Roasting Up Love (Insta Love Shy Girl Romance 6)

“I love you so much, sweetheart,” he murmured.

“I love you,” I said, my voice suddenly clearer.

He finally sat us up, digging in his knapsack for a moment before pulling out a small black velvet box. I grinned as we opened it together, displaying a beautiful diamond and platinum ring.

Dave studied my expression nervously. “I didn’t think that you were the type for huge jewelry, but we can always trade this in for another if you don’t like it. I thought that it might be smarter to spend more of our money on a house.”

I kissed him gently. “It’s perfect. Thank you. And you’re right, big jewelry wouldn’t be right on me. My fingers are always on a keyboard. Something huge and clunky would be annoying.”

“But a big house will suit us both,” he chuckled, slipping the ring on my finger. “Especially once we get a whole bunch of kids running around.”

I leaned back, raising an eyebrow. “A bunch? Don’t you mean one?”

“Or four,” he shrugged, flashing a devilish grin.

I tried to look stern. “Maybe two. We’ll chat.”

Pulling me against him, he kissed me so deeply that I almost wanted to start working on our family immediately. Knowing that I’d be sharing my life with this amazing man filled me with a sense of grounding that made everything fall easily into place.

EPILOGUE #2

* Dave *

* Six Years Later *

I would never have guessed when I started my coffee shop that I’d have to take over the retail space next door as well for more roasting equipment, and an office for Valerie with a play area for our two toddlers, Tyler and Becca.

My lovely wife was now able to text me when she had client meetings, so that I could watch the kids for an hour or two. I’ve set them up in booster chairs at a table near the front so that I can do a bit of paperwork with them while they greet people, and Kevin works the counter. It’s all a jumble of arranging each day so that it works for us, but it’s always a wonderful adventure.

The kids are very helpful, suggesting that every customer buy a cookie, but not the flavors they like best. Becca was nearly four now, and was obviously the outgoing chatterbox. She chirped brightly to every person who entered the shop and was now trying to learn everyone’s name. Tyler was much shyer, but sometimes he forgot himself and tried to keep up with his big sister.

It’s been amazing to watch Valerie come out of her shell over the past several years. She’s such a beautiful woman, and witnessing the growth of her confidence has been an incredible process. She was much more relaxed in most situations, and spoke up for herself a lot more.

I’m glad that she still has her business, so that she has a creative outlet to express herself. I do my best to give her some space so that she can be her own person, as well as being a wife and mother. The balance around us all shifts and wobbles, but we always end up fairly level.

I could almost sense Valerie’s presence as she came through the back hallway to surprise the kids.

“Mommy!” Becca called out to her. “I met Tim and Bob and Erica and Kelly and...” she hesitated.

“Carolyn,” Tyler helped out, sounding out the name carefully. “She had long, long hair like a princess.”

“Wow,” Valerie said, her warm smile lighting up her eyes. “You remember all of those names for when you stay at Tammy’s tonight. She’ll be impressed.”

Becca cried out “Yay!” just as Tyler squealed, “Popcorn!” They loved their babysitter, who occasionally took them for overnight slumber parties.

Valerie came over to nuzzle my neck, making my breath catch. “I need you to myself tonight,” she whispered. Pulling her into my lap, I kissed her, the heat between us instant, almost crackling.

“Knock it off, Mommy and Daddy,” Becca announced, making everyone else in the shop laugh.

Sliding my hand under Valerie’s round ass, I grabbed her hard. “Want to go for number three?” I growled softly against her ear.

“No,” she said firmly. “Only for pleasure from now on.”

“Yes, dear,” I whispered, nipping at her ear until she squealed. “I will never get enough of you.”

“Good,” she breathed, her eyes flaring. “You can prove that to me tonight.”

“Yes, dear,” I whispered again. I could feel her desire for me in the way her fingers gripped the back of my neck, and the way her gaze locked with mine as it did every day, and every night.

*** The End ***