Page 352 of The Maxwell Brothers

"You bet," Mom said. "So, who’s ready for dessert?"

I raised my hand. "I am."

As we all went into the house, she walked with me, wrapping one arm around mine.

"Congratulations, darling. I'm so happy. Declan is a wonderful man. And the way he looks at you, well, he’ll love you his whole life."

"And I’ll love him right back."

“I heard that,” Declan said, coming up behind me.

“Good. It’s not a secret,” I murmured.

Mom beamed at me and then at Declan. “You’re a good guy, Declan. And you do deserve the upgrade,” she said.

“What?” I asked.

Rose came up on my other side. “He was quite creative when he asked for your hand. Said he wanted to upgrade from ‘boyfriend of the year’ to ‘fiancé of the year.’ I think he more than qualifies, right?”

I looked up at Declan. He wiggled his eyebrows, making me laugh.

“Totally.”

EPILOGUE

Liz

"Babe,you’re very thoughtful, but you didn't have to do it," Declan said two weeks later, the morning that Gran and Reese were flying to London.

"Of course I did," I said, glancing into the bag at the box of goodies I’d carefully prepped as we walked past Millennium Park, heading to his office. It was very early in the morning. I’d never been out and about at this time.

"You're amazing, you know that?"

"Look, this is going to be a tough time for Gran. Some comfort food will do her good, and Reese always appreciates my treats."

He kissed the side of my neck and then drew in a deep breath, like he couldn't get enough of me. I loved this man so, so much.

"Besides, she's making a huge thing out of saying goodbye to all of you, which I think is a sign that she's bracing herself."

"I think you're right," Declan said. “I fucking love it that you’ve finally hired another baking assistant.”

I grinned. “So do I.”

I caved in last week when I reached a record of being at the bakery for sixteen hours in one day. It meant I could take a breather—like the one I was taking now.

We went up in the elevator, and once we stepped out, I said, “Let’s see where the gang is.”

"Oh, everyone's here already," he said as we heard Gran’s distinctive voice as well as Reese’s.

They were all in a small kitchen area, where there was a coffee machine and a round table with chairs.

"Hey, everyone," I said, holding up the bag.

Travis, Luke, and Tate were here too. Tate was taking Gran and Reese to the airport.

"You brought goodies," Travis said.

I chuckled. "I did, but they're not for you."