Page 46 of Winner Takes All

After what feels like an eternity, another break comes our way. We’re at Robert’s when he walks up and hands us a beer. “Heard you two are still having trouble with the zoning board.”

“We’re having trouble with everything,” I say.

Robert laughs. “I remember those days. I kept notes and found the loopholes. I’ve already made some calls and have been assured they’re going to speed this up,” he says.

“Robert, it’s taking all I have to not leap across this counter and kiss you,” Nikki says.

I shoot Robert a glare when he beams at Nikki. “Go ahead, beautiful,” he tells her. I know he’s doing this to get a rise out of me. I shouldn’t show a reaction, but if she so much as twitchesI’m laying my friend out. No one’s lips are touching hers ever again. They’re mine.

Lucky for Robert she doesn’t do this. We have a few beers then make our way home. Things finally start going our way and move a little faster. With so many people in our corner, making calls, and calling in favors, we start getting approvals.

They tried telling us we need to reroute the plumbing for the second time, but with some persistence and a few well-placed calls, another box gets checked off. More hurdles are thrown our way, but we manage to leap over each and every one.

Our final approval comes in, and finally we’re able to break ground. We go back and forth on our plans, butting heads once in a while over things we want or don’t want, but we always come to a compromise.

We’re making the final changes to the interior one night since the outer part of the building is moving along nicely. Nikki glares at me as we try to figure out the most important part of the place... the kitchen.

“I really think it needs to be open so our guests can see us cooking. It’s interactive and fun,” she says.

“But a place without an inviting bar is sure to fail. We won’t have room for both,” I say again.

“I don’t see why we can’t have both,” she says as she looks at the design again. I can see she’s looking at where things can be moved. She’s been phenomenal at this so far, and I have no doubt she’ll figure it out.

The designer sitting with us hasn’t said a word so far. His head has simply gone back and forth between us as if watching a prize fight. I guess he sort of is. It never gets out of hand, though.

“What do you think, Ashton?” Nikki asks.

“I think we can do both,” he says. We both smile at him.

“That’s settled then. One more obstacle down,” Nikki says. We all lean in a little closer. In two more hours we’re done withour final design. We have an open kitchen, a large bar, a spacious floor, and huge doors leading to our favorite part, the huge outdoor seating area that will have portable heaters, romantic lighting, and make people feel like they’re on vacation in the Bahamas. This is truly happening.

The next few weeks we finalize the last details, make compromises, and find ways to blend our styles. There are disagreements, but nothing serious. It’s mostly colors and materials and we always find a way to work it out.

One evening, after another long day of meetings, we sit on the porch of our home, doing our favorite activity of snuggling while looking out at the ocean. There’s nothing I like more than to end my day with Nikki in my arms.

Now that the hard part of planning is over, all that’s on my mind is when and how I’m going to propose to this woman. It’s constantly ringing in my ears. We’re already intertwined, and it only makes sense for her to become my wife.

I don’t want to do it because it’s the next logical step. I’m going to do it because I can’t imagine my life without her. We’re already building a life together. I want it to be forever. I won’t let her go.

I’ll find the right time. I want to do it when we’re relaxed, when the world is at our fingertips. Our dreams are all coming true, and Nikki becoming my wife will be the cherry on top of a perfectly made ice cream sundae. Soon. It’s going to happen very soon.

Chapter Twenty-Four

Nikki

I’m in awe as I stand in our restaurant and look around with a wide grin on my lips that refuses to leave my face. The night is positively humming with energy, the kind filled with anticipation that makes your skin buzz.

Finished. It’s finally finished down to the very last detail and it’s exactly what both Victor and I have dreamed about. It’s rustic, yet modern, with exposed beams overhead and rock walls that whisper of past times.

Victor’s vision of a huge bar is the heart of the room, made from reclaimed wood Victor and I searched high and low for. It was made by a local vendor who put every ounce of his love into it. The gorgeous bar stretches long and wide, and is polished to a gleaming sheen. I smile as I watch the bartenders shaking cocktails and pouring wine for our loved ones, who seem to be as happy as I am right now.

Beyond the bar is our open kitchen, the true star of any restaurant. Everyone gets to see the gleaming stainless-steel counters, custom brick wood-fired oven, and a massive copper hood that gives the whole area an inviting, warm, sophisticated glow.

This is the stage where we’ll cook and entertain for both our neighbors and our vlog. Yep, I saidourbecause my audienceabsolutely adores Victor and loves when we do shows together. It’s been a year now, and we’re barely heated up. It keeps getting better and better.

On the stage we’ll cook, entertain, and nourish those we care about. Everything we do will be visible to everyone in our restaurant... and on our vlog when the cameras are rolling. We’ve situated them around the kitchen so all we have to do is click a button and get started instead of having to move a tripod around. I’ve become much more technologically skilled... thanks to Victor.

Tonight’s our pre-grand-opening. Tonight is about our friends and family. Tomorrow we’re officially open to the public. I can’t believe it’s already happening. It was so frustrating in the beginning, but with the help of all of the people in this room, we got it done.

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