Page 77 of Two Risks I'd Never Take Again

“See what I mean. He’s perfect.”

Garrett winked as he handed me a mug. “Holler if you need anything else. I can’t promise I’ll be awake more than five minutes after sitting down, but you can try.” He blew me a kiss before strolling away, whistling as he went.

“I’m so happy for you.” Delaney sipped her wine. “And this is the part where I get to say I told you so. Garrett completely swept you off your feet.”

“Yep. And it all started with dragging him to my car. Not exactly the typicalonce upon a time.”

Chapter 25

After a month of having help, I wondered how I had ever run the shop alone.

I parked outside the main house at the ranch and carried bags of doughnuts into the dining hall. The ranch hands had agreed to taste test for me. And I knew they’d be honest about it.

After unloading the bags, I opened the boxes in the middle of the table. “All right, guys. Thank you so much for doing this. Since Layla is helping me run the counter, I’ve had time to train my new hire. She’s kind of a natural when it comes to making doughnuts, but this is the real test. She made all the doughnuts in two of these boxes, And I made all the doughnuts in the other two. Taste test away.”

The ranch hands and Mason all grabbed doughnuts.

“Make sure you know which is which.” I folded my arms, waiting rather impatiently for the verdict.

Still chewing, Archer nodded. “They’re good.”

“Good?” I needed more than that.

“They taste the same.” He picked up another one. “And whoever it is that makes doughnuts as good as you, I want to meet her.”

“That can be arranged.” I could give Cami another matchmaking project. “She’s new in town, so I’m sure she’d love to meet new people.”

Parker nudged Archer. “Hear that? She’dloveto meet you.”

“Hey, tag-along, leave Archer alone.” I tossed a wadded-up napkin at Parker. “Be nice.”

He feigned shock. “I’m always nice. Ask Mason. Right?”

With a doughnut in each hand and one in his mouth, the kid grinned and pointed at one of Lettie’s boxes. “I like those better. Who made those?”

Now I was satisfied. If I went on vacation, my customers would still get the doughnuts they loved.

Garrett hung his hat on the hook as he walked into the dining room. “Verdict?”

I scanned the group. “Everyone agree?”

Dag gave a thumbs up. “They’re all great. I agree with Archer that they taste the same.”

One at a time, they all said the same thing... except Mason. “Those are better... because I found a sprinkle in that box. And I like sprinkles.”

“I cannot argue with that logic.” Garrett tousled the kid’s hair. “Sounds like success to me.”

“Me too.” I picked up a doughnut out of Lettie’s box. “These are great!”

“Of course they are.” Garrett picked up a doughnut and took a bite. “You made this one, I think. Am I right?”

I shook my head, then kissed his cheek. “And I’m thrilled you can’t tell.”

“Whew. Want to take a drive with me?”

“Lead the way, cowboy.” I motioned to the boxes. “Enjoy, but don’t let Mason have too many more. He might explode.”

Parker laughed. “I’m pretty sure he’s had more than two. Isn’t that what your dad said was the limit?”

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