Page 106 of A Perfect Match
“It was great,” Griffin concedes.“Even if I’m salty about you getting the glory on Best of Bayshore when you used my sister’s business to snag first place…”
“Trust me, there will be no doubt that this was a collaboration,” Kru says.“Once the final results are published, Bayshore will know that this was not just my creation, butours.”
I wrap my arm around his, resting my head against his bicep.“You’re the best.”
Griffin sighs and shakes his head.“All right.I’m out.This whole boyfriend thing is gonna take some getting used to.”
“You could work on finding a girlfriend, you know,” I remind him.
Griff shakes his head.“There’s no time.I’m remodeling this barn, I’m going to physical therapy, the season is in full swing…”
I grin over at him.“You’re the best big brother out there, you know that?”
Griffin cracks a heartbreaker smile, one that looks just like an old picture of our dad.“I won’t tell the others you said that.And you’re the best little sis out there.”
“I’m youronlylittle sis.”
“Point still stands.”He pushes to standing, jerking his chin toward Kru.“Thanks again for the meal.We’ll see you on Wednesday, right?”
Kru looks stunned as Griff heads for the front door.“So they want me back at game night?”
“I think this means you’re part of the family now,” I tell him.“All you had to do was yell at my brother a little, rope them into renovating a barn, feed them, send my mom to a spa day, and…what else was there?”
“Fall head over heels for the Keegan sister,” he adds.
“Oh yes, that.”I laugh before I press a kiss to his lips.I nuzzle against him, buzzing with happiness.The restaurant is a dull roar around us as we sit in our little cocoon, bellies full and hearts warm.
There’s nowhere I’d rather be than right here: sitting in his thriving business, only feet away from my own thriving business, wrapped up in the arms of my perfect match.
EPILOGUE
PIPER
ABOUT SIX MONTHS LATER
Spring in Bayshore is nothing short of magical.It’s early May, full of blossoming flowers and fresh lake air and all manner of springtime glory.Today feels like the culmination of everything I've dreamed of.
The ribbon cutting ceremony for Cloud Nine Events is in full swing, and I can hardly believe this barn—my Barny—has been transformed into something so beautiful.Exposed beams painted in soft white stretch toward the vaulted ceiling, where string lights create a canopy of stars.The windows overlooking Briggs Bay are thrown open, letting in the warm May breeze and the sound of water lapping against the shore.Through the windows, the stone path that we laid is visible, leading to a little bench and garden area near the shore.Round tables draped in cream linens are scattered throughout the space, each one topped with wildflower centerpieces.
"This is absolutely stunning, Piper," gushes Mayor Thompson as city officials prepare the oversized scissors for photos."Bayshore has needed a space like this for years.Truly unique and built with love."
I beam at her, smoothing my hands over the dusty rose dress I chose for today."Thank you.That means so much to me.We're so excited to serve the community."
The "we" isn't lost on anyone.Kru and I have officially partnered for Cloud Nine Events.Ray’s provides all the savory catering, while Cloud Nine handles desserts.We thought we’d start small with a soft opening in May, but our books are completely full through the end of the year, thanks largely to the reality show buzz.
I spot a familiar camera crew wandering the barn, capturing every moment.When the original episodes aired this winter, our romance kinda sorta took over the entire storyline of the show.We became America's favorite small-town couple practically overnight—viral memes and all—which led to this follow-up episode they're filming today.
"Ready for the big moment?"Bella appears at my side, radiant in a flowing yellow sundress.She and Jackson flew in from LA just for this.
"More than ready," I say, grinning as I spot Kru across the crowd.He's talking to his family, who came from Wisconsin—his mom, his sister, and the two adorable nieces who still call him Uncle Lobster and have been charming everyone at the party.
Mom joins us, looking more vibrant than ever.Her rebuilt bakery is slated to open later this month.It's going to be an amazing May for everyone."Look at this turnout!The whole town is here."
She's not exaggerating.I see familiar faces everywhere—my brothers and Lia, a few members of the Daly family, customers from both our businesses.
"Ladies and gentlemen!"Mayor Thompson's voice carries across the crowd."If I could have your attention!"
I take my place next to the mayor, Kru at my side.His hand finds mine and squeezes.
