Page 33 of Stolen Vows

And maybe I don’t understand Abby either, but since she lives on the other side of the country, that distance feels easier to ignore.

Cora took the money our late Nana Jo left her when she passed away and opened her own bakery. It had been her goal for as long as I could remember. She’s been in the kitchen for as long as I can remember, so it’s no surprise that she’s talented.

We reap the rewards of her skills every week at Sunday family dinner. But with those rewards come recipes that need fine-tuning. My sister likes to experiment with ingredients and dietary restrictions, which sounds good in theory. But it only takes one honey cheesecake made with fucking dried, ground-up crickets to make a man wary. Since then, I always make it a point to ask what the main ingredients are before I eat anything of hers.

“Yeah, you’re right. I just don’t know if she has anything that’s, you know . . . normal.”

Beau chuckles. “Well, if this mystery woman is vegan, she’s gonna love it even more. Cora talks all the time about how hard it is to find good vegan desserts. Bonus points, bro.”

“Yeah, I guess so.”

“I know so. Trust your big brother,” Beau coos around a laugh.

I roll my eyes. “I’m older than you are, dumbass. And taller.”

“Potato, potahtoh. Gotta run. Good luck with the non-girlfriend’s opening of whatever today.”

The line goes dead. I stare at my phone, jaw ticking. I exhale sharply, my fingers hovering over my phone screen. I don’t like asking for favors. But I don’t want to show up empty-handed more.

“Fuck.”

I tap out the text to my sister.

Me: Sorry to bother you so early, but I’d like to buy a cake.

The response comes in immediately.

Cora: LOL. I’ve been up for three hours already.

Cora: A cake?

I drag a hand over my face, already regretting this.

Me: Yes.

Me: I need something for a grand opening.

Cora: No problem! What are you thinking and when do you need it by?

Me: In two hours. And I don’t know, whatever you want to make or if you have extra or anything, that’s fine.

Cora: Oh gosh. Two hours is kind of tight, but I’ll do my best. How do you feel about carrot cake? I’m already working on a custom order for someone, and I have some batter leftover. How big of a cake do you want?

Me: Whatever you want. Or cupcakes are okay too, if that’s better.

Cora: Got it. I’ll see what I can do for you.

Relief weighs my shoulders down a little.

Me: Thanks. I’ve been meaning to look at your security for your bakery, so I’ll check it out when I’m there today.

Cora: Oh, you don’t have to do that. Especially if you’re in a hurry!

Me: I’m just repaying the favor.

Cora: Okay, I better go get to work. See you later!

I set my phone down on my desk and exhale slowly. My mind is already racing ahead to seeing Francesca again. Something warm and unfamiliar curls in my chest at the thought. Anticipation maybe. Or nerves.

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