“I’m glad you feel that way even though I was so tough on you the other day.” She wrinkled her nose. “I’m really ashamed for lashing out at you in that manner.”
He ran his hand across her cheek. “I should have told you the truth right from the beginning. I was just so afraid of losing you it messed with my head. I’ve been racked with guilt ever since the accident.”
“I don’t blame you and I forgive you for not telling me the truth. There are so many things that may have contributed to the crash. I wish you’d been honest with me about it a long time ago. That way we could have worked through it together. You’ll never lose me. You’re imprinted on my heart, Braden.” Her throat felt tight, but at this moment it was a result of overwhelming happiness.
“Like you’re etched on mine,” he answered, his face lit up like Christmas morning.
Piper stood on her tippy toes and pressed a tender kiss on Braden’s lips. Joy washed over her as he kissed her back enthusiastically. As they broke apart, they stared into each other’s eyes without speaking, both content to savor the special moment. She no longer had to worry about anything standing in the way of their relationship. Everything had come to light, and they were no longer in the shadows.
“I’ve been reminded lately about not living with a spirit of fear, but of power and love,” he said, breaking the silence. “That’s how I want to live my life.”
“Me too. I’m so incredibly blessed to be surrounded by love.”
She took a deep breath. “I loved my dad so much and I still miss him like crazy, especially during the holidays. He made everything so special for all of us.”
Braden ran his hand over the top of her head, down past her curly mane. “He loved you, Piper. And he was so incredibly proud of you. Your family was everything to him.”
“I know he’d be tickled about the pies and the milkshakes. It really helps to think of him with a big smile on his face and giving me a huge thumbs-up.”
“I can see it. And what I told you was true. Jack was joyful before he died. I saw him whipping around the trails as if he was flying on a cloud.” Braden grinned. Piper could tell he was now remembering that day with more nuances than simply through a lens of guilt. They had both turned a corner, which would allow them to move forward with their lives. Together.
“There’s so much to be thankful for this Christmas. I’m really blessed to have you in my life, and things are steadily improving at the diner. I don’t think that I even dared to dream everything would come together like this.”
“Some things are just meant to be.” Braden dipped his head down and kissed her temple.
“Speaking of gratitude, we really need to get back to the Snowy Owl. The pie launch is in less than an hour. The rest of the team is holding down the fort for us.”
“Us? Does that mean you want me to tag along?”
“Braden! There wouldn’t be a pie launch without you. You came up with the idea of selling pies in the first place.” She looked up at him. “I’d feel honored if you’d stand by my side as we officially launch Pie in the Sky to Owl Creek.”
“I’d love to stand by your side. It seems fitting since I’m going to invest in Pie in the Sky.”
Piper’s jaw d
ropped. “Wh-what? Are you serious?”
Braden dipped his head down and kissed her. “I’ve never been more serious about anything in my life. I’m not employed at the moment, so I’d be honored to become your silent partner in the pie business. I believe in you.”
“I believe in us,” she whispered, gazing up at him with pure happiness and joy. They were getting the happy ending she hadn’t even thought was possible. Their friendship had turned into a love she knew would last a lifetime.
Epilogue
One year later
It was a beautiful December morning in Owl Creek, Piper realized as she walked hand in hand with Braden along the wooded trail, Rudy trailing closely behind. The temperature had plummeted overnight to a chilly 20 degrees Fahrenheit, but Piper couldn’t have felt any happier. Spending time with Braden always gave her joy.
“I still feel a little bit guilty taking the afternoon off from the diner,” Piper confessed. A storm had been forecast for later that day, as evidenced by the cloudy sky and the snow swirling from the sky. They still had a few hours before it hit Owl Creek full force, and they were making the most of the great Alaskan outdoors.
“Are you kidding me? After all the hard work you’ve put in to turn things around at the Snowy Owl, you deserve a little fun.” He squeezed her hand. “Have I told you lately how proud of you I am?”
Piper looked over at him and grinned. “You have, but I’ll never get tired of hearing it. If it wasn’t for you, I’m not sure I ever would have gotten Pie in the Sky off the ground. I’d still be struggling to find a way out of a very dicey financial situation.”
“It was all you, Piper. You’re the one who makes the most delicious pies in all of Alaska.” He let out a chuckle. “Maybe even in the entire United States.”
She reached out and swept her mittened hand across his cheek. “You believed in me, Braden, and I’ll never forget it. Because of you I managed to save the diner from financial ruin.”
Braden stopped in his tracks and turned toward her. “Of course I had faith in you. You can do anything you set your mind to accomplish. I love you, Piper.”
