Page 98 of Make Me Yours

“That sounds great,” Callie chimes in, adjusting Nora on her hip. “Let me check with my parents to see if they can watch this little bundle of energy. Are we staying in or going out?”

“I was thinking Steele’s place. We’ll keep it low-key.”

“I’m in. I’ll bring dessert, Rina can grab wine, and Sloane can pick up takeout. And you?” She grins. “You can bring all the juicy details. Just know I’m living vicariously through you right now.”

“I’ll text Rina, and you can check with Sloane to see if she’s free.”

“She probably needs a night off,” Callie says, bouncing Nora gently. “If she’s not working at the bakery, she’s juggling her siblings or cramming for school. The girl’s got a full plate.”

I smile at Nora. “Hmm, kind of sounds like someone else I know.”

Callie nuzzles her daughter’s cheek. “It’s totally worth it. She’s the best thing that’s ever happened to me.”

“Yes, she is,” Evelyn says, brushing a hand over Nora’s curls. “We were just talking about how much everyone loved Callie’s desserts at the event. She’s officially our go-to for all Railers gatherings.”

“That’s amazing!” I beam at Callie.

“It is,” she says, though her smile flickers briefly.

I don’t need to ask to know her thoughts have drifted to Zane and the woman he paraded around the other night.

Before I can say anything, she squares her shoulders. “Don’t worry,” she says. “I’m not letting him mess with what I’m building.”

“I’m glad to hear it,” Evelyn says firmly. “You need to do what’s best for you and Nora. That’s what matters.”

“Exactly.”

I squeeze Callie’s arm. “Everything you made was incredible. You should be really proud of yourself.”

She shrugs off the praise, but this time her smile is more genuine.

And because Evelyn can’t help from playing matchmaker, she shifts gears with a wicked gleam in her eyes. “You know, I think it’s high time you got back out there. I’m certainly not saying you need a man, but sharing your life with the right person can be amazing.”

Callie groans. “Do not even think about setting me up.”

“Too late. I already have someone in mind for you,” Evelyn teases. “Beau Masterson, the restauranter. He was blown away by your desserts and even more so when he saw you. I would’ve introduced you if you hadn’t been so busy.”

With a blush, Callie shakes her head and laughs under her breath.

Before she can reply, a deep voice cuts in. “The last thing Callie needs is a rich playboy in her life.”

We all turn to find River approaching, a frown tugging at his mouth. His gaze sweeps over Evelyn, then me, before locking on Callie and then growing tender when it lands on Nora.

“Hey there, sweetheart,” he murmurs, reaching out to brush Nora’s curls.

Callie immediately takes a small step in retreat, and his hand drops awkwardly back to his side.

Evelyn waves toward the petite blonde. “You don’t think it’s time Callie moved on? She’s young, beautiful, and has a lot of life to live.”

River’s eyes find Callie again. His voice is quiet but certain. “Of course she does, but another womanizer isn’t the answer.”

Callie’s chin lifts. “That’s not your call to make,” she says, cool and steady.

“I never said it was?—”

She cuts him off, turning back to Evelyn with an overly bright smile. “Actually, you’re right. If Beau’s interested, give him my number.”

Evelyn claps her hands together. “Wonderful! He mentioned the possibility of featuring your desserts at his restaurants. This could be a huge opportunity for Lakeshore Sweets.”