Page 323 of The Maxwell Brothers

"I wish we could be there, honey,” Mom said.

None of them could get time off work.

"Don't worry," I said, even though my chest ached. I too wished everyone could be there. "We can do a group Zoom." We sometimes did that, especially when Mom came up with some new recipe or idea, and we would chat like that for hours. It felt like we were all together… separately. "I've got to go. Declan is calling."

"Sure. Give him our best."

"I will." I hung up and immediately answered his call.

"Hello, sexiest lawyer alive."

He laughed. "Is that a thing?"

"I don't know if there’s a list, but they should make one. You'd be number one. Actually, come to think of it, that’s a terrible idea. Everyone would see how hot you are, and you’re all mine.” I giggled. “So, why are you calling?"

"I have a favor to ask."

"Sure."

"My uncle became a father again. We got the newsjustnow that the baby was born.”

“Congrats!”

“Anyway, Gran is a bit beside herself. She wanted to jump on the first plane, but my uncle asked her to wait a couple weeks.”

“Aww, I can sort of understand both sides. When my niece was born, I went home on the first bus. My sister was happy to see me, but she also had her hands full with Amy and kind of wanted privacy.”

"Gran is spending the day with Paisley, but Tate and I talked. It would be good for them to do something different thanhanging around at Tate's house or going to the lake, and I was thinking, what if they hung around your bakery?"

I grinned from ear to ear, nodding, and then realized he wasn't able to see me. "Sure. They can definitely come here. I'm going to start the ovens and bake the whole day. They're welcome to join me."

"Thanks, Liz. I'll let them know."

"And obviously you can come too if you want."

"I've got a lot of things to go through today, but otherwise you know I would." His voice sounded a bit off. I bit my lip.

"Oh, okay." Well, damn. I’d hoped I would get to enjoy this with him, but maybe another time. Of course he was busy. His meeting with Malcolm was on Tuesday, and I knew he needed to prepare.

"I'll tell them, and I guess they'll probably be there in an hour."

"Great," I said, excited to see them both.

After hanging up, I started my music routine, the one that always drove Declan nuts. I’d already deep-cleaned the whole place and arranged all the supplies I got yesterday. I wanted to wipe the floors one more time before I started baking.

Glancing out the window, my face exploded in a grin. Chicago was bustling with people even on a Sunday morning. This really was the perfect spot. I noticed a few passersby peeking inside, even though the sign on the front door still said “Closed.” I waved at them, mouthing, “I open tomorrow.”

I couldn’t wait for my grand opening. I was so pumped.

Turning up the music, I wiped the floors while singing at the top of my lungs.

I had my own bakery in Chicago. I couldn’t believe it.

I was so lost in what I was doing that I didn't realize I had company until someone knocked at the door. Turning around, Inoticed Gran and Paisley outside. I hurried to them, unlocking the door and opening it.

"Hi," I said as they stepped inside.

"Hey, Liz," Gran said. “This looks wonderful!”