Show Me

28.

As the days turned into weeks, resturant preparations were slowly coming together. Once they secured the building and signed paperwork, the next step was to embark on construction and preparation, all of which they got to oversee and choose first-hand since the place was officially theirs. Bradley, who was never boastful, gave himself allowances to feel immense pride over his accomplishments.

"Sometimes I can't believe I'm actually doing this," he confessed to Stefani one night over a midnight snack. "A few years ago, I never would've had the balls...not even close. And I floated my way through so much of my life before Lea. As corny as this sounds, all of this is a gift."

"And you deserve every single part of it. You've worked incredibly hard to turn everything around, B. I know I tell you daily but I'm so damn proud of you. Everyone is." She smiled, "even my dad called the other night."

He returned her smile, recalling the conversation he'd shared with Joe, who'd been quick to offer him advice, most of which was incredibly helpful and they'd talked for a half an hour. He still ended with making him promise to take care of his daughter, a message he'd relayed to Stefani, who rolled her eyes.

"I couldn't have done any of this without you. You're the one who convinced me to go forward with my crazy idea and you've supported me every step of the way since. Thank you isn't enough."

"Seeing how happy you are is all the thanks I need."

It was hard not to notice her happiness, too. Flare-ups were a less frequent occurrence. Everything about her just seemed lighter and she was absolutely giddy about Halloween and all it entailed; taking Lea trick or treating, bringing in little goodie bags for her class party, and planning a bash for the weekend before when Lea would at Gloria's.

As he finalized decisions on the resturant with Dave and Bo, Lea and Stefani took great joy in decorating the house for the party, though Stefani told him it wouldn't be quite so over the top as years past. "No bloody pool this time. Cute stuff, not frightening, you know? We have a little one around."

He still hasn't laid eyes on the costumes she picked out, including his and in a show of good faith, he told her that he trusted her judgement and didn't need to see it until the day of the party.

When the day arrived and they'd spent the morning with Lea at the park before dropping her off to his mother's house, Stefani rushed around, finalizing last minute preparations with Ashley.

On arriving back to the house later in the afternoon, she shrugged off her jacket, stopping to bestow a kiss when he met her at the door.

"So," she said breathlessly, "Freddie and I did a thing."

Stefani removed her baseball cap, revealing a head of lush, multi- colored aqua tresses; the hue making the green of her eyes glow even more brightly than usual.

"We're calling it my mermaid hair. It's in honor of Freddie's mother. Do you like it?"

In lieu of an answer, he closed the small gap between them, cradling her face preciously and kissing her until they were both gasping for air.

"Guess that's a yes," she grinned, pressing their foreheads together.

"Absolutely gorgeous. You always are, though."