Fake It Till You Bake It(96)

Jada shook her head, her mind still spinning. “For what?”

“I heard what you were saying, and I wasn’t there for you. I don’t like emotions and feeling out of control, and when things start getting real, I retreat. Instead of offering my support to you, I shut down and pretended I was fine. I don’t know if I’ll ever forgive myself for that. You were doubting yourself, and I didn’t say anything to reassure you. I should have reminded you that you were amazing at the cupcake shop. I should have told you that I love the unpredictability you bring to my life. I love how you make me feel so much, and you made me realize I don’t want to go through life thinking that financial success is all that matters, because it’s not. You saved my business, but more importantly, you saved me.”

Tears welled in her eyes. He wiped them away with a thumb. “Don’t cry yet. I’m not finished.”

She laughed. “My bad. Please continue, sir.”

“You bring joy and love to my life. I love your supposed imperfections. I should have told you I believe in you, and I want you to do the same. I should have told you that you have so much to offer to the world, and I want a front row seat to your continued blossoming.”

Jada couldn’t breathe. Finally, finally, he touched her, linking their fingers. He dropped a gentle kiss to the back of her hand. She witnessed it all through the tears blurring her vision. Thank God for waterproof mascara.

“I should have told you that I love you, and I’ll go to the ends of the earth for you.”

“Really?” she asked, still a little unsure that she, Jada the impulsive screwup, could be so lucky.

“Yes, really, baby. Do you love me?” The touch of shyness in his voice, on his face, melted away any lingering doubts. He’d laid it all out on the line. This man would be there for her always, and she planned on being there for him.

She nodded, then touched her forehead to his. “When I ran into you—sorry about that, by the way—I was rushing to go back into the ballroom to tell you that I love you so, so much. You have no idea. I’m sorry I got scared. I can’t promise that it won’t happen again, but I do promise not to run again. Thank you for being the steadying force I need in my life. Thank you for believing in me when I didn’t believe in myself. I wouldn’t be experiencing all the good in my life if you didn’t come into my life. Thank you for being you. You are the best man I’ve ever met. You are Donovan Dell, and you are enough, just the way you are.” She caressed his strong jaw, thrilled she no longer had to deny herself the pleasure. “Yes, I love you with all of my heart. I even love you more than my shoes.”

Jada lifted the floor-length hem of her dress to reveal the Crocs she’d changed into midway through the night. She cut off his laughter with her mouth. It had been ninety-two days, four hours, and approximately twenty-three minutes since she’d last kissed him. She was not throwing away her shot. Now or ever again.





Epilogue


“Damn, woman, you look good,” Donovan said as Jada stepped onto the patio at his house.

“Thank you. Thank you.” Jada did a little twirl, squeeing as the thigh-high slit in her teal dress opened to reveal her right leg and her silver Louboutin stilettos. “You don’t look half bad yourself.”

Donovan stroked his chin. “I try.”

He did more than try. He wore a custom charcoal gray suit that hugged his wide shoulders and showed off his powerful legs. His crisp white shirt contrasted perfectly against his skin. His teal tie matched her dress exactly.

He was the handsomest man she’d ever seen, and he was all hers.

In a few months, they would stand in front of their family and friends to make it official, but today, they were taking engagement photos. She couldn’t wait.

He tugged at his tie. “Was it really necessary for us to get all dressed up for this? We could’ve worn Sugar Blitz polos for old time’s sake.”

Jada shot him a look. “Sir, first of all, we already incorporated Sugar Blitz with the teal. More importantly, these are our engagement photos, not an ad for your business.”

Donovan snorted. “You just want to flex on Instagram.”

She lifted her chin. “No, I want a symbol of our love immortalized on film. This is a full circle moment for us. Rose did our first photo shoot, and she’s doing this one. It’s perfect.”

He side-eyed her.

“And okay, yes, I want to flex on Instagram for all the #JaDon haters. Besides, can you blame me? We look so good.”

Donovan’s shoulders shook with laughter.

Joy swept through her at the carefree sound. She’d never get tired of seeing him happy. She’d never get tired of knowing she brought him as much joy as he brought her.

Things with his dad weren’t perfect—they probably never would be—but Donovan had returned to Oakland for a heart-to-heart chat with his dad, and his father had agreed to get help for his gambling addiction. He’d even followed through a few months later, and so far, so good.

“I love you,” she murmured. Sometimes, she still couldn’t believe she could say that whenever the mood struck.

“Come here,” he murmured, wrapping an arm around her waist and drawing her toward him. Jada eagerly rose on her toes to meet his descending lips.

“No, no, no,” Rose said, joining them on the patio. “Save that for the photos.”