Page 80 of Safe at Home

“Oh, so Penelope was in on this, too?”

“Yeah…. And she’s not the only one. Dom found this Expedition and thought you’d love it because it’s Raptor Blue.”

“I do like it, but how much more are the payments?” I asked, trying to be realistic. “I’m not sure when Batter Up! will open again. The custom baking business is bringing in some money but not nearly as much as the storefront did.”

“Well, you’re not allowed to be mad,” Ty began. “But Landon, Carter, and Dominic went in together and paid the difference as a baby gift. Mostly Landon, but Carter and Dominic wanted to help, too. They said it was the ‘favorite uncles’ gift.”

“That’s way too much for them to spend, but that is really sweet,” I said and just decided to be grateful. “It does make sense for the family and the business. I had been worrying about not being able to sit in the back seat with the girls on the way home in my car. Now, I can easily.”

The drive back to Riverbend would normally take about 30 minutes, but it took over 45 because Tyler drove at least five to ten miles under the speed limit. We got passed and honked at several times, but we didn’t care. The girls slept the whole time, and I just watched them in awe. I loved them so much.

“Hey, Ty, you just passed the motel,” I said as he wasn’t slowing down.

“Just so you know, I had nothing to do with this, and I actually just found out when I was pulling the car around while you were getting discharged.”

“What are you talking about?” I asked.

“Well, you know how you helped Ivan get the money to go back home and see Camilia?”

“Yeah. But it wasn’t just me. The whole community helped.”

“Right there. That’s exactly what happened. The whole community helped.”

“I’m confused,” I said as I looked up and gasped. Tyler pulled the Expedition to a stop in front of Batter Up! It looked exactly as it had before the tornado, complete with the red and white awning and the writing on the front window about every dessert being a homerun. The biggest shock was the “Now Open” sign on the door.

“What? How is it open?” I exclaimed.

“Let’s go see,” Ty said as he climbed out of the SUV and opened the door to take Olivia’s car seat out on his side. I opened my door and carefully got out of the car.

“Hey, Sis! Let me help you!” Dominic was suddenly at my side, gave me a hug, and then got Hazel’s car seat out for me.

“Was this all you?” I asked, looking over and seeing that Emma’s Little Sluggers Daycare sign was already hanging up next door. After the word Daycare was a little baseball player swinging a bat. It was adorable! There was a sign on the front door saying they were now accepting enrollment for students and applications for part-time workers.

“Not all me,” Dom said with a huge grin. “Welcome home, Molls.”

I followed my brother into Batter Up! and couldn’t believe my eyes. It looked exactly the same on the inside, too. Even the Raptor Pennants hung on the walls, but there were also pennants for the Lightning, the Storm, the Coyotes, and even Landon’s team, the Jaguars. I also noticed that reprints of the pictures Meadow had taken the day I found out I was pregnant and the day I thought Tyler didn’t recognize me were hanging back on the wall. There were also new pictures on the wall of regular customers, the Raptor players, and other candid shots of people in the bakery. I loved it!

“Welcome to Batter Up! What can we get you today?” Penelope said from the other side of the counter. The bakery cases were filled with cupcakes, muffins, cookies, scones, and other treats.

“Oh, Pen!” I said with tears in my eyes. “How?”

“Janel came in and did a lot of baking. Cash’s sister, Robyn, also applied for a job here and loves baking, too. She’s a great people person and will be a great help to me until you come back full-time.”

“This is amazing! I can’t believe it!”

Penelope laughed. “Believe it, Molly. We’ve been back home and open for two days now, and it’s going great.”

“I am so happy! That is such great news!”

“Come on, lady! Order already, or move to the back of the line,” Cooper said from behind me.

I shook my head but turned around and hugged him. I knew he had a lot to do with the bakery being finished earlier than expected. I walked around the counter and gave Penelope a huge hug, too.

“Does she like it?” I heard Camden ask from one of the booths.

“Was she surprised?” Peyton asked.

“Hi!” Nico signed with a wave.

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