Page 105 of Meet Me at the Fudge Shop

“Or maybe it’s a new beginning.” Mom looked at Lily’s setup. “Speaking of, I’m so glad you’ve decided to try your hand at an ice cream company. You’ve gotten so many compliments on your flavors, I’m sure you’ll have lots of business in no time.”

She’d gotten the idea when the ice cream maker had appeared. If she couldn’t do fudge, then this just made sense. At least, for now. “I’m not sure it’ll be a success.”

“But remember…”

“I know. Success is subjective.”

“Exactly. And you are more than welcome to live here with me and Dad for as long as you need to while you get things going.”

“I’m going to pay rent.”

Mom waved her off. “Once you’re making an income, sure. But for now, just enjoy the process and don’t worry about the business part. Start small. Oh! Speaking of that, I told Elise what you were doing and she wants to hire you to cater an ice cream social at ladies’ Bible study next week.”

“Really?”

“Yes! You can text her for the details, but I thought it would be a perfect first gig for you.” Mom winked. “Although, really it’s more like a third gig after that wedding and the festival.”

“True.”

“I’m proud of you, you know. Pivoting like this. I know it isn’t fudge…”

“It’s actually okay. Fudge is in my blood, and it always will be. But I really like the ice cream too. It’s like a mini therapy session every time I make a new batch.” Lily grinned. “And I have a feeling I’ll need lots of therapy over the next little while.”

Mom opened her mouth to reply, but Lily’s phone started blaring.

Lily glanced at the screen and froze. Why was Declan calling her?

“Aren’t you going to answer that?”

“Um. I’m not sure.” Lily blinked at the phone, hands itching at her sides. By the time she finally stirred the courage to reach for the phone, the light blinked off. The music ended. Silence.

She took a breath, watched for a voicemail to pop up, but it didn’t. Instead a text message came through.

Declan

Are you coming?

“Coming where?” she murmured. She lifted the phone and replied with three question marks.

Declan

Did you read the note I left?

Lily swallowed.

Mom watched her. “Well?”

“He wants me to read the note.”

“Ah.” Mom took her water and gave Lily a hip bump. “I’ll support whatever you do. But maybe it would be good to hear him out. Don’t run this time. Face it head-on.”

“That’s kind of frightening.”

“All the hard things are. But often, they have the highest rewards too.” Then Mom left the room.

Lily stared at the envelope on the fridge door, her name written in Declan’s clean, crisp block letters. Then she strode forward, snatched it off, and opened it.

Lily,

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