Page 70 of Make You Mine

The new handwritten chalkboard sign welcomed us into the doorway, spelling out “Welcome to Something Sweet! Grand Opening Today!”

Ren and I exchanged a glance and smiled, feeling the excitement bubbling between us.

I let go of his hand as I stepped inside. I was in awe. I spun around, taking in the soft glow of fairy lights strung across the ceiling as they cast a warm and welcoming glow to the space.

We had a few small tables in the front area for cake tasting. Each was adorned with delicate lace tablecloths and elegant floral arrangements bursting with pastel roses, my favorite pink peonies, and baby’s breath. The sweet fragrance of the flowers mingled with the rich aroma of freshly baked cake. It was like heaven in here.

The centerpiece of the bakery was a wedding cake display that Dana and I had chosen together before everything went to shit.

Weeks ago, I had created an elaborate, multi-tiered fake cake with intricate sugar flowers and delicate piping as an example of what we offered, and it sat proudly in the center with more miniature cakes and pastries, that Dana must have baked, arranged artfully around it, each one a mini masterpiece of its own.

I had chosen the color palette of blush pink, ivory, and gold for the bakery, and the temporary opening day décor enhanced it.

Soft instrumental music played in the background, and I saw Dana behind the counter preparing trays of tiny cake samples and small shot glasses filled with chocolate milk.

No one else was here. We had arrived first, though this wasn’t a scheduled party with invitations and such. It was just a day to show off our new business with free samples to lure in Honeybrook Hollow locals and show them what we could do.

“Who did all of this?” My whispered question was answered when my mother entered through the open front door. “You?” My eyes filled with tears. “Mom? You’re back?”

“Surprise.” She rushed toward me, pulling me into her arms. “I couldn’t miss your opening day, could I?” She pulled away, gesturing to the decorations. “But this was all your sisters’ doing. They snuck in here last night. It’s gorgeous, isn’t it? But, honey, why didn’t you call me? I would have rushed straight home if I knew what was happening with Richard and—everything.”

“You were finally on your epic Hawaii girls’ trip. I was not about to interrupt it. I’m fine.”

Her eyes found Ren, and she smiled as she introduced herself. “I’m Marilyn, Piper’s mother. You have to be Ren. I’ve heard all about you from Paige. Call me Marilyn, honey, please. After what you did for my Paige, I’ll love you forever.”

“Nice to meet you, Marilyn. I've heard a lot about you, too.”

Mom beamed, her eyes shimmering with pride. “It's wonderful to see this place come to life finally. You've done an incredible job, Piper.”

I felt a lump form in my throat as I looked around the bakery, my heart swelling with a mix of emotions. “Thank you, Mom. It means the world to me that you're here.”

“Me too. Let's focus on the positive. This is your day. I want you to remember that.” She hugged me again and then wandered off to explore the rest of the place.

“Maybe Richard won’t show up,” I whispered to Ren once my mother was out of earshot. “God, I hope he doesn’t.”

He leaned in, sliding an arm around my waist. “I’m not worried about your ex, sweetheart. I’ll shake his hand with the same hand I just got you off with. He’s nothing, and if what Jake has planned works—which it will, he never loses—they’ll both be out of your life for good very soon.”

“Your hands. Oh god, you have to wash your hands,” I pulled him down to hiss in his ear. “I mean, I’m glad we did what we did, I don’t regret it, it was fun, and awesome, and amazing, and I want to do it again—but—oh my god, Dana’s back there. Should I go talk to her? Jake told me to be cordial but distant. Should I say hi? What am I even talking about?”

“No. You’re okay. Stay with your mom, and I’ll go to the restroom and wash up. I meant to do that first anyway. I don’t want anything to worry you today. I’m at your command.”

“Thank you.” I knew my cheeks were red, and I took a huge breath to try and calm myself down before I spiraled out of control and went into orbit.

Violet walked in with the baby, and Ren steered me in their direction. “Hang out with Violet,” he whispered in my ear. “And try to forget that I still have your panties in my pocket.”

“Oh crap.” I yanked him close by his lapels. “Can you tell I’m not wearing any underwear?”

He laughed darkly. “No, lucky for you, you chose a long dress today.”

“Who even am I?”

“A siren, tempting me to take you with me to the bathroom to make out with you and possibly get you off again with my magic hand.”

“You’re a nut and a horndog, and I love it.”

“Piper!” I watched my grandparents and sisters walk through the door, their faces beaming with joy.

“Good, there are plenty of buffers. I’ll be right back.” His laughter faded as he headed off to the restroom. I tried to shake off the embarrassment and focus on the guests arriving. The room was filling up, and there was a buzz of excitement in the air as the familiar faces of my hometown waved and smiled as they circled around the room, taking it all in.

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