Epilogue

It was a rainy day, my umbrella only shielding me just enough to keep my hair and coat dry, my slacks were another story… But I could not wipe the smile off my face. Today was the day, finally. I had said goodbye to my job, deciding I needed more. At least to work somewhere I liked working, doing a job I liked. But today was even better than that. Today I was the new owner of the cutest little bakery in town. And no matter how hard it was pouring, I smiled, walking all the way to my new little piece of heaven.

Stopping before the window I glanced inside, seeing instantly the place needed a lot of cleaning and a woman's touch to be cozy once again. But I was sure I could pull it off. It would be christmas within a month, maybe if I worked really hard, I could be open by then. I smiled some more before I let myself in, out of the rain, closing the door behind me. I placed the umbrella against the door, my hand unconsciously going into my pocket, feeling the little note there. I had kept it with me the last couple of months. It was my lifeline, some sort of good luck charm. Nobody knew about it, but me. I had curiously followed the news, but there had not been any word on Riddick. If that was good or bad, I didn't know. The note had been opened so many times since I had found it on my pillow that day, the material felt so soft now, like satin. Without opening it I knew exactly what it said.

My Ada,

There are two things beneath this pillow. The first is to keep you safe, I hope you will never have to use it. Keep it close to you. The second is to start living your life, boldly. Go do something you desire, instead of driving to work and hide yourself right after, barely surviving your days. You deserve so much more. Make sure you use it before I find you again. That is definitely an order.

Oh, and Ada, keep in mind who you belong to. I will find you, wherever you may be.

R.

I sighed thinking about his words. I had been shocked, finding the gun, even though it was a small one. I had quickly rolled it in a scarf and hid it in the lowest drawer next to my bed. He had left me a gun, a real gun. Bullets included. The idea had frozen me to my spot on the bed, before taking the envelope that was under my pillow as well. It had felt heavy and thick. I was not sure what he had kept with him that he was wanting to give me before he left. But I had not expected it to be 80.000 worth in american dollars. I had hidden that too, completely unsure what to do with his note and gifts. It had taken me a whole month to get over the whole in my heart. He said he would come back. And I believed his words, but… How could we ever could be together. He would be wanted everywhere we'd go. We would never have certainty. I swallowed and pulled my hand from my pocket, the little note still between my fingers. His writing wasn't neat, but readable enough. Seeing something he had made, gave me a good feeling. I watched his words for a moment more, before I carefully tucked it away again, watching the space around me.

Yes it needed a lot of work and yes it would take some time, but I knew I could make this place a success. I would. I had been lucky enough to find the old couple who had been the previous owners, searching for someone to hand this place to. They had baked their entire lives and really wanted the place to remain a bakery. There had only been winners in the deal, me especially, taking over the entire stash of supplies and machinery too. Maybe a little paint, new furniture and a week of good cleaning.

That next few weeks were spent with cleaning, painting and trying out recipes that were easy enough, but delicious. One day at a time my little bakery started to look better and better an before I knew it, it was opening day. I had all the right papers and knew just enough to run a good administration by myself. I had flyered a few days prior in town and was not disappointed that first opening hour. There was a small line of people, all eager to taste my coffee and cakes. That first week felt so good. Like everything was finally falling into place. During the days I had enough distractions going on. I had a permanent smile on my face all day long until I turned the open sign to close at night. It was at night, eating alone at the kitchen table, laying in bed shivering from the cold, missing a warm body next to mine that I felt how heavy my heart actually was. How much I missed him and his antics. I missed his teasing and how his presence alone was so reassuring to me. I missed his strong and warm body. He had made me such a better person, a more confident woman. I would be forever grateful, even if he would never return. But I hoped with all my heart he would….

After every hard night came a bright morning, and the thought about walking to my new, lovely job had me smiling. The original idea had been to just sell coffee and everything I baked, but due to success I had made a few sitting spots, that seemed to be always occupied with different people. In the morning a small club of elderly people came to breakfast with my muffins and coffee, in the afternoon students would study at the small tables, ordering cakes and coffee after coffee. It warmed my heart to have so many people enjoying my bakes and that they kept coming back. I had even hired two wonderful girls, and a young men to help me some afternoons and in the weekends. They were young, but eager and it seemed to work perfectly, and I really needed the help while christmas was approaching.

That evening I yawned, sitting on the couch, tired and broken. I needed to go to bed. But just before I shut the tv off, my eyes grew wide with the image in the screen. Riddick. It was him! I quickly turned the sound on louder, needing to hear everything there was to be heard about him.

"Richard B. Riddick, known before as the convict that escaped and was on the run turned himself in last month. His lawsuit was put forward for unknown reasons. What was not expected is that the case would bring new information to light. Riddick has worked undercover for months to uncover various practices in recent years. Riddick's criminal offenses are lifted by the state."

I sat frozen to the couch. What? I could not believe it… Was he a criminal or not. And more important… Was he free to go? Would he come back to me? I swallowed deeply, hoping with all my heart he would. But no matter how hard I prayed and hoped, he didn't show up the next couple of days. I tried to move on, maybe he was starting over himself somewhere new too… I needed to rely on myself and let him go. He had given me so much, things he had never needed to gift me with. He deserved to make his own choiced without telling me. I knew that. But I just could not ignore the hole in my heart. Maybe it would close again, at some point in the future...

It was only a few days to christmas now and people had ordered cakes and desserts for christmas with their families. I had enough work in preparing those, without baking the regular cakes. Luckily my new employees were students, who really wanted to earn a little more money now that they were free from college and worked the mornings as well. It seemed a win-win situation and by the time christmas eve came around I sighed in relief as the last order was picked up and I had given my employees all a cheque with something extras because of christmas and a cake to go. Their smiles made me feel good as I wished them a merry christmas and closed the door behind them, turning the sign to closed.

'Well I guess now we have survived the christmas crowds we are officially on the market.' I smiled at my own words. It sure felt good. I made myself a coffee and sat down at the table by the window, sipping the delicious warm liquid, enjoying how much it tasted like christmas. I decided to clean up tonight. I was not looking forward to spending christmas eve alone on my couch. I'd rather be here. I loved how the decorations had made the small space so festive and cozy. I smiled looking around, before I stood and went to work. Maybe cleaning the ovens and giving the floor a really good cleaning would help me forget it was christmas eve…

'Different spot, but still hiding, right Ada.' I dropped the dishcloth in my hands and froze. That voice haunted my memories and dreams every night. He was here. How? I quickly turned and saw him standing before the cash desk in all his muscled glory. He was not wearing the cargo pants I had met him in. He was dressed up quite nicely actually. He wore a dark, long coat, and a dark shawl. He wore dark slacks, his hands covered by black leather gloves. He slowly leaned over the desk, watching me, amusement written all over his face.

'Cat got your tongue, Ada? And here I was thinking you'd missed me.' I heard he was mocking me. It was only then I took a deep breath again and laughed a little uncertainly. It really was him. I had hoped, but I really didn't expect to see him again. But here he was.

'I do love what you have done with this place though,' he spoke on.

'Riddick, you're back.' He grinned when I finally spoke.

'I told you I'd come back, Ada. Did you doubt me?' His grin was delicious and bold. To be honest, I found the whole situation and palpable tension a little exciting, but in a pleasant way.

'I would never doubt you, Riddick. But I was worried.' His grin disappeared and he licked his lips. He took off his gloves very slowly and placed them on the desk.

'Worried… About dear old me?'

I nodded and swallowed when I saw him approaching. He still looked very much like a predator. One who knew exactly what the weak spots of his prey were. His grin was so exciting, but also so familiar. Before he could bridge the distance to mine, I approached him. He seemed surprised, pleasantly surprised. I only stopped when I stood in front of him and I saw his silver eyes gleam. He seemed to be waiting for me to make any first move. As if he needed to be convinced I wanted him. Really wanted him.

'I saw you on the news a few days ago.' My words sounded soft, his eyes lit up even more.

'You did?' I nodded, he licked his lips as one of my curls fell from the bun I had made this morning. I saw him swallow, but he wasn't moving. I slowly let my hands find his, taking his big, warm hands in mine. I felt the spark between us the moment we touched. And by the way he eyed me, I was sure he felt it too.

'I hoped you would come for me.' His face was completely serious now. His eyes seeming to look right through me at the moment.

'Yeah?' I nodded. I could hear the longing in his voice, see it clearly in his eyes. But he was holding back. Seemed a little insecure even. I wondered why.

'Well then you know I am a free man again, Ada.' He cocked his head to the side, as he watched me. I slowly intertwined our fingers, feeling so light when he let me.

'I do,' I said, seeing his eyes lit up even more. We stood there for another moment, before he pulled me a little closer, keeping our fingers intertwined.

'I want to ask you something, Ada. Something I hope you will answer with those exact words you just used.' I was not understanding his words, but I was curious as to what he was referring to.

He slowly let me go and moved to take something from his pocket, a velvet black box. I felt myself grown even warmer.

'Riddick what is-' He brought a finger to my lips to silence me.

'I have waited a long time to ask you this question Ada, I get to go first.' Oh how I missed his teasing. Even though he sometimes could be such a jerk. He gave me a mischievous smile before he kneeled before me. I gasped.

'Ada Down, my little angel, will you marry this former convict and hitman?' I heard the amusement in his voice, but also something else, a little uncertainty. Was he thinking I could ever say no to him? I swallowed and felt tears forming in my eyes. He wanted to marry me?

'Riddick…. I- Yes!' He rose quickly, not even opening the box but pulling me in his arms, finally kissing me like we were the last two people on earth. I let him take everything I had to offer, my heart so full and warm as he guided me along his passion and heat, before we breathlessly broke apart.

'Good, because I would have hated to force you down the aisle.' I gave him a look as he grinned and opened the box, showing me the most delicate ring I had ever seen, a beautiful diamond in the middle, little diamonds around it, making it look very, very expensive.

'It is so beautiful,' I told him, watching how he took the ring from the box and finally shove the ring around my finger.

'Not quite as beautiful as you, my Ada. Not quite.' He bowed closer and captured my lips gently.

I had not ever dared to dream about finding someone who made me feel like Riddick did. But here he was, kissing me, holding me close, watching me with those daunting, bold silver eyes. And that was the moment I knew for sure that I loved him.

The end

Thank you so much for reading and leaving reviews! I wrote this story during a tough time on work *I hated it there* but now I am back on my feet. Thinking about this story and you enjoying it helped me a lot! Now please don't be sad, this store is ending with another great idea in my mind, involving another young lady and a villain (not sure which one yet…)

Thank you for reading and a merry christmas!