Page 104 of Cooking Up My Comeback

She pauses, eyes bright with unshed tears.

“I’m falling in love with how you make me feel safe enough to dream big again.”

I kiss her then, soft and deep and full of promises about the future we’re building together. She melts intome, hands fisting in my shirt, and I think this might be what people mean when they talk about finding your person.

When we break apart, we’re both breathing hard.

“So,” she says, still in my arms. “Partners in everything?”

“Partners in everything,” I agree. “Business, community building, terrible jokes, midnight worry sessions about permits...”

“Speaking of permits,” she says, suddenly remembering. “I should probably call and check?—”

“Already handled,” I say. “Called this morning. They’re processing our application first thing Monday. We should have approval by Wednesday.”

She stares at me. “How did you?—”

“Turns out Mom knows Mrs. Goff from the garden club. One phone call, problem solved.”

“Your mother works miracles.”

“She’s going to love you.”

“How do you know?”

“Because you’re exactly what she’s been praying for since I moved here. A person who makes me want to build something permanent.”

Amber’s smile could power the entire town. “Lucky for you, I’m in the market for something permanent too.”

The contractors aren’t due for another hour, so we spread a tarp on the floor insideand sit with our backs against the wall, sharing coffee from her thermos. Morning light filters through the windows, illuminating dust motes and possibility.

“Can I tell you something?” Amber says, voice quiet in the empty space.

“Anything.”

She stares into her coffee cup. “When Chad left, I wondered if it was my fault. Maybe if I’d been more interesting, or less focused on the kids, or...” She shrugs. “I spent two years convinced I wasn’t worth staying for.”

My chest goes tight. “Amber.”

“I know better now. Logically. But sometimes, when a new man shows up and seems too good to be true...” She glances at me. “Part of me still expects you to realize I’m a single mom with three kids and a crazy restaurant dream.”

I set down my coffee and turn to face her fully. “You want to know what I see when I look at you?”

She nods, eyes vulnerable.

“I see a mom who researches parenting tactics at midnight and remembers Mason likes his crusts cut off. I see a woman who’s building something beautiful from nothing because she believes this community deserves better.”

Her eyes fill with tears.

“And I see someone brave enough to trust againafter being hurt. There’s nothing ordinary about you, Amber. You’re extraordinary.”

She wipes her eyes with the back of her hand. “Your turn.”

“My turn?”

“Tell me something that scares you about this. About us.”

I lean back against the wall, and suddenly my throat feels tight. “I was engaged once. We were supposed to get married in three weeks when Megan died. Everything was planned. Our honeymoon was booked, and our house was picked out. Our whole future was mapped out in perfect detail.”