Page 40 of Daddy's Naughty Bartender
"Speaking of our place," he murmurs, fingers tracing the necklace at my throat. "Ready for tonight?"
Tonight.
The official grand opening of Schaeffer & Mitchell's. The entire town is invited, whether they approve of us or not. It's our statement: we aren't hiding, aren't apologizing, aren't going anywhere. Emily has nicknamed it S&M and the meaning isn’t lost on us.
"Emily's getting in at four," I say, mental checklist running. "Josh promised to livestream part of the opening for his followers. Susie has the staff briefed. The Naughty Girls are bringing enough food to feed an army."
"That's not what I asked." His thumb finds my pulse point. "Are you ready?"
I think about it. Six months ago, I was drowning in grief, in responsibility, in the fear of being seen as anything but strong. Now?
"Yes, Daddy. I'm ready."
"Good girl." The words still make me melt, even, no, especially, here in our domain. "My brave, beautiful girl who's going to show this town exactly who Karen Mitchell is."
"And who's that?"
"A woman who owns her choices. Who builds instead of tears down. Who's strong enough to be soft and confident enough to submit. Who loves fiercely and trusts completely."
"You forgot 'makes a killer Manhattan.'"
His laugh rumbles through me. "That too. Though you've been holding out on me lately."
"Have I?" I reach for the rye, muscle memory guiding my hands. "Maybe you haven't earned one."
"Careful." His voice drops to that dangerous register. "Keep that up and I'll have to remind you about respect. Might even need that paddle."
"Promises, promises."
"Brat." But he's smiling as he watches me work. "Beautiful, mouthy brat who's going to get exactly what she's asking for later."
"Mom! Jason! We're here!"
Emily's voice interrupts our banter. She bursts through the door with her girlfriend Sarah, both laden with bags from the city. My daughter looks radiant, junior year is treating her well.
"The place looks incredible!" She spins in a circle, taking in the changes. "Very you."
"Which part?" Jason asks, accepting her hug.
"All of it. Mom's warmth in The Gathering Place, your sophistication in the lounge, but connected. Unified." She grins. "Barbara's going to lose her mind. In a good way."
"Let me help with those bags," Sarah offers, ever polite. She'd been nervous meeting us at first. She’s the professor's daughter with her small-town girlfriend, but quickly realized we understand complicated love.
"Josh is parking," Emily continues. "He brought his whole setup. Says tonight's going to break the internet." She pauses, studying me. "You look happy, Mom. Really happy."
"I am."
"Good. You deserve it." She glances at Jason. "Both of you do."
The next hours fly by in controlled chaos. Staff arriving, last-minute adjustments, Josh setting up his cameras while explaining engagement metrics to anyone who'll listen. His "Small Town Mechanic" brand has exploded. Ford isn't his only sponsor now, and he's started a scholarship fund for rural kids interested in trades.
"Five minutes to open," Susie announces. "Boss, you might want to see this."
I look outside and gasp. The street is packed. Not just our regulars or the curious, but what looks like half the county. TheNaughty Girls stand front and center, wearing matching t-shirts that read "Support Local Love."
"Did you know about this?" I ask Jason.
"I might have heard rumors." He straightens my collar, fingers lingering. "Prairie Harbor's showing up. They aren’t letting a few rude voices cancel out the majority of good."
