Chapter 25
Faith
The bell over the bakery door jangled again and the buoyancy in my heart was tempered by the sight of the very long line. It would be another hour or so before I could take a break and enjoy any of my newfound luck.
Brenden had pointed out that business owners always worked too hard, but even that thought made me excited. I didn't mind balancing two jobs, it was a lot easier now that I'd graduated business school, and the exhaustion was tied tightly to my pride. I had to show Brenden that I had what it took to make my new business work.
"I don't understand why you and Cheryl still work the counter and make drinks," Tiffany said. She leaned on the opposite side and watched as I made a rosette in her latte.
"I happen to love what I do," I said.
"Yeah, I guess. Pulling doubles was always kind of your thing," Tiffany said. She gave me a bright smile. "Pretty impressive."
I watched her take her latte and find a place near the crowded windows. Tiffany was right—not a lot had changed, but I felt like everything was brighter and better. Even Cheryl was impressed and she now considered us competition.
"Well, I checked out every inch of your kitchen and I have to say I'm completely jealous." Cheryl marched up behind me and leaned on the counter near the cash register. "I might even have to start buying some of your pastries."
"I can give you the recipes," I said.
Cheryl snorted. "No, thanks. I think I'm going to start following Tiffany's advice and try a few days off here and there."
"Want me to cover your shifts?" I asked.
"Hey, if you need the extra cash." Cheryl stood up as she noticed Brenden in line. "But something tells me you've got that covered."
"Begging for a job in the best bakery in town?" Brenden asked Cheryl.
Cheryl laughed and scooted out from behind my counter. "I just came in for the free smells…and that coffee cake is too delicious to pass up."
She snagged a piece and went to join Tiffany. Brenden counted his steps out of line and joined me behind the counter. I had two mugs in my hands but he still leaned in and demanded a kiss.
I laughed. "Can I help you?"
"Oh, we're all business today?" he joked. "Always a professional."
"If you call kissing in front of the customers professional." The customers at the counter chuckled. "Luckily this is a neighborhood place and the rules are relaxed."
"Well, I actually have some business to discuss with you when you get a chance," he said.
"This isn't about another weekend getaway, is it? I told you, The Cottage is good enough for me. I don't need to wing off to Ibiza or meet your friend the Saudi prince." I poured two special-blend coffees and got my waiting customers their slices of fresh pie.
Brenden laughed. "No, I get it. You're a girl after my own heart."
I wiped my hands on my apron. "So, what's the business you're talking about?" I asked.
The next customer politely cleared his throat. I turned to see who it was. Jasper leaned on the counter and considered the menu with discerning eyes, until Maria jabbed him in the ribs.
"We all know you're going to order plain black coffee, so just do it," Maria told him.
Jasper scowled at her affectionately. "Some people like consistency."
Maria rolled her eyes. "He'll take the French Silk pie, too. He's just too embarrassed to admit it."
I laughed and pulled the small, individual-sized pie from the brightly lit case. It sat on a delicate china plate covered with a lacy napkin. Jasper's nostrils flared at the pretty presentation but he pulled out his wallet and stuffed the tip jar full.
"See?" Maria said. "I told you this place is magic. It even makes the grumpy old man generous."
I made her a chai tea and found the special caramel-drizzled biscotti that she liked so much. "Thanks, Maria."
Brenden smiled and waited patiently as I served the long line of customers.
"All right, there's finally a break," I told him. "So, what's this special business you want to talk about?"
As soon as I turned and saw Brenden's widening smile, my stomach flip-flopped. My bakery was buzzing with new customers and neighbors that were quickly becoming regulars. It was also full of our closest friends.
My palms started to sweat and I wiped them on my apron. "You're not going to put me in another awkward position, are you?" I asked.
He took my sweaty hands and held them up to his heart. His pulse was steady and strong. I hoped that meant he was calm and not about to propose to me in front of everyone. We'd been together now for several months and everything was so perfect. I didn't want to screw things up with my need for independence.
"It's more a request from one of your favorite customers," Brenden said.
My mouth was dry and I swallowed hard. "What kind of a request? If it isn't something baked, then I'm afraid I can't promise much right now. I need to concentrate on the business. It's brand new, Brenden."
He stopped me with a light, smiling kiss. "I know, Faith. I know. You'll have all the time you need to get this place off the ground. It's going to be a great success."
I took a deep breath and remembered that I trusted Brenden. Believing in him was the best thing I had ever done. "All right. You're right. So, what's the request?"
"Do you know how to bake those pretty little cupcakes with room for a prize inside?" he asked.
"A prize? Like a toy for a kid?" I asked, puzzled. "It depends on the size and what it's made out of--"
Brenden laughed. "A ring, Faith. Though I guess it wouldn't be much of a surprise if you were the one baking it."
I threw my arms around his neck. "Ask me again when the time comes."
He hugged me close. "How about now?"
"Now?" I shook my head. "Everything's perfect right now."
Brenden must have felt my worry because he kissed me gently again and whispered. "No rush. I'm happy. I have Faith."
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