Page 74 of Spicy or Sweet
“There’s a line,” I confirm. “Why don’t you get everyone out from the back, and I’ll go and let them in?”
Shay nods, pressing a quick kiss to my lips before heading for the door that separates the café from the kitchen.
“Love you, by the way,” she calls over behind herself, disappearing before I can reply.
I walk toward the front door with a wide smile and nothing but excitement for our new chapter. It’s funny to think that three months ago, I dreaded this walk every morning. I saw the lines and felt my heart sink, because I knew it meant I’d be rushed off my feet all day and wouldn’t get to bake. Back then, I had to force myself out of bed every morning and drag myself downstairs.
Now, I wake up in Shay’s arms, usually when Croissant decides it’s time for his breakfast and demonstrates by whacking our faces with his paws. Now, I see the line outside and feel proud of the bakery Shay and I have built together, not alone, but with my family and our team. Now, I know I’ll be leaving at a reasonable time, with the woman I love, and taking at least twodays off a week, because I’m not trying to figure everything out without asking for help.
I guess fall really is the season of change.
I unlock the front door and pull it open, ready to greet our first visitors—my parents, naturally. There’s never been a time when they weren’t first in line for something me, Felix, or Rora was doing.
“Welcome,” I say, stepping back, but my dad sweeps me into a hug.
“Proud of you, kiddo. Always, but especially today.”
My mom tugs him away, which is just as well, because I’m not above crying. Rora and Uncle Henry follow, and Sunny is wearing a T-shirt, hand embroidered by her dad, with our new bakery logo on it.
“Future employee of the month right there,” I say, tapping her on the nose, before turning to greet the next person in line.
Of course, I know everyone here. This is the town that raised me, that supported me when I sang “The Twelve Days of Christmas” in the Christmas pageant when I was nine, and when I opened The Enchanted Bakery last year, but they’re not just congratulatingmeon opening the new bakery.
“This looks amazing, Noelle. You and Shay have outdone yourselves.”
“Wow, you can really see the perfect blend of both of you in here.”
Mayor Blackwood gives me a small smile as she approaches. “I don’t know what to congratulate you on more—the bakery, or Shay.”
“Both make me pretty happy, but Shay is my favorite.”
“I take full credit for bringing you two together,” she says, and I don’t bother hiding my laugh.
“I’d expect nothing less, Mayor Blackwood.”
Her gaze rakes over me. “Really, Noelle. You’ve both done amazing things for this town. And I think you’re probably old enough to call me Angela.”
Surprised, I return her smile. “Thank you. Angela.”
We both wrinkle our noses. “Too weird,” I say, and she agrees, heading into the bakery with a wave.
It’s amazing how many people have shown up for us, but it’s the tall figure that hovers at the back of the line, approaching only when there’s no one else left, that I’m happiest to see.
“Hey, Nico,” I say. I step outside because the café is bustling, and that has to be overwhelming for someone who spends all their time on a mountain with only dogs and wildlife for company. “It’s good to see you again. I’m so glad you could make it.”
“Hi,” he says. His lips lift in a strained smile, but despite how different his haunted expression is from his sister’s, I see so much of Shay in him. He looks older than her. His eyes are a darker gray, his hair and beard dark brown, but they have the same sharp nose, almond eyes, and thick lashes. He holds his mouth in the same way she does, and he stands with his head tilted left ever so slightly, exactly like Shay.
“This is amazing,” he says, gesturing to the bakery. “I can’t believe you pulled it together so fast.”
“It’s been a surprisingly smooth process,” I admit.
“Still, it looks good. I’m happy for you. Both for the bakery, and for you and Shay.”
“Thanks, Nico. I’m happy for us, too.”
Speak of the devil, I hear footsteps coming toward us, and I know before she speaks that it’s Shay.
“You made it!”
