Julie’s eyes opened wide as she put her hand over her mouth. “What? Seriously?”
He froze for a moment. Did she think this was a silly idea? Maybe she thought he wasn’t capable enough to run an inn.
“Yes, I’m serious,” he said.
Julie grinned and jumped up and down before hugging his neck tightly. “Oh my goodness! Congratulations, Dawson! That’s so amazing!”
This was one of the things he loved about her. She always supported him no matter what.
He pulled back and looked at her, his hands around her waist. “Really? You’re happy about this?”
She looked at him, confused. “Why wouldn’t I be?”
“Well, it’s going to consume a lot of my time, so we might not be able to go out as much. And, to be honest, I thought maybe you’d think I was crazy being a man trying to run an inn.”
She smiled and put her arms around his neck. “Dawson Lancaster, I believe you can do anything, and I support you no matter what.”
“You’re amazing,” he said, kissing the top of her head.
“And I’ll help you in any way you need me,” she said.
Dawson chuckled. “I may just take you up on that. So, have you seen Vivi today?”
He always poked fun at how many times Julie snuck away during the week to see her new granddaughter. She was obviously madly in love with her chubby little cheeks and wispy brown tuft of hair.
“Not today,” she said with a sly smile. “I called Meg but she sounded so tired that I decided not to invite myself over.”
“Is she okay?”
“I think so. Being a new mother is so exhausting. I’m sure she isn’t getting much sleep.”
“You’re probably right about that.”
“When are you planning to open this place?”
He sucked in a deep breath and blew it out. “Actually, next month.”
“Next month? Really? That’s fast!”
“I know. I really want to be up and running for the holidays, though, so opening in October gives us a few weeks to work out the kinks.”
“What about Lucy?”
“Oh, she’s sticking around to be my in-house chef. Believe it or not, she’s excited. She likes having people around.”
“I bet your granny in heaven is grinning from ear to ear right now.”
“I hope so. I want to make her proud of me.”
Julie rubbed his arm. “I’m sure she already is.”
Janine walked down the sidewalk, taking in the changes that were going on. The town had recently started building a new gazebo in the square, and a couple of shops had new tenants moving in soon.
She loved parking further away from her studio and walking through town. It was the most quaint place she’d ever been to in all of her travels. Everyone was friendly, warm and welcoming. She truly loved her new home.
The yoga studio was becoming more popular by the week. Even tourists were coming during their vacations, and her on location beach classes were a hit. She had even started working with the local elementary school, doing stress reduction PE classes and teaching the kids about meditation in a way they could understand. Her dreams were all coming true.
And then there was William. Their relationship had strengthened as he worked side by side with her to help make the yoga studio successful. His guidance had helped her become a businesswoman, and she’d never thought that was possible.
For the first time in her life, she found herself looking at a future with a man. She’d even imagined what it would be like to get married and live the white picket fence lifestyle she’d never thought she wanted.
As she walked closer to her studio, she was surprised to see that the space next door had finally been rented after being empty for a couple of months.
“Good morning,” William said as he walked up and handed Janine her normal morning cup of coffee.
“Good morning,” she said, smiling as she planted a kiss on his cheek. “Thanks for the caffeine fix. I need it.”
He looked over her shoulder at the store window behind her. “Somebody rented this place?”
She turned back and read the government sign affixed to the window. “Yeah. Looks like it’s going to be a bakery of some kind.”
“Yum. I love anything baked,” he said, laughing.
“Yeah, I know. You devoured that poundcake Julie made on Sunday.”
He smiled. “Hey, it was good. What can I say?”
“She got the recipe from our mother, who got it from her mother. My Nana made the best poundcakes.”
“Well, that’s one family tradition I’m onboard with. So, do you have a class this morning?”
“I do. This morning is a seniors class. I love teaching these ladies.”
He rubbed her arm. “I’m so proud of what you’re doing around here, Janine. I’ve had so many people tell me how much your classes have helped them. One guy I work with said his wife’s sciatica is gone.”
She grinned. “That makes me so happy.”
“Well, I’d better get to work. My boss said he needs to meet with me this morning.”
She furrowed her eyebrows. “I hope everything is okay.”
He shrugged his shoulders. “I hope so too. I’m sure it’s just to talk about some projects we have coming up next year. I’ll meet you for lunch?”
She gave him a peck on the lips. “Can’t wait.”
“All I’m saying is that I’d love to meet him,” Julie said, grinning.
Dixie rolled her eyes as she continued digging into the new box of books that had been delivered to the store that morning. Going into the fall season, they were overrun with cookbooks for the upcoming holidays, even though it was still quite warm and summer-like outside.
“I mean, you say I’m like the daughter you never had. Wouldn’t you want your future husband to meet me?” Julie said, toying with Dixie.
“He’s not gonna be my husband, darlin’. Johnny was the only husband I’ll ever have.”
Julie reached up to the top shelf and straightened a row of books about organic gardening. “Never say never.”
“Oh, I’m definitely saying never.”
Julie blew out a breath. “Fine. Then he’s your new boy toy.”
Dixie cackled. “Boy toy? Good Lord.”
“Seriously, why can’t I meet this mystery man?”
Dixie stopped stocking the shelf and looked at her. “Sweetie, it’s nothing serious. We’re just getting to know each other. When you get my age, you don’t get too attached.”
“That’s sad, Dixie. You should look forward to a long and wonderful life.”
She smiled. “I do, hon. I love this life I live.”
Julie hugged her. “And you deserve an amazing second love story in your life.”
“I didn’t say anything about love,” she chided.
“Fine. I’ll leave you alone about it… for now,” Julie said with a wink.
The door chimed, and Julie looked up to see Christian walking in. He looked tired, almost beat down, and it worried Julie the moment she saw him.
“Hey, Christian. Are you okay?”