide range of projects.
She lives in Philadelphia with her husband and is an avid fan of her hometown sports teams. Her favorite things include running (honestly, it's more like jogging), sports (especially hockey), hard rock (but will listen to anything from heavy metal to show tunes), and writing about people from all walks of life finding their special someone.
Learn more by visiting http://www.susanscottshelley.com.
Stay up-to-date with Susan via her newsletter:
http://www.susanscottshelley.com/newsletter
Susan’s Books
Mad Scramble (The Philadelphia Frenzy series)
Hometown Hero (The Philadelphia Frenzy series)
Making His Move (Buffalo Bedlam series)
Fighting For More (Buffalo Bedlam series)
Taking His Shot (Buffalo Bedlam series)
Skating On Chance (Buffalo Bedlam series)
Holding On Tight (Buffalo Bedlam series)
Kiss Me Again (Holiday Hearts series)
More Than Words (Holiday Hearts series)
All I Want (Holiday Hearts series)
Marry Me (Holiday Hearts series)
Holiday Hearts (Holiday Hearts series anthology containing: Kiss Me Again, More Than Words, All I Want, and Marry Me)
Love Notes (Rocked by Love series)
Love Song (Rocked by Love series)
Rekindled (Game of Love series)
Captivated (Game of Love series)
Enamored (Game of Love series)
Game of Love (Game of Love series anthology, containing: Rekindled, Captivated, and Enamored)
Flirting on Ice (Atlantic City Hustlers series)
Simmering Ice (Atlantic City Hustlers series)
Iced (Atlantic City Hustlers box set containing Flirting on Ice and Simmering Ice)
Tackled by the Girl Next Door
Visit Susan's Book's Page for excerpts and to find your next happily ever after:
http://www.susanscottshelley.com/books
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