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“Maybe the reason Cinderella was so happy wasn’t because of the Prince….but because of the shoes.”

– Carrie Bradshaw

“Put your hands together and let’s welcome our couple for the first time as Mr. and Mrs. Babel!”

The crowd at Sunfish roared and clapped as her beautiful sister stepped through the doorway, hand in hand with her new husband.

Tears blurred Sierra’s eyes as they walked into the center of the room for their first dance.

Brick gathered Aspen in his arms, gaze locked on her with such intense love, the guests seemed to all sigh at once.

Head tilted up to look at him, veil floating behind her, Aspen whispered something in his ear. He laughed. And the music started.

“I can’t believe he’s a closet Swiftie,”

Kane murmured. The song, This Love, played in all its glory as the couple moved together, lost in their own world.

“When we get married, I want something cool and old school. Maybe Love Song by the Cure.”

Sierra laughed and bumped his shoulder.

“Stop making fun of Brick. And no, we will not be dancing to the Cure.”

“I like Imagine Dragons, too.”

She rolled her eyes.

“Stop teasing. I need to take photos.”

Sierra heard him chuckle as she snapped nonstop to capture the moment. The dance ended, and everyone cheered as the crowd surged and swallowed them up. She sighed with satisfaction at the joy filling up the room just by being close to such a beautiful love.

Maybe she had a bit more of Mom than she thought. Since Kane reentered her life, her thoughts had become quite poetic.

“What thought put that smile on your lips?”

She looked at the man she loved. He was almost too beautiful to look at, in his sleek white tux, hair neatly tamed, beard trimmed to accent his full lips, emerald eyes sparking with mischief.

“Always you.”

His face softened but arousal spiked the air.

“Good. I can’t wait to ruin your lipstick later. You’re so damn beautiful.”

His promise made her immediately wet between her thighs. His chuckle told her he knew. Not one to easily lose, she leaned close.

“And I can’t wait to stand in front of you in nothing but these heels.”

His pupils dilated and he looked suddenly uncomfortable, shifting his weight.

Sierra laughed wickedly and dove into the crowd. Her sister’s veil was askew and as maid of honor, she had to go fix it. She also needed to calm her nerves. His mention of marriage had gotten her a bit dreamy and she couldn’t lose her focus on Aspen. This was going to be a perfect day and she was honored to be the one be by her side.

Mom and Dad would be so proud.

Of both of them.

The past few months had been a whirlwind of change.

Kane had been right.

The deal with Benny and Stealth had gone down a few weeks later, and Flirt was officially closed.

Turning the lights off and saying goodbye to the empty space had broken a piece of her heart, but Sierra knew it was the beginning of a new chapter.

Kane took some major heat from trying to blow up the deal, but Duncan stuck to his word and backed him up.

Watching Kane learn to trust another male mentor figure was special.

In the midst of saying goodbye to her store, there were other gifts received.

Gossip spread about Kane’s actions, and he became a bit of a hero.

When he got approached by a local luxury real estate firm to see if he’d be interested in selling homes, Sierra noticed him light up.

He’d been diving deep into the industry these past few months while working for Duncan.

It took her a while to stop worrying he’d regret his decision.

Kane simply showed up and proved himself daily.

Slowly, Sierra realized the final barrier of trust between them crumbled to ruins.

He’d chosen her.

Sierra was in her own growth period. She opened a web store to test the waters, but realized quickly she liked the one-on-one interaction with clients. A few of her pop-up stores were a big hit, but the locations were only temporary. For now, she was experimenting with various venues, but making enough money to take her time.

She sensed she was waiting for something meant for her.

Until then, she threw herself into this new life that offered no guarantees except one.

Kane loved her more than anything.

Her thoughts were interrupted when she ran into a distinguished southern gentleman with white hair, white mustache, and kind blue eyes.

“Sierra, it’s nice to meet you. I’m Duncan Allen.”

Her eyes widened with recognition.

“How lovely to meet you! Kane has spoken so highly of you. I cannot believe we haven’t met before this.”

His laugh was robust.

“I could say the same. He comes to the office with a spring in his step, which I know is all you. And my wife, Jessica, was a regular shopper at Flirt. I’m truly sorry about the loss of your shop.”

Duncan’s obvious empathy was soothing.

“Thank you. I’m grateful you offered Kane the support he needed. We owe you a lot.”

“Nonsense. Us locals have to stick together.”

His bushy brows lowered in a thoughtful frown.

“I didn’t intend to talk business at your sister’s wedding, but wondered if you had a few minutes to chat? We can bring Kane over.”

“Of course, I’d love to chat. Let’s go outside where it’s quieter.”

They grabbed Kane and headed outside to one of the empty tables. Duncan lit up a cigar and they exchanged casual chit-chat for a bit.

“I had an opportunity that came up I’d love to discuss with you. Unfortunately, it’s something I’d need a decision on rather quickly. I think I have a place that would fit well for Flirt.”

Her heart stopped. She shared a glance with Kane, but it was obvious he knew nothing about it.

“I’d love to hear about it,” she said.

“My sister owns a building she’s been leasing for a while, decided to sell it to me. Her children live in Maryland, and she’s looking to move and be with her grandchildren. One of her tenants unfortunately passed, and there is one space open to rental. I’d like to offer it to you, Sierra.”

She blinked. Excitement simmered.

“Where is it located?”

“On the Duck waterfront—northeast corner. The current shop is Jane’s Candy Shop.”

Reality crashed in. She knew the spot well, and it was prime. She forced a smile.

“That’s so generous, Duncan, but I’m afraid the rent isn’t something I can afford.”

Oh, sure, she could probably take a big reach and get a loan but Sierra also didn’t want that type of pressure to sell a certain level in order to pay her mortgage. No thanks. She wanted her store to be her safe haven, not a place of fear.

“Normally, I’d agree, but my sister had struck a unique deal with Jane. They were friends for a while, so the rent was fixed. It’s been that way for a decade. Probably more affordable than the Sunset location Flirt was in previously.”

Sierra frowned.

“That’s lovely, but it’s now an opportunity for you to make a lot more money. I’m very sorry about Jane’s passing. That must be hard on your sister to lose a good friend.”

“Thank you.”

He tilted his head, staring at her with a twinkle in his eyes.

“Sierra, I’d like to offer you the same deal. I’m not looking to make more profit. I’m looking for a place that’s solid, with a tenant I can trust. Flirt is a mainstay in Duck and many of us miss it. Including my wife. She’s been grouchier since you closed without getting her shopping gene workout.”

They all laughed.

Duncan continued.

“Think about it. Let me know if you’re interested. The sharks will be circling the moment they realize there’s an empty storefront, and you’re my first choice. There’s no hard feelings if it’s not what you want. And of course, it has nothing to do with Kane working for me or any favors. It’s simply the right thing for everyone.”

He gave another smile, finished his cigar, and rose.

“Now, I better get going. I heard it was an open event and wanted to take the time to meet you. Enjoy the wedding.”

They said their goodbyes. Sierra turned to Kane, trembling with excitement.

“Did that just happen?”

she asked, partially in shock.

“Did he just offer me prime real estate at a fixed rent I can afford?”

Kane grinned.

“Hell yes, he did. Your store made a mark, sweetheart. Because you put your heart and soul in it, and people responded. For Duncan, that’s just good business, not a giveaway.”

“I want it.”

The words shot out of her mouth without hesitation. Her insides settled. This was her sign.

Flirt was about to have a new home. A better one. She’d just needed to trust and let go.

Kane picked her up and swung her around.

“Should I chase Duncan down and tell him?”

“No—let’s wait until after the wedding. I want to keep the news for just us.”

She glanced down the street where Duncan had disappeared.

“I had no idea your boss was so striking. From your descriptions of him, I imagined someone more low-key and plain.”

“As Armani quoted, ‘Elegance doesn’t mean being noticed. It means being remembered.’”

Her head spun in shock. She blinked.

“You—you know designer shoe quotes?”

“Of course. I’m not uncivilized.”

She stared at him with all the raw emotions swirling inside, no longer afraid to let herself surrender to it all.

“I’m so in love with you, Kane Masterson.”

And then she kissed him, lipstick be damned, giving herself up to the sensations flooding her body, embracing the feeling of safety and home she always experienced around Kane.

Aspen poked her head out.

“Will you stop making out and get your ass in here? I have to pee and you forced me to wear this giant dress so you better hold it up for me.”

They both burst into laughter and rejoined the wedding.

Much later, Sierra stood in front of the man she loved in nothing but her Louboutin’s and claimed her own happily ever after ending.

The End