Before I had known Roman Duca for an hour, I threw a bag of flour at him hard enough to explode across his charcoal suit.

One year later.

The morning sun spilled through the large front windows of Honey & Rye Bakery, illuminating rows of golden croissants, fruit tarts, and fresh sourdough loaves.

The shop was buzzing with happy customers, the rich aroma of toasted coffee beans and melted butter filling the air.

Behind the counter, Lily—now seventeen, glowing with health, confidence, and wearing a flour-dusted apron—was skillfully boxing a dozen raspberry almond tarts for an elderly couple, laughing merrily as she worked the register.

I stood near the espresso machine, topping off a fresh pour-over coffee, wearing a simple white linen dress under my apron. On my left hand, a brilliant, radiant-cut diamond sparkled under the warm bakery lights.

The front bell chimed.

Roman walked through the front door, wearing a sharp navy suit without a tie, carrying a small leather briefcase in one hand and a bouquet of fresh yellow roses in the other.

He didn't look like a feared crime boss. He looked like a handsome, thriving executive—and the happiest man in Chicago.

Aunt Sophia walked in right behind him, wearing a chic purple coat, holding a small gift box.

“Good morning, my favorite family!” Sophia announced cheerfully, stepping up to the counter and leaning over to kiss Lily’s cheek before giving me a warm, affectionate hug. “Clare, darling, the wedding invitations arrived from the printer! They are exquisite!”

“Thank you, Sophia,” I smiled, accepting the bouquet of roses from Roman as he stepped behind the counter, wrapping his arm around my waist and pressing a soft kiss to the side of my neck.

“How’s my brilliant fiancee?” Roman murmured against my ear, his broad hand resting comfortably over my waist.

“Exhausted, happy, and madly in love,” I replied, turning in his arms to wrap my hands around his lapels. “How was your morning meeting?”

“Boring,” Roman grinned, his dark eyes shining with adoration. “Just legitimate real estate contracts. I couldn't wait to get back to my favorite bakery.”

Lily looked over from the register, rolling her eyes with a fond, theatrical sigh. “Can you two please stop being sickeningly romantic in front of the customers? I’m trying to sell pastries here.”

The entire shop erupted into quiet laughter.

Roman pulled me closer, holding me tight against his chest as the warmth of the morning sun washed over us, over our family, and over the life we had built together from a single bag of flour.

I took a deep breath, smelling the sweet cinnamon, dark coffee, and the comforting scent of the man who held my heart forever.