“Six years ago, I started a journey I never expected to be on, a journey through grief, through rebuilding, through figuring out who the hell I was supposed to be after losing the life I once knew.” His voice slightly dips, the weight of those years still present but no longer defining him. “But this last year… this last year has felt different. Like I’m closer to where I’m meant to be than ever before. “He exhales, shaking his head with a smirk. “With that being said… I’m taking a vacation.”

Playful eye rolls and laughter erupt, but Vic just lifts a hand. “I’m serious. Two months. Me, my incredible woman, and my daughters, which means lots of pink for me…but the company will still need a CEO to hold down the fort.”

A ripple of whispers spread through the room as Vic smirks and turns his attention straight to Hudson, who’s standing next to Serena with his arm draped around her waist.

I glance at Serena, who winks at me. Of course, I couldn’t keep the secret from her. Hudson looks at the three of us. “Wait, what?” Then his eyes narrow. “What’re you doin’, man?” Vic shakes his head, walking forward to embrace his Hudson.

“I’m doing what Dad would have wanted. What he built wasn’t just for me—it was for us. And now, it’s time to put it back in the hands of the man who really deserves it.” He lets the words settle before adding, “You were Dad’s protégé. You’re the business-savvy genius like him, while I inherited the Grimes cooking gene, so I’d prefer to stay in the kitchen and take lots of breaks with my family over the next few years. Is that okay with you, Mr. CEO?”

Hudson stutters. His eyes shine with something raw, something that has nothing to do with business and everything to do with their father.

Vicky steps forward and pulls both her sons into her arms. Watching them, my chest swells because this was never their plan in life, but it’s exactly how things are supposed to be. This past year has been a wild ride, but somehow, we’ve landed exactly where we’re meant to be.

And then, Vic clears his throat again.

“Okay… I have one more announcement.”

I straighten. This wasn’t part of the plan.

Ari and Syd move to stand beside him, and suddenly, the entire room shifts. There’s a murmur of excitement as my family and friends subtly inch closer to me, like we’re all about to take a group photo.

I narrow my eyes at Vic. “What are you up to?”

He grins. “May my beautiful girlfriend please step a little closer?”