Page 107 of Follow My Heart

We’d be giving out free samples of my newest flavor, Violet Dreams. I’d been up all night the last three nights working on the recipe. I’d finally settled on a berries-and-cream combination that was delicious. I couldn’t wait to hear what everyone else thought.

I’d even walked the reporter through my process while answering her questions.

I hoped she captured the essence of what I was trying to do here. I wanted to create a space that would draw customers in and make them feel good about choosing to eat my ice cream.

There was a story behind each flavor, and Charlotte wanted me to spotlight one a week. We’d post about it on social media and mark it as the special of the week.

I loved all of Charlotte’s ideas. I wished I’d hired her sooner because she was so inspiring. I’d never been so motivated around my business. I got stuck in the day-to-day running of the place. But the marketing stuff was just as exciting as creating a new flavor. I hadn’t realized that until I talked to Charlotte. But then again, she could make anything sound exciting.

The music was playing over the speakers, the shop was decorated, and there were tubs of my new flavor available to sample. Charlotte had the reporter’s story framed, and it would be unveiled during the party.

I’d invited the Calloways and everyone else in town who wanted to be here. The unveiling of the article was scheduled for later in the night. I wanted people to come in and sample the ice cream first. Hopefully, the only ones left for the story unveiling were close friends and family.

I’d invited my grandfather, but my parents couldn’t get off work to come since it was too close to Christmas. I’d finally promised l’d travel to Florida to see them over the holidays.

Since it seemed like Ryder was moving on with his life in Virginia, it was time for me to live mine.

Luna had been helpful, working alongside us, cleaning and prepping for the party.

“Are you ready to get started?” Charlotte asked.

We’d closed for the afternoon so we could get ready, and now it was time for the big reveal. “Let’s do the video, and then we can open the doors.”

I stood in front of the ice cream case to introduce my new flavor. I called it Violet Dreams because it represented everything I wanted out of life. It was light and airy and full of hope. I’d started filming these videos the last few days. We’d gotten a few followers, but it was a slow build. Charlotte had said that was normal but that the reporter’s story would help bring attention to the store and my social media accounts.

I wore a white eyelet dress to complement our violet theme, and I tried not to think about how the most important person wasn’t here tonight. Daphne had mentioned he’d put off the divorce to dispute custody. That had hurt even if we weren’t dating anymore.

I ended the video with a question— “What are your dreams? Let me know in the comments.”

Charlotte did a little dance. “I’m uploading now.”

Julia gestured at the line of customers on the sidewalk. “I’ll open the door.”

There were people already waiting outside. I smiled and answered questions about the new flavor. I was surprised by the number of people who’d said they’d never been here before.

The night was turning out to be a success, and I hadn’t even read the article yet. Would it put Sweet Scoops in a good light, or would the reporter talk about the glut of ice cream shops in the area?

As the night wore on, the number of customers held steady. We offered free samples of Violet Dreams, and the take-home cartons were almost gone.

“This is going better than I thought it would,” I said to Charlotte when there was a lull.

Charlotte shot me a look. “I told you it was going to be amazing.”

I hugged her. “I shouldn’t have doubted you. I wish I’d hired you sooner.”

“That’s the biggest compliment you can give me.” Charlotte looked around the room. “We’re going to do the big reveal soon.”

I drew in a shaky breath. “I’m ready for it.”

The bell over the door sounded as Daphne came in carrying Colson with Cole following close behind. I was surprised when they were followed by Wes and Sutton, Jameson, Claire, and Owen, Fiona and Aiden. Then Al walked in with my grandfather. I hadn’t expected the entire family to come.

I moved to greet them. “I’m so happy you’re here.”

“Wouldn’t miss it,” Wes said with a grin, and I wondered how I’d made such an impression on him.

He must have cataloged my surprise, because he leaned in to say, “We liked you for Ryder.”

I held my tongue because I wasn’t so sure Ryder did. “Thank you.”

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