Devin and I had a nice long engagement, waiting over a year until Becs could come back from her Freshman year at Notre Dame to be my maid of honor. We also had a couple busy honeymoon years traveling around while I worked on my grant. But he didn’t waste a minute getting me pregnant once we moved back home. Avery was born six months after we moved into our new house. Devin refused to put her down for the first few months and I thought she’d never get the chance to learn to walk. I’ve never seen him happier than the day he found out he was going to be a dad. Both times, he grinned so wide I thought he was going to hurt himself.

“What’cha workin’ on, babe?” I call out to the duo.

“Mommie!” Avery chirps, dashing over to me. I wrap her in a big hug, grease stains be damned.

Devin strolls over, looking as sexy as the first day I saw him—tall, dark and devastatingly handsome. Only this time he’s not scowling. He’s smiling at me, holding our daughter. He leans down and kisses the tip of my nose.

“You look tired,” he scolds.

I let out a sigh at the familiar chiding. “I know. The reopening for the flower shop isn’t going according to plan. But once they’re up and running, I’ll take a week off. I promise.”

He groans at my side, accepting my compromise. With Professor P.’s help, I was able to start up a permanent program here at home to help small businesses like our auto shop. It keeps me busy, with every new client bringing a new challenge. Plus, I’m helping people, keeping our community thriving. I love it. But some weeks are longer than others. I still try to do too much at once. I still have trouble saying no. But Devin keeps me balanced, making sure I take time to enjoy our family too.

I hold out my hand to him and try to control the grin. “I’ve got something to show you.”

He growls low and annoyed. My Big Man still hates surprises, but I don’t care. He’s going to like this one. I drag him out front of the shop, making sure to keep him facing me so he doesn’t see the sign until I’m good and ready.

“If the alternator’s gone in that piece of junk, I’m getting rid of it. I don’t care—”

Mandy, Rob, Becs, my brothers and parents, Sean, Mikey, Shelley and a couple of new guys pop out from behind the cars in the parking lot. We all shout “surprise!” at him in unison.

I spin him around and Devin stares up at the new sign that reads ‘Bennett Auto and Repair’. His mouth drops open and his forehead wrinkles in confusion.