Isabelle
"I-I don't know what to say." I stammered out as my eyes remained focused on the building before me.
"You don't need to say anything." He responded as he took me by the hand. "Why don't we go inside and you can take a look around?"
"Alright." I nodded.
Sterling led the way to the doors and pulled out a key. He unlocked the building and he turned on the lights as we stepped inside. I couldn't help but look around the bakery that once housed my favorite bakery. All that remained of the past were the counters and glass display case to show off baked goods.
"I don't understand." My eyes looked over everything as I walked around the empty space. "I thought this was bought by someone months ago. How did you end up with it?"
"I'm the one who bought it." He explained. "It was for sale and we had rekindled things. I wanted to reserve it so that when you were ready, you could live your dream."
I was quiet as I looked the place over again. It is in fact the perfect space to run a bakery from, the place that had been here was really successful. The only reason they closed down is because no one wanted to take over after the owner.
Sterling came over and wrapped an arm around my waist. "Think of all the things you could do in here. You could really make this place your own."
I couldn't help the smile taking over my lips. A dream I thought I would have to fight tooth and nail just to get in the door, is now at my fingertips. It's a little overwhelming and at the same time, it's hard to believe this is all in my grasp.
"Well?" Sterling's icy blues focused on me. "What would be the first thing you would do to this place?"
"Make it my own." There are now a million thoughts running through my mind. "Maybe paint the walls a light blue color and bring in some nice chairs and tables. Honestly the place is mostly perfect as is, just needs a few touches to make it my own."
Sterling held me tightly as he began to close the distance between our lips. My eyes closed as I waited for his mouth to claim mine. Seconds later, his grip tightened and his lips immediately began to dominate mine.
I wrapped my arms around his neck as the kiss continued. There were so many feelings coursing through me; desire, need, but the most important one was happiness.
The fact he would do this for me means more than he will ever know. It means the world to me that he has so much faith in me. He truly believes I can do this, which makes me feel that much more confident in myself.
He pulled away from me with a grin on his lips. "Why don't we check out the kitchen?"
"Okay." I nodded.
He took my hand and led the way. When we passed through the door leading to the kitchen, my eyes widened at how massive this place really was. There was a whole wall dedicated to the door of the fridge and the freezer here.
There were stainless steel ovens and an industrial sized sink. There was a ton of counter space and some of it was taken up by some of the small appliances that remained. In this kitchen, I could do absolutely anything.
My eyes shifted from the kitchen over to the pantry. I walked over to it and noticed the empty shelves inside. There was a ton of storage space here, which makes this all even better for me.
"So how would this work?" I questioned as I turned and gave him my attention. "You own the building and I rent it from you or something?"
"No." He shook his head. "Come here."
He was already heading back out to the main area of the bakery when I started following him with my answer. "Okay?"
He walked over to the counter and picked up an envelope. He opened it up and took out a paper that he set down. "All you need to do is sign here and it's all yours."
I could feel a mix of things going throughout me right now. As much as I'm thrilled he would go this far for me, part of me would feel guilty by taking it. It would feel like taking money from him and if anything were to happen between us, it would make that guilt even worse.
"I can't just let you give it to me like this." My voice was now lower and I could see a glimpse of disappointment in his eyes. "I really appreciate it Sterling, but I don't want to take your money like this. Especially when we don't know what the future is going to hold."
The best thing I can do is be honest with him about my reservations. It's the only way to get him to understand so we can figure this out.
His nostrils flared as he let out an agitated breath while grabbing my hands in his. "We may not know completely what the future holds, but I know for a fact that I'll still be by your side. I didn't do this to have leverage if you decide to leave again or to force you to deal with whatever bullshit I get myself into, I did this because you deserve it."
My emotions began to surface. "What makes you say that?"
"Because I know it's the truth." He looked me sincerely in the eyes. "You deserve to have the opportunity to live your dream. You've been through so much shit in your life, part of it because of me. You are also one of the kindest people in this world, you've done so much for the orphanage and for me that I want to do something for you. Besides it's not taking my money, just consider it as I made an investment that I know will work out."
I stood there for a moment, contemplating my decision here. He brought up a few more valid points that I need to take into consideration.
"Izzy." He continued to look me in the eyes. "Please tell me that you aren't actually going to pass up this opportunity."
I could feel a lump developing in my throat. I couldn't help the second thoughts and doubts going through my mind. I hate that they're there, I'd like to just block them out and let my happiness take the lead but this is too big of a decision.
"Isabelle." This time he used my full first name. "I love you and I will do whatever I have to so that you feel confident with this decision. Will you sign?"
I forced back any negative thoughts as I took a deep breath and let it out. "Okay."
I grabbed a pen from my purse and signed everywhere Sterling had labeled out. I finished signing and set the pen down. I took one more look around this place and continued to force the negative thoughts away, this is going to be good for me.