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Isla’s face breaks into a full smile. “I want to open my own bakery. I want to sell my own recipes, have my own shop in town someday.”
I feel so full of pride it’s a wonder I don’t burst. “That’s what I’m talking about! And it’s all going to start on Magnolia Day.”
I see in her eyes just how badly she wants this. I wonder if she’s ever expressed this dream out loud before. It’s perfect—it’s exactly what she should be doing. Spreading her wings. Showing the world what she’s capable of.
Then her expression falls.
“But I’m so behind because of everything that’s happened,” she says. “I need to get supplies and do a ton of prep. Then there’s the actual baking and then decorating.”
I see the glint of a tear in her eye and realize how Luke has fucked over not only her future but he’s threatening this opportunity for her as well. Well, not on my watch. I don’t think Charlotte’s suggestions are brutal enough.
“I’ll help you,” I say. “With whatever you need. Noah too. And Daisy. And I know Charlotte and Grace will. You’re not in this alone. It’s time to show this town what you’re made of. It’s time for you to stand out. To shine in your own right.”
Isla gives a watery chuckle. “Why do you believe in me so much?”
“Because you deserve this,” I say. I take another step forward. We’re so close now. I can see every eyelash. I can see the flutter of her pulse beneath her jaw. “You deserve to be seen. To be celebrated.”
A tear spills over and tumbles down her cheek. I yearn to brush it away with my thumb. My gaze lingers on her lips and when our eyes meet, I feel a spark ignite between us. I can hear the pattern of her breath, quick, like mine. My heart is a magnet in my chest, reaching toward her with an inexorable pull.
There’s an impatient honk of a horn and the next moment, Mike Cochran pokes his head into the garage.
“Is Reggie around? Oh. Hi, Isla.”
Isla turns away and takes a step back.
“Hi Mike,” she says.
“Sorry about…uh, sorry things didn’t work out with?—”
“Reggie’s in the office,” I say tightly. Mike takes the hint and disappears but it’s too late. Isla is already walking toward the open doors to the garage. She pauses and turns back to me.
“Can Grace come by tomorrow?” she says. “She’s really loved learning from you this summer.”
“Of course,” I say. “She’s been a terrific helper. Smart as a whip. Smarter than me, that’s for sure.”
Isla looks pleased.
“She can help me get the booth set up. I should be finished with all the pieces today. Reggie is letting me use his truck so I can get everything out on the green.”
“Do you need my help?”
I shake my head. “What doyouneed help with?” I ask.
She grimaces. “Shopping.”
“Done. We’ll go to Milton’s after Grace helps me with the booth tomorrow. Then Daisy, Noah, and I will be at the Thorn on Friday whenever you want us. Everything is going to be ready by the time Saturday comes. I promise.”
Isla gives me a wan smile. “Thank you, Caden.”
I nod. “My pleasure.”
“Hey, I’ve been wanting to ask…any news about those letters you found?”
“No,” I say, trying not to let my frustration show. “It seems the crime lab moves at a glacial pace. Noah says it’s normal. Von has been up the sheriff’s ass about it. I feel like he’s going to take out a restraining order.”
“Will you let me know if you hear anything?”
“Of course,” I say, then add, “Partner,” in my best impression of a cowboy. Immediately I feel stupid but Isla smiles.