The atmosphere in the bar is electric. The grand opening night party is in full swing, and the whole town, or close to it, has shown up to celebrate the restoration of this once-forgotten gem. Laughter, chatter, and clinking glasses fill the air, intermingling with the lively tunes of the live band–not a polka band like Kendric had threatened, thankfully. I can’t help but feel an overwhelming sense of pride and accomplishment as I look around the space.
“You did it, bitch! Look at this place. Take it all in. This was all you, my amazing, wonderful, kickass bestie!” Lotte’s rich, comforting voice washes over me as she hands me a martini glass filled with a brightly colored drink.
“Do I want to know what’s in this?” I ask, taking a sip and barely holding back a moan as the sweet, herbal goodness bursts over my tongue with the first taste.
“Considering this was Charlie’s contribution to the menu, maybe not. But it’s been dubbed the ‘Rainbow Bright’ in your honor, so you better like it,” she laughs.
I throw my head back, laughing, before taking another sip. “Well, this is maybe the best thing I have ever tasted, so he got it bang on.” I turn to the bar and see Charlie behind it, shaking up a cocktail for Anya from the coffee shop, and I catch his eye. Raising my glass in a toast toward him, I nod and offer him a bright smile of thanks. He returns my grin with a wink and returns to chatting with Anya. To the surprise of absolutely no one, Alfie is standing beside her like a guard dog, watching over her with a lovesick expression I’m sure he thinks no one notices.
“Woman, this party is amazing. Thank you for putting it all together on such short notice!” I say, turning back to Lotte.
“Bitch, please. It’s literally the least I could do after everything you’ve done for me over the years. You have poured your literal blood, sweat, and tears into this place and deserve to be celebrated for it now that you’ve gotten it over the finish line.”
I can’t believe I went almost four months without seeing her. That seems almost impossible now. “How did I ever manage without you, hun?” I ask sincerely.
“May you never have to find out,” she says brightly.
“Are you forgetting you still live halfway across the country?”
“Nothing is set in stone there, love,” she says cryptically, looking over my shoulder. I turn and follow her gaze and find Luka standing over in the corner, talking to Mack. Well, that is certainly an interesting development. Before I can turn back to Lotte and ask what her plans are, she pushes me toward the crowd, urging me away. “Now, no more hiding, talking with me. Go make the rounds to your adoring public. You’re a business owner now; gotta get your schmooze on.”
I laugh and hug Lotte quickly before doing exactly as she says. I weave through the crowd, stopping to exchange pleasantries and accept compliments on the bar’s transformation from the guests. At one point, Kendric joins me in mingling with the guests. He’s looking fantastic tonight, dressed in a tailored suit that perfectly complements his rugged charm. He’s so damn handsome I have a hard time keeping my eyes and hands off him.
After making our rounds, Kendric motions for everyone’s attention. The crowd gradually quiets down, and all eyes turn toward him. A soft smile plays on his lips as he steps forward, ready to address the room.
“Thank you all for being here tonight,” he begins, his voice carrying a mixture of warmth and gratitude. “Some of you may know the history of this building, how it stood neglected for years until it found new life in Sloan’s capable hands. But what you might not know is the personal significance this place holds for me.”
Curiosity stirs within the room as everyone leans in a little closer, captivated by Kendric’s words. I stand near the bar, my heart pounding, eager to hear what he has to say. This is a story even I haven’t heard yet.
“You see,” Kendric continues, his gaze locking with mine, “Wayne Kennedy, the previous owner, was like family to me. He was the father I didn’t have, and all but raised my punk ass up as I navigated through the dark tunnel of teenagedom.” The crowd chuckles knowingly at that, and I can only imagine what a terror teenage Kendric must have been. “Wayne was a man with the biggest heart you could hope to find. He loved this town, and only ever wanted to see it flourish. Now it’s no secret that Luka and I had plans for this place after Wayne died, but little did we know the old codger had one more scheme in store for us all. That’s where a certain rainbow-haired spitfire comes in. And now, seeing Sloan take the reins and restore this place to its former glory means more to me than I can express.”
A tender smile spreads across my face as Kendric’s heartfelt words wash over me. Moments like these remind me why I fell for him in the first place–his genuine sincerity and unwavering support.
“But I must say,” Kendric adds with a mischievous glint in his eyes, “I’ve been tempted to do something rather outrageous tonight.”
A murmur of curiosity sweeps through the crowd as Kendric pauses, relishing the suspense. The cocky bastard. I playfully roll my eyes, knowing he is about to do something that will make my heart race.
“I thought about proposing to Sloan right here, right now,” he confesses, a playful grin dancing on his lips as my heart stops. “But I know her well enough to know that would probably make her run for the hills.”
A collective chuckle fills the room, and I can feel a blush creeping up my cheeks. Kendric has always known how to make me feel both cherished and exasperated at the same time.
“But I want everyone here to know that she will be mine one day,” Kendric continues, his voice filled with determination. “Until then, I just want Sloan to know how much she means to me and to all of us.”
Kendric clears his throat, his eyes shimmering with a mix of playfulness and sincerity. “Before I unveil Sloan’s surprises, there’s something else I want to say.” He pauses, allowing the anticipation to build. “Sloan, you’ve not only breathed life back into this bar, but you’ve become an integral and necessary part of this community.”
The crowd nods and murmurs in agreement, their admiration for Sloan clear in their eyes.
“You’ve shown us what it means to be resilient, to pursue your dreams, and to never give up,” Kendric continues, his voice filled with admiration. “You’ve rallied this town together, and it’s incredible to witness the power of unity. I have no doubt that this bar will be a place where laughter, friendship, and love will flourish.”
Applause and cheers echo through the bar, and I feel a swell of pride and gratitude. Kendric’s words wash over me like a warm embrace, reaffirming my purpose and the impact I’ve had on the people around me.
“But enough with the heartfelt stuff,” Kendric says, a twinkle in his eyes. “Let’s get to the surprises!”
The crowd erupts into applause, and my heart swells with love and appreciation for this amazing man standing before me. Kendric gestures toward a table near the bar, and three large jars catch everyone’s attention. They are filled to the brim with money, and a small sign that reads: ‘Sloan’s Car Fund.’
He looks at me, his eyes shining with pride and love. “Sloan, these jars have been all over town, and the whole community has chipped in to help you buy a car worthy of your badass business owner status. You’ve touched their lives, and they wanted to show their gratitude.”
Gasps of surprise mingle with enthusiastic applause as Kendric reveals the incredible support that has been given to me. Tears well up in my eyes, and I feel a lump forming in my throat. This town, these people, has shown me what it means to be a part of something greater. The overwhelming support of the town, and the knowledge that they believe in me and my dreams, fill me with a profound sense of belonging.
But Kendric isn’t finished yet. With a playful smirk, he motions for Donnie to step forward. Ever the eccentric artist grease monkey, Donnie holds something carefully wrapped in cloth. My curiosity piques as he unveils a stunning piece of metalwork–a sign featuring the new name of the bar: Valkyrie Bar.
“It was a group effort between Ollie, Donnie, and myself,” Kendric explains, his voice filled with affection. “Donnie brought his artistic magic, Ollie came up with the design, and I came up with the name. I wanted to honor your strength and spirit, Sloan, and what better way to do that than by naming the bar after the fierce and powerful Valkyries?”
I’m awestruck, my heart overflowing with love and gratitude.
“Let this sign stand as a symbol of strength, resilience, and the indomitable spirit that you, Sloan, have brought to this bar,” Kendric says. “May it be a beacon that guides people to a place where they can find joy, camaraderie, and a little bit of magic.”
The crowd erupts into applause, their cheers reverberating through the bar. I stand there, my heart overflowing with love and gratitude, as I take in the sight of the sign that proudly proclaims the new name–Valkyrie. It’s perfect.
At that moment, surrounded by the unwavering support of the town and the man I love, I realize that this grand opening night isn’t just a celebration of a restored bar. It’s a celebration of new beginnings, of love’s unexpected arrival, and of the extraordinary power of community.
As the applause subsides, Kendric’s gaze finds mine amidst the sea of faces. He takes a step closer, his voice lowering to a soft, intimate tone. “And finally, Sloan, I have one more surprise for you.”
My heart skips a beat, curiosity mingling with excitement. What more could he have in store for me? Kendric reaches into his pocket, retrieving a small velvet box. He opens it, revealing a delicate silver necklace adorned with a charm shaped like a Valkyrie’s wing with three perfect small diamonds set in it.
“I wanted to give you something that symbolizes the strength and resilience you embody,” he explains, his eyes filled with adoration. “This necklace represents the Valkyrie within you, Sloan. That, and your uncanny ability to fall asleep on me every chance you get,” he says with a smirk.
“Oh, my god! Three! You added three stones just to bust my balls about falling asleep on you? You dork,” I laugh, thankful for the reprieve from the heavy emotions of the moment.
He laughs, leaning in to press a kiss to my forehead before continuing. “This necklace represents the Valkyrie within you, Sloan. Wear it as a reminder of your power, your journey, and the love we share.”
Tears brim in my eyes once again as I reach out to touch the necklace, feeling its weight in my palm. It’s a testament to the depth of Kendric’s understanding, the way he sees me not just as a partner, but as a warrior, a force to be reckoned with.
“Kendric, this is… it’s beautiful,” I whisper, my voice barely audible above the soft hum of the crowd.
He takes the necklace from the box and gently fastens it around my neck, his touch sending a surge of warmth through my veins. “You are beautiful, Kitten,” he murmurs, his voice filled with tenderness. “Inside and out.”
The moment lingers, our eyes locked, and in that instant, I feel an unspoken promise pass between us, a shared understanding that we are on this journey together–through triumphs, challenges, and the ever-unpredictable nature of love.
The rest of the night is a whirlwind of joy and revelry. The crowd dances and sings, their laughter and cheers merging with the lively music. The newly christened Valkyrie Bar becomes a haven of celebration, where friendships are forged and memories are etched into the walls.
Kendric and I navigate the sea of people, sharing drinks, laughter, and stolen kisses. We eventually find ourselves in a quiet corner of the bar, away from the chaos, where we can steal a moment alone.
“Sloan,” Kendric murmurs, his voice filled with tenderness, “I meant every word I said in my speech. You’ve brought life back into this place and into my heart. I can’t imagine my life without you.”
A smile tugs at my lips as I gaze into his eyes, the depths of his affection reflected back at me. “And I can’t imagine my life without you either, Kendric. You’ve become my rock, my inspiration.”
He brushes a strand of hair behind my ear, his touch sending shivers down my spine. “Sloan, I don’t know when the timing will be right, but one day, I hope to call you mine officially. Until then, let’s continue to build something beautiful together.
I lean into his touch, savoring the warmth of his presence. “I would love nothing more, Kendric.”
We stay in our private little bubble, stealing glances and basking in the love that envelops us. The night continues, and as the crowd gradually thins out, we stand together in the empty bar, now hushed and tranquil.
Kendric pulls me into his arms, holding me as if he never wants to let go. “Sloan, thank you for being everything I never knew I needed. You’ve brought life and love back into this place, and into my soul.”
Tears of joy shimmer in my eyes as I look up at him. “Thank you for seeing something in me I didn’t even know existed. You’ve given me strength, courage, and a love that feels like home.”
He presses his lips against mine, sealing our connection with a tender and passionate kiss. At that moment, everything fades away–the bar, the grand opening, the town outside. It’s just Kendric and me, our love filling the space between us.