Page 13 of Breaking His Resolutions

“It sounds like a crazy story, but look…I still have the dog. C’mon Snoop!” I snap my fingers and Snoop runs forward to say hi. “Let me make it up to you. I’ve never had a relationship with any of my clients. This is the first and the last time.”

Alyssa smiles a little. “The last time?”

“You better believe it. And your sessions are free from now on. You can pay me in lasagna.” I raise an eyebrow and hold out my arms.

She runs forward and I scoop her up into my arms. Snoop starts to bark, followed by Cindy and then the whole salon erupts into applause. The little Chihuahua trots forward and sits right by Snoop, leaning against his leg.

Dale wipes a tear from his eye. “O.M.G. the two of you just made me believe in love again. And trust me, that takes a lot. Alyssa, you get out of here girl. I think you have more important matters to attend to.”

I look into Alyssa’s eyes.

“Want to go get back into bed with me?”

She nods her head and kisses me. “You bet.”

EPILOGUE - ALYSSA

Two years later

Staring down into the bubbling pan, I carefully measure out just the right amount of oregano. I’m cooking in bulk, so I’ve multiplied the amount of herbs by ten. The smell coming from the sauce is incredible and I want to get it just right.

I have containers lined up on the kitchen table, ready to divide up the portions into each one and then refrigerate. That’s the lunch portions done and then I can move onto dinner.

My food-to-go business has taken off in a way that surprises me every day. I started offering healthy, ready-to-eat meals to the clients at Langstones as a side hustle to my day job at the salon. That turned into a full-time business using fresh produce and making home-cooked meals for people who want easy to prepare food at home or work.

Cole brings out a big box. “Smells incredible, Lys. Can I try some?”

“It’s what we’re having for dinner, you’ll like this one.” I smile at him as I hand him a spoon. We’ve gone from strength to strength since we first met. Despite the rocky start, I know I made the right decision. I’m happier than I’ve ever been and I think he is too. I love spending time with him and his brothers, even if they occasionally tease me about being his client.

My phone beeps and I pick it up. It’s Maisie.

Babe, so sorry I can’t make it back in time for your cute-sounding wedding. The pageant tour doesn’t end for another four months and then this photoshoot in Bali for the yoga magazine is a huge deal. Let’s get together when I’m back. Send me lots of pics! XXX

Typical Maisie. I breathe a sigh of relief. The wedding is way less complicated without her there. We’re keeping it simple, with Dale as my ‘male of honor,’ Cindy as the flower girl and Cole’s brothers as his best men.

I turn off the heat, put a lid on the pan and walk over to wrap my arms around Cole. He turns around and hugs me back, inclining his head for a kiss.

“How are you feeling today?” He asks, his face concerned.

“Great. Better than great actually.” I smile.

“There's better than great?” He grins back at me. I can never get enough of his smile.

“Yes. You know I was feeling sick recently?” I gaze up into his eyes.

“Yeah. You said the cumin smelt like armpits and made you barf.” He squeezes me gently.

“So, I put two and two together and went to get a pregnancy test. I did it earlier. I’m pregnant, Cole.” I squeeze him back, not so gently.

“You’re pregnant?” He reaches to cradle my face in his huge hands, holding me delicately like I’ll break or something.

“I am! We’re going to have a baby.” I stare back at him.

He lifts me up into his arms, his eyes bright. “That’s the best news. Who can I tell? I want to shout it to the whole town!”

“Let’s keep it to Dale and your brothers for now. I think by the wedding I’ll be starting to show so maybe we can make an announcement.” I reach up to stroke his face.

“Agreed. I can’t believe I’m going to be a Dad. I love you so much, Lys.” He bends his head down again to kiss me.

I feel the glowing warmth inside me that I feel whenever he’s near. I love that our family is going to get bigger and we’re putting down roots.

Our love is stronger than ever.