When the clock struck ten, the two of us made our way outside and stood behind the giant pink ribbon that stretched across the entrance. Together, we picked up the over sized scissors and held them open over the ribbon.
“This boutique has been a vision in my mind for as long as I can remember.” Morgan started. “With the help of my best friend, and business partner It became a reality. I can't wait to share my dream with all of you.”
Everyone in line clapped their hands, and then on the count of three, Morgan and I cut the ribbon together. As it fell to the ground, the security guard motioned for the customers to come inside. The two of us stood outside and watched as the boutique filled to capacity. I could see the tears glistening in Morgan's eyes as her dream became a reality.
I reached for her hand, grasping it tightly in mine and she turned to face me.
“Congratulations Morgan.”
TWENTY-FIVETWO YEARS LATER
AFTER THE SALE OF OWEN's family home, we used the money to buy a piece of land. We had a brand new house built on it, and by the time our daughter was born we were able to move in. It had three bedrooms, and a beautiful wrap around deck. It was my favorite part of the house. I spent my mornings sipping my coffee, just listening to the birds chirping.
We had an excellent view of the mountains, and as Harley got older she enjoyed it just as much. I'd lay a blanket down, and she'd play for hours. She took her first steps on that deck, and Owen and I even got married there.
He popped the question shortly after Harley's birth, and of course I said yes. He was the best father that I ever could have asked for. Even with the purchase of the down town building, and furnishing a new home, he still woke up with her every night so that I could sleep. He was up at dawn, meeting with Corey and making repairs on the building.
It took them just over eight months to get it completely renovated, and that's where the fun began. I dove into the marketing strategies head first. I created advertising, and drew up designs. The boys even let me choose the name. And just like that Lyrics to Vinyl was born. It was everything that we hoped it could be.
I scoured the internet, and shops for records that most people could never find. We filled our shop with every genre, and after a month we had made a pretty solid name for ourselves. Shannon had become one of my best friends, especially after our babies were born. Their son was only a few weeks younger than our daughter, and the instant we introduced them they had a connection.
I had always heard the expression 'it takes a village' but I didn't know how true that was until I became a mother. While the boys took care of the structural issues, and I took care of the cosmetics, Shannon was there to help with Harley.
Morgan had become so successful that she had opened up three more boutiques. She had become a household name, and even I had designs by Morgan hanging in my closet. She came to visit shortly after Harley was born, and wound up taking a cowboy back to New York with her. They're engaged now, and I couldn't be happier for her.
My dad comes as often as he can, and Harley has him wrapped around every one of her little fingers. Even though my mom was upset about the choices I'd made, she came around eventually. Especially when she learned about all the things that Derek had done. Owen and I decided to keep Harley's paternity to ourselves. When she was older, we'd tell her everything but for now we wanted her to live her best life.
Now that Owen, and Corey had a place to write, and record they were pushing out tracks faster than they could sell them. We even had a steady flow of clients that rented the studio to record demos. Who knows, maybe one day a star will walk through our doors?
We all worked so hard on making our dream come true, that when I asked Shannon for a little favor she jumped at the opportunity. I knew exactly where Owen would be, so after dropping Harley off with her I got in my SUV and headed to our shop.
When I pulled into the parking lot twenty minutes later, I smiled at the sight of his motorcycle parked by the door. It was Sunday, and we were closed for the day but he was finishing up a song he'd been working on for an up and coming country singer.
I used my key to enter the building, and to my surprise I found him browsing through a selection of records.
“Can I help you find something?” I asked, as I approached him.
“I'm just browsing.”
“Who's your favorite?” I asked, sweetly.
He turned to face me then, and pulled me into his arms.
“You.” He whispered, before pressing his lips to mine. “Recycling my old pick up lines?”
“If it isn't broke, why fix it?”
He chuckled. “Where's Harley?”
“Uncle Corey, and aunt Shannon took her for the day so that she could play with Kyleigh, and Rhett.”
“That boy better keep his hands to himself.”
I rolled my eyes. “That boy isn't even two years old yet.”
“It's better to teach em' while they're young.”
“Is that why you turned out so good?”
He shot his brow up in question. “Why are you buttering me up, Unicorn?”
“I may have an ulterior motive.” I admitted.
“Alright Mrs. Foster. Lay it on me.” He smirked.
“I want to go for a ride.” I said, biting my bottom lip.
“I think that can be arranged.”
I pulled away from him then, clapping my hands excitedly.
“I'll be outside!” I said, before rushing out the door.
I could hear his laughter behind me, and then I watched him through the window as he turned out the
