The next morning, Lyria woke up feeling suffocated. She tried pushing the weight off her, only to realize it was a person's lap. Lyria became more awake before her mind registered that she hadn't slept alone last night.
"Tessy, wake up," Lyria said, pushing her legs.
"Uhh," Tessy groaned, rolling away to the other side of the bed. Lyria just smiled and went to brush her teeth before heading to the kitchen.
While the cupcakes were baking, the aroma filled the house. "Mmmhh... don't tell me this scent is from what you're baking?" Tessa said, showing up barefoot while still rubbing her eyes.
"Yes, it is, and I made sure to make extra just for you," Lyria said, causing everyone present in the kitchen to laugh.
After she was done packing up, Lyria handed the pastries and coffee to Daddy Thorne, since today was his turn to man the shop. After breakfast, everyone left for their respective tasks. Lyria said to a well-satiated Tessa, who let out a burp:
"Tessa, you'll be coming with me to the shop. We'll be having a meeting with the renovators, but that will be after you give me an opinion on the interior design I created."
Hearing this made Tessa jump out of her seat. "Really? And you didn't tell me last night! Show me the design you made."
"I already sent it to you."
Tessa immediately grabbed her Clawcom and checked out the design. "Wow, this is nice! But you could have added the logo to the wall behind the counter."
Tessa began adding her own thoughts; combined with Lyria's, they came up with a beautiful design layout for the café. After bathing and getting dressed, they headed out. As they were leaving, Cyris's voice sounded behind them. "I will be following you to the shop."
"Ahh! Dad, you scared me! I thought you took Milo to school," Lyria said, dramatically placing her hand on her chest.
"Yeah, I did, and I'm back. So just wait for me to get my coat."
After a while, they all headed to the station to board a Lanecruiser. The drive to the shop was filled with chatter and laughter, Tessa occasionally nudging Lyria to point out something she saw on the road that was funny or weird.
Thirty minutes later, they stepped off the bus. after a few minutes' walk, they arrived at the shop. "I was expecting something small from the outside," Tessa said after entering.
"Same here, but entering surprised me as well. What do you think, Dad?" Lyria asked, noticing Cyris looking around.
"Not bad. I actually trust your and your mother's taste," Cyris said before going upstairs.
By mid-morning, a small van pulled up in front of the shop, and two renovators stepped out carrying rolls of plans and measuring tools. The trio met them at the entrance.
"Good morning! You must be Lyria," said a tall giraffe beastwoman with a clipboard, introducing herself. "This is Jonas, my partner. We've been briefed on the project."
"Yes, that's us," Lyria replied, her excitement barely contained. "And this is Tessa, my assistant and co-designer."
"And about the design I sent to you—we actually made some new adjustments," Lyria said with a smile, scratching the back of her head.
"No problem with that. We will look at your new design, check the shop layout, and brainstorm together. I'm sure you will be very satisfied with our service," Saraphina, the beastwoman, said.
Jonas raised an eyebrow, glancing at the tablet in Tessa's hands. "Co-designer, huh? Let's see what ideas you've brought to the table."
Tessa tapped her Clawcom and swiped through the interior layout. "We're thinking the main seating area goes here, near the front windows," she said, pointing. "We want cozy two-person tables, a communal table in the center, and lounge chairs tucked into corners. The counter will be along this wall, with the pastry display visible to everyone entering."
Saraphina nodded thoughtfully. "Makes sense. What about the back?"
"The back room," Lyria said, stepping forward, "is for the kitchen and storage. Everything else is front-of-house for customers. Upstairs could be a quiet work or meeting area."
Jonas scribbled notes. "And lighting? Flooring? Materials?"
"We want warm wood tones mixed with polished concrete, lots of plants, and pendant lights over tables," Tessa added. "The vibe should feel modern but cozy, inviting people to stay a while."
Cyris, ever practical, chimed in. "Make sure the counters and workflow are efficient. We don't want long waits or clutter in the main area."
The renovators exchanged glances, clearly impressed. "This is detailed. We can work with this," said Jonas.
They continued until noon when the renovators started work. By evening, the café was already coming to life. As the sun started setting, the trio prepared to leave, having arranged for the renovators' meals since they would be staying overnight.
"We will start as early as 6:00 AM, so don't worry— by noon we should be finished," Jonas assured them.
"Okay then, we will be taking our leave," Cyris said.
Getting home, the trio showered before having dinner. Afterward, everyone sat in the living room discussing their day.
"Lyria, how is the renovation going? And when will you go to the Commerce Bureau to register your business?" Serena asked.
"It's going fine! I can't wait for you all to see it," Lyria beamed at the thought of their surprise. "Concerning the registration, I will be going the day after tomorrow."
"Okay, just see me before you go," Serena said.
"Lyria, how big is the café going to be?" Milo asked. Lyria's enthusiastic reply made Orion and Milo wish to go the next day, though school made that impossible. Finn didn't ask Lyria directly but instead asked Tessa, earning a snicker from Orion. Meanwhile, Thorne talked about how the flower stall was overflowing with customers due to Lyria's pastries, which had become popular after the fair.
"Lyria, you have to increase the amount of pastries and coffee for tomorrow. We even have a lot of pre-orders," Thorne said.
After a tiring day, Lyria and Tessa fell asleep the moment their heads hit the pillows. The next morning, Lyria dragged Tessa to the kitchen to help. With everyone's assistance, they finished the day's batch. After breakfast, they headed to the shop and were amazed by what they saw.
It was no longer a shop with a faded exterior, but an elegant café with a sign reading Moonpetal Coffee & Confections, featuring a crescent moon cradling a blooming petal.
"Wow, they have really outdone themselves," Tessa said, amazed.
"OMG! This is definitely going to be a public sensation when it opens," Tessa added with delight. They stepped fully into the café, and the warmth only deepened. Behind the counter, the space buzzed with quiet industry. From the backroom came the steady sounds of work— soft thuds, the whirr of tools, and murmured discussion. The scent of fresh wood mixed with the faint sweetness of paint.
"Let's check on them," Lyria said.
In the backroom, Saraphina and Jonas were already at work, sleeves rolled up as shelves were mounted and stainless-steel counters aligned with precision. The layout Lyria and Tessa had envisioned was finally taking physical form.
"Good morning," Lyria greeted. "Have you had breakfast?"
Jonas glanced up, surprised. "Not yet. We planned to eat later."
Tessa gasped as if personally offended. "Absolutely not!"
Lyria uncovered the basket she had brought along. Inside were neatly stacked golden cookies and a thermos that still radiated warmth. "I made these this morning," Lyria said. "Cookies and hot chocolate."
Saraphina's eyes softened as she accepted one. "You didn't have to do this."
"I wanted to," Lyria replied simply.
The brief pause refreshed the atmosphere. With renewed energy, the renovators returned to work. By late morning, the café stood complete— every detail aligned, every corner alive. Just before noon, footsteps approached from the front. Rowan entered quietly, his gaze sweeping across the room. He took it all in: the polished floor, the counter, the warm lighting, and the balance of elegance and comfort.
"Well done," he said at last.
Jonas handed over the final cost. Before Lyria could react, Rowan stepped forward and settled the payment.
"Daddy Rowan..." Lyria started.
Rowan smiled. "It's from all of us. Cyris, Thorne, and me."
Lyria swallowed, emotions pressing tightly at her chest. "Thank you."
Rowan ruffled her hair. "Just make us proud."
After checking everything one last time, with Tessa taking pictures to show everyone at home, they headed back.