Page 41 of Cabin Fever With My First Flame

The crowd whoops and hollers as I hand the microphone back to the Emcee and jump on the floor. The crowd parts like we’re in a 1980’s John Hughes film. Bailey walks toward me as I walk toward her, and we meet in the middle.

“Sold!” The Emcee shouts as if I have given her any choice.

The spotlight shines down on us, and I block my eyes from the brightness. “Sorry, Finn,” the guy says, dimming the light but not taking it off us.

I cup Bailey’s cheek. “Please tell me I’m not dreaming and that I really did spend ten grand so that I can kiss you.”

“I don’t have a penny to my name at the moment, but I would have taken out a second mortgage for a second chance with you, Finn. You’re worth it.”

I draw Bailey close and lean down to press my lips against hers. Her lips part, inviting me in. I’m not one to decline an invitation and readily accept.

“It’s not the New Year yet! Save it for three hours, 47 minutes, and 12 seconds from now. Eleven! Ten,” someone yells.

Then another person chides, “The countdown doesn’t begin until ten seconds until New Year, Earl!”

The world fades around me as I peck and nip at Bailey’s plump lips. “Does this mean you don’t want to be friends?” I tease her.

She wraps her arms around me and nuzzles my neck. She whispers in my ear, “I want to be friends, Finn. But I also want so much more.”

Ava runs up to us along with the rest of our family and shouts, “Group hug!”

I smile because I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Epilogue

Bailey -- Six Months Later

“Keep your eyes closed,”my husband, Finn, says as he walks behind me with his hands over my eyes. “Otherwise, you’ll ruin the surprise!”

We’ve been married for two months now, and the wedding was a beautiful, chaotic mess. It was supposed to be a small affair at the park, with just our families standing beside us and becoming one. But the town got wind of it, and then everyone showed up, including my two brothers. They brought lawn chairs, presents,and potluck dishes. A buffet line was set up at the fire station, and no one cared if they ate off paper plates in 60-degree weather.

“It’s the best surprise ever!” Ava shouts. She’s holding my hand so that I don’t trip over Finn’s feet as I shuffle down the sidewalk.

The murmuring of people surrounds me as Finn brings us to a halt. “Are you ready?”

“I’m not sure. Your last surprise ended up with me doing an impromptu polar plunge in the lake,” I tell him. Finn had rented a boat to take me on a romantic picnic to Dome Island, which is a small, forested swath of land in the middle of Lake George. The picnic was fabulous, but falling overboard—not so much.

Finn chuckles. “I promise this one is even better. Do you trust me?”

“I better. I married you.”

“Show her already! The suspense is killing me!” someone shouts. “Do it on three!”

The crowd shouts, “One! Two! Three!”

Finn removes his hands, and my eyes slowly adjust to the light. I bring the tips of my fingers to my lips as my mouth forms a small “O.” Eyes welling with tears, I turn and face the love of my life. “You bought me a bakery? How? When?”

Finn wraps his arms around me and puts his forehead to mine. “It wasn’t just me, Bailey. The whole town pitched in to make this happen. Surprisingly, Daniel helped me order all the equipment you would need while Ella and Amanda helped design the layout. Bryce and a few other firefighters volunteered their time to build the cabinets, counters, and workspace.”

I turn in Finn’s arms and glance around the crowd, finding Daniel standing behind Amanda with his arms wrapped around her. Who knew that the two of them would find love with one another after a New Year’s Eve kiss? “Thank you. Thank you all!”

“Does this mean we get free pastries and coffee?” Bryce asks, hopefully.

I laugh. “Firefighters, Police officers, and Vets will always get a special treat from Baileys and Buttercream!”

I walk over and touch the logo etched in the glass, running my fingers over every inch. “Can I get a tour?”

Finn entwines his fingers with mine and then brings my hand to his lips, kissing every knuckle with reverence. “It would be my absolute pleasure, milady.”

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