Epilogue
Three months later...
“What do you think?” Jacob asked, trying to remain casual, as if his heart weren’t trying to hammer its way out of his chest as Cherry looked through the old shop on the other side of the movie theater on Fort Bragg. “It’s a good location. When people come in and out of the movies, they can stop in here and get a snack.”
“Yeah, it’s fantastic. And this is right in the heart of the base. It’s bigger than my shop at home too. The perfect size to expand.” Her face was lit up with excitement and joy as she walked through the doors and into the much bigger kitchen with the walk-in cooler. “I love it.”
“And there are enough teenagers and spouses nearby that you can easily hire help.”
“I still don’t know about the money.” Her forehead furrowed as if she were trying to do the mental math.
“I already told you, little sis, we’re backing you on this venture.” Her brother, Chance engulfed her in a hug, and then punched Jacob in the arm. “Not that either of us can afford to eat pies and cakes every day. This lady’s man has a rep for rock hard abs that can’t be forsaken, even for chocolate cake with vanilla frosting.”
“I’ll add some healthier options to the list. Smoothies, gluten free, I even have a few new recipes for protein bars that are supposed to taste pretty good.” She smiled. “If I can find a couple of hard core test subjects.”
They both groaned, but nodded.
“Thanks for finding this place for me.” She kissed Jacob on the lips and grinned as her brother rolled his eyes and pretended to busy himself with his cell phone. “Are you sure you won’t mind me living nearby and working on the same base as you?”
“About that. Now that our next tour has started, and we’re in charge of the training, um, I want to talk to you about something.” Jacob’s eyes darted over to Chance nervously.
Chance laughed. “I’ll be out front, wuss.”
“I want to be your Westley.” Jacob blurted to her.
“What?”
“Or you could be my Adrian, that’s cool too.” He grimaced. “Or you could be my Bella. I could be your Will Turner or your Edward. Shit.”
“Are you asking me to marry you by using my favorite movies?”
“Yeah, I’m killing it, aren’t I?” He grinned sheepishly. “Team Edward?”
She giggled and kissed him on the cheek. “Silly Sergeant. I will always choose Team Jacob.
But alas.” She paused for dramatic effect and winked at him. “I can’t marry you. Not like this.”
“Why not?” He could tell she was playing with him, the way her eyes lit up with mirth, but
it confused the hell out of him.
“My name would be Cherry Pye, silly. I might be a bit quacked up, but that’s pushing it a little, isn’t it?”
He shrugged. “We could name our first kid American.” She laughed. “And our second could be Apple.”
“Our third could be Shepherd. I love you.”
“All right, I’m in.”
He yelled and picked her up in his arms and then kissed her on the lips. “You are making me a very happy man. I have a surprise for you.”
She snuggled into his arms and looked at the ring on her finger. “I don’t know what could possibly make me happier. I have a new bakery, a new home, and a gorgeous fiancé who makes me tingle in all the best ways.”
“Call your brother.” He pointed at Cherry’s phone, and she dialed.
The music from the Barbie Show blared from Chance’s phone, while he muttered and tried to turn it off. Then Jacob called him, and Twinkle Twinkle Little Star played from his cell phone.
“What the hell?” Chance’s loud shout came from the front, followed by a few giggles from women who were passing by the front of the store.
Life was good. And Cherry was finally on top.
The End
Thank you so much for reading this story! I had a ton of fun revisiting my former Army days, and I am looking forward to trying out a few more military stories soon. If you liked it (or even if you didn’t), would you mind leaving a review? Thanks so much!