Chapter 15

“Did you see that?” Benson said.

“See what?” Owen asked.

“Your woman just caught the bouquet.”

Sure enough, Alexis was holding the bouquet. Owen hadn’t even noticed that Lauren was throwing it. He was too busy planning what he was about to do. “I’ll be right back,” he said to Benson.

“Where are you going?” he called after him, but Owen didn’t answer.

Owen went to where Aubrey stood against the wall, overseeing the reception to be sure everything went smoothly. “Would it be possible for me to use the mic again?”

“You already gave your toast.”

“I know. I have something else in mind.”

Aubrey crossed her arms. “No funny business.”

“No, it’s nothing like that.”

“Okay, follow me.” Aubrey led him to where the microphone stood. “I’ll go make sure it’s turned on for you.” She flicked a switch on the microphone and then tapped on it. She handed it to him when she was satisfied that it was working.

“I’d like to have everyone’s attention, please,” Owen said over the microphone. “Before Chase and Lauren leave, I want to have a word with the maid of honor and sister of the groom. She’s the same person for those of you who don’t know. This is a little different, so bear with me.”

Benson let out a loud whoop, and Owen smiled at him.

“Some of you may not know this, but the amazing cake that you’re all eating was made by the lovely Alexis Remington. She runs the best bakery in town, and it’s calledThe Icing on Top. If you haven’t gone to eat there, you’re missing out. Her bakery is everything to her, and if you went there, it would rock her world. But do it for yourself, too. Because it’s delicious. And I hear that she does celebrity weddings now, so you know she’s fantastic.

“I also want to let all of you know that I’m in love with this beautiful woman, and I hope she forgives me for making her life harder this past month. I want all the good things for you, Alexis.” He put the microphone back on the stand and headed back to his seat.

Alexis had returned to where she had been sitting next to him. He pulled out the chair next to her.

“Owen, that was so beautiful. Thank you so much for promoting my bakery like that.” Her eyes filled with tears. “I can’t tell you how much that means to me. I thought you might be mad because I chose my bakery over you. But instead, you’re still promoting my bakery for me.”

He took her hands in his. “I could never be angry with you for choosing to live your dream. I’m only doing the same thing myself.”

“No one should have to choose between their dream and the one they love,” Alexis said.

“No, they shouldn’t. I’m sorry everything’s been so confusing and hard for us.”

“I need to tell you something,” Alexis blurted.

“I need to tell you something too.”

“You go first,” Alexis said.

“I fired Vincent.”

“You did?”

“He came between us too many times. I can’t go back to California and know that he’s causing problems for you. He was told that he shouldn’t be copying your recipes, and he didn’t listen.”

“Have you found another pastry chef?”

“I’m not using one now. We have the recipes Vincent set up for us, and we’re going to stick to those. Just the basics I opened the store with, like homemade bread and chocolate cake. We don’t need him anymore. And Hadley’s no longer takes big orders for churches. So, you should be getting your customers back.”

Alexis put a hand to her mouth, and her eyes became glassy. “I can’t believe you would do all of that for me.”