Page 46

Naomi

Six months later

“We just ran out of the blueberry crumble muffins,” Robbie announces, his voice slightly out of breath and tinged with exhilaration as he rushes around the kitchen.

“On the cooling rack,” I answer, pausing the icing I’m putting on a custom cake to point them out.

The hustle and bustle from the front of the bakery can be heard through the thin swinging doors, and I’ve discovered that it’s one of my most favorite sounds in the entire world.

My heart swells with happiness, so much so that I wonder if it’s possible for it to actually burst. I consider myself beyond lucky that it’s not the first time I’ve had that same concern recently.

“Thanks.” He brushes past me, planting a quick kiss on the side of my head as he grabs the tray, exiting back through the doors at the same time Gabby breezes through them.

“Here’s the sugar you asked for,” she says, setting the large bag on the counter.

“Thank you,” I say in a rush, flashing her a grateful smile. I’m so appreciative of her and everyone else who keeps the store up front afloat while I bake.

It only took us about a month of being open to realize we needed more hands on deck to keep up with the demand. Lucky for us, Gabby was willing and available to step right in. She helps run the front of the store, and I’ve been teaching her the ins and outs of baking during any down time we have.

“The place is filling up out there,” she says with a genuine smile.

“It’s the morning rush,” I say with wonder, feeling both exhilarated and in awe, the same way I do every single day when I marvel at how busy we are.

Here we are, three months since the grand opening, and there’s not only a steady rush of locals who support us but plenty of out-of-towners and weekend cabin dwellers who seem to flock here on a regular basis.

It’s all been incredibly humbling.

I complete the icing on the cake and slide it into a bakery box, savoring a quick inhale of frosting before closing the lid.

I use my back to push through the doors, bringing the box to the counter near where the order pickup sign is, setting it next to several other boxes that are ready to be picked up. When I look up, my eyes snag on a few people gathered near the front door.

“Hi, Opal.” I match her enthusiastic wave while she chats with my mom.

Mom has become a huge blessing and an absolute staple at the bakery so far.

She’s not exactly on the payroll—she refuses to be—but that hasn’t stopped her from showing up every single day to help in any way she can.

This morning, she’s been clearing tables and keeping the floors picked up and free of crumbs.

In addition to the design work she helped me with before opening, it’s been so nice having her around in the day-to-day duties as well.

I remind myself to set aside some cookies to send home for her and Dad.

I have a strict rule to not talk about work with my dad, so he doesn’t come by the shop much, but we’ve both made a point to check in with each other often enough on other aspects of our lives.

Our relationship is mostly surface level at this point, but it seems to be growing deeper by the day, so I’m hopeful we’ll be able to get to a good place.

On my way back to the kitchen, the bell dings above the door, and I instinctively swing my head in that direction, ready to wave at whoever came in. I suck in a gasp at who I see and pick up my pace, walking straight back to the kitchen.

“Robbie,” I whisper, pausing as the doors swing behind me.

He looks over from where he’s taking inventory on supplies and peers past me out the circular window.

“Your parents are here,” I say cautiously.

“I know,” he says calmly, setting the clipboard down. “I invited them.”

He squeezes my wrist as he passes me, walking confidently toward them. I watch in awe through the window as he greets them, taking in this new sight.

Things with Steven and him have been good for a while now—they meet up frequently—but this is the first time he’s made this step with his parents.

After a few minutes of watching how civil they all seem to be acting, I force myself to give them privacy and get to work on the next order.

As I start gathering ingredients to make apple fritters, my mind wanders once again to how incredibly grateful I am for this life I’m leading.

Robbie has given me an amazing sense of security and an incredibly fulfilling relationship in our home life. Not only that, but also the way we work together as partners to run my dream business.

Then he feeds my adventurous side by whisking me away to his gigs every so often while Gabby keeps the bakery running for us back at home.

I’m so lucky to have the best of both worlds.

It’s been the perfect balance of having a satisfying home base and still being able to find the greatest of adventures.

It’s a life I’ve worked hard for—one that I cherish immensely.

I get lost in the rhythm of whisking ingredients together when Robbie swings back through the doors.

“How did that go?” I ask eagerly.

“Not bad.” He gives me a half-smile, a look of peace falling over him. “They didn’t say anything negative about owning a bakery, so I guess that’s a good start.”

“I’d say so,” I say with a small, supportive smile.

“We’re planning to meet next week for coffee. I’d love for you to come with me if you want to?”

“Absolutely.”

He keeps his gaze pinned on me and slowly inches closer, my chest getting tighter with every step he takes, as it always does.

“You know what time it is,” he says matter-of-factly, as if I should know.

“Time to…get a watch?” I joke.

“Nope. Per our rules that hang in the office, it’s time for a break.” He stretches out a hand in invitation.

My stomach swoops, more than ready for one of my absolute favorite parts of the day—a quiet moment away from the hustle and bustle when he and I can be alone together.

“Gabby, we’re taking a quick break,” I say, peeking my head through the door to where she’s manning the cash register.

“You got it,” she replies with a wave.

I slide my apron off, set it on the hook, and take his hand.

I let him lead me out the back door to the grassy area on the hill that he keeps set up just for us.

Our favorite blanket—that just a few short months ago we used on the floor of the empty bakery, dreaming of the reality we live today—is spread out on the grass.

A cooler and cups are set up on the nearby picnic table.

“Lemonade?” he asks while I have a seat on the blanket, sitting cross-legged.

“Sure. Thank you.”

He hands me a cup and lowers next to me, stretching out to lie on his side.

“I have a surprise for you.” He eyes me sneakily.

“Another one?” I laugh, remembering the news he shared with me this morning before we got out of bed.

“Well, the announcement of my induction into the Pine Falls Area Ladies Bridge Group didn’t receive as much excitement as I’d hoped, so I’m here to try again.”

“Okay.” I snort. “Shoot.”

“You know how our gig next week is in Ontario?”

“Yes.”

“You and I are going to fly out a few days early. We can visit Niagara Falls, do some shopping, whatever your wild little heart desires.”

“Really?” Excitement floods me as I take in what he’s offering.

“Yup. I already cleared it with your mom and Gabby. Your mom is willing to help man the front of the store while Gabby bakes a limited menu while we’re gone.”

“Oh, that sounds wonderful,” I gush, clapping my hands together. “I can’t wait. Thank you.”

I set my cup down, leaning forward to plant a kiss on him. It’s meant to be a quick peck, a fleeting show of gratitude, but the overwhelming feeling that rushes through me when we kiss keeps me glued to him like a magnet. My thumbs brush his cheek softly, relishing the love I have for this man.

The man who has given me so much. Who strengthened me, both when he meant to and even when he didn’t. He reminded me over and over of my worth until I had no choice but to believe it myself.

“I love you,” he whispers when I reluctantly pull away, his eyes ever-so-slightly glistening with emotion.

“I love you too.” I say those same three words multiple times a day, and yet somehow it doesn’t ever seem to be enough.

“Shall we?” He stacks his empty cup with mine and helps me off the blanket.

Then I follow him back inside the bakery to live the life that’s far better than any scenario I’ve ever dreamed up in my head.