Page 136 of Unsealing Her Fate

We spend the rest of the night wrapped in each other’s arms, neither of us sleeping a wink. The only words spoken between us come after I receive a text from Andrew. He’s here. The plan is fully in motion now. And neither one of us want to think about what comes next.

Instead, we exist in our little cocoon of safety and happiness for a little while longer. Where everything is right in the world and not threatening to destroy us.

Chapter 39

Saturday Morning

Walkingintothecaféthis morning, everything feels so heavy. Using the rear door entrance feels odd. Everyone’s silence is odd. I know what has to be done today, and I know I can do it. With Jack’s hand in mine, we walk into Irene’s office. She follows behind, closing the door.

“In light of Christopher already being here, I think it’s best if you spend the day here,” Irene says. I had texted Irene and Charlie this morning to let them both know that Jack knew that Christopher was in town already.

“I agree,” he says. “I’ll stay in here if it’s alright by you. I want to be out of sight.”

“That’s fine.” Looking at me, she says, “Chin up, kiddo. We’re at the end now.”

I nod and straighten myself a bit, trying to look more confident than I feel. “I’m ready for this to be over.” I stand. “I’m going to help Charlie.”

Before I can walk out, Jack grabs my hand and pulls me down to eye level with him. He kisses me quickly and whispers, “I love you,” against my lips.

Wrapping my arms around his neck, I whisper, “I love you, too” into his ear.

I pull away, without looking at Irene, and I make my escape.

Charlie already has our ingredients ready to get started. “Hey, bestie,” she says, with a big smile.

It doesn’t quite touch her eyes. I know she’s trying her hardest to be my ray of sunshine like she normally is, and I appreciate her so much for it.

“Hey,” I say, returning her smile.

We’ll get through this day.

We get to work making the pastries. Once they’re in the oven baking, we fire up the coffee machines and get them brewing. I make a cup for Jack and take it to him in Irene’s office. They seem to be in deep conversation when I enter. I make it a point to not linger. I don’t want to interrupt. Jack gives me a wink and a smile as a silent thank you for bringing his coffee.

Walking back out front, I see Charlie has already opened the café. The crowd is already growing. In the crowd, I find a familiar face.Andrew.

I haven’t seen him in so long. He holds his hand up, giving a little wave, and a smile tugs at the corners of his mouth. I can’t help the smile that comes to my face or the tears in my eyes.

I part the sea of people and make a beeline straight over to him. I all but leap into his hug. He holds me in a hug I didn’t know I wanted much less needed, my feet dangling with our height difference. He sets me down, both of us wiping tears from our eyes.

“Thank you for being here,” I choke out.

“It’s my fault we’re in this mess. I wouldn’t be anywhere else,” he says sincerely.

“I’ll have to work through the breakfast rush, then I can sit down with you,” I say.

“I understand. Are Jack and Irene available? I’d like to talk to them if possible.”

I nod, leading him to Irene’s office. When I open the door, Jack shoots up from his chair upon seeing a man behind me.

“Jack, this is my brother, Andrew. Andrew, this is Jack, and that’s Irene,” I say, making introductions.

Irene gives him a quick nod. Andrew holds his hand out to shake Jack’s. Reluctantly, Jack takes it. This tension is thick, and I want out of it.

“Andrew wants to talk to you two. I have to get back out there with Charlie,” I say, quickly closing the door before anyone can respond.

The morning rush passes, and we clear the dining room relatively quickly. Charlie and I make a great team. The weight of what could potentially happen today has me observing and taking things in more than usual. In case it’s the last time.

I shake that thought from my head.You’ll be fine, Andrea.

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