Page 57 of Hers to Marry
“Ones they reuse over and over. You’ll want something original.”
“We’ll save money using flowers?”
“Probably. I saw the list price for the hotel, and it was steep.”
“You’re the wedding planner. We’ll do what you suggest. Although, I think an outdoor wedding where we don’t have to pick the flowers is actually kind of perfect.”
Kat smiled remembering their shared idea at the reenactment. The setting was lovely, and marrying at the lake would be amazing. “Me too. But you’re not having that wedding.”
Drew’s smile waned. “No, I’m not, am I?”
After choosing a few flower arrangements and the bouquets Kat felt Parker would like—and not getting a response to her text messages after sending several pictures—Kat and Drew left the shop feeling satisfied and accomplished.
Drew drove her back to the bakery and followed her in, complaining about the lack of baked goods at his grandmother’s house. He picked out some cupcakes, cookies, and sweet bread and Kat boxed them up.
“Your grandmother…” was all Kat would say.
His contrite gaze caught hers. “I’m sorry about that. About yesterday,” he said softly.
“My mother had a hand in it too, so I’m sorry as well.”
Drew laughed. “Can’t blame them for trying. Grandma really doesn’t like Parker. But she didn’t like my mom either, and she was wrong about her.”
Kat stayed silent. She inferred he believed his grandmother to be wrong about Parker as well. If that were the case, then she was completely wrong about that kiss they had shared. Kat kept her eyes averted so he wouldn’t read how much she wanted him.
When Drew offered Susie money to pay, Susie said, “It’s on the house.”
“Don’t you need the business?”
“She’ll be getting more business soon enough,” Susie said. “Tell him.”
Kat’s cheeks warmed. “Susie is not only an amazing friend and boss”—she smiled at Susie—“but she’s also my accountability partner who earns her take.”
“I haven’t seen any silver crossing my palms,” Susie quipped.
Kat laughed. “She got in contact with a famous chef who will be in town tomorrow. He’s agreed to stop by the bakery and try some of my creations.”
“Kat!” Drew scooped her up in his arms and twirled her around. “That is incredible!”
When he put her back down, her head continued to spin. “Yeah…”
“Aren’t you excited?” He studied her face, his brows furrowed. “You’re going after your dreams. Making opportunities happen.”
“Of course she’s excited,” Susie answered. “She’s a little nervous, is all.”
“I haven’t attended college or—”
“Who needs that when you have talent?” Susie asked.
“I’ve only had a few culinary classes. He’ll probably want me to complete a course at least.”
Drew cupped her face and stood close. “Kat. Don’t do that. Don’t give in to fear. I know you had a bad experience with your ex, but that doesn’t dictate your future. You’re a wonderful baker. You’ll blow him away. Trust yourself. This isyourmoment.”
Her moment. She’d thought that moment had passed when Marcus had changed his mind about his financial support. She didn’t know how many chances people got in their lives, but one didn’t seem to be on the horizon—until Susie.
Having a second chance terrified her. She didn’t want to screw this up for anything. It could mean the chance to go out on her own and…maybe leave Springfield and Drew behind.
Kat inhaled deeply and let the air out. “Okay,” she whispered, her gaze still latched to his. How much longer would she be able to gaze into his eyes like this? To see pride for her?
The corners of his eyes crinkled with his smile. “Okay.” He kissed her forehead and stepped back.
“Okay!” Susie exclaimed. “Well, if we’re going to be ready for him, we’ll need to go over the menu, and you need to start baking, Kat.”
Kat saluted. “Yes, ma’am.” Drew winked. She watched him leave, and a small amount of fear settled back into her mind. She couldn’t describe it really, other than feeling like everything was about to change.
And that she would lose him forever.
