Chapter Sixteen

Everything had turned out perfectly, she thought, as she looked up at Allen. He may think he didn’t have the right words, but what he had said meant more to her than any poem.

 

The soft candlelight, the romantic dinner here at her bakery. When he pulled her up to stand next to him, she pulled away for a moment.

 

“I have something for you. It's a two-part gift, but I don't see why you can't enjoy the first part tonight.” She started walking backwards. “Stay right here. I'll be right back.” She rushed into the kitchen and pulled out the masterpiece that she'd finished minutes before Bethany had shown up.

 

Pushing the door open with her back, she turned and presented her gift. His eyes went huge and he started laughing when he saw it.

 

There in vanilla and chocolate were his and Beast's faces with the words “I Love You Both” written below.

 

He walked forwards and took the cake from her. “Wow! Look at this.” He moved it closer to the candles to get a better look. “How did you do this?” He set the cake down and looked at it.

 

“Practice.” She smiled and stood next to him.

 

“It's perfect. I can't believe it. I've never seen anything like this before.” He reached into his pocket and snapped a picture with his phone. “I've got to send this to someone. I mean, there ought to be an award.” He smiled down at her.

“Well, it was easy. The two of you are such easy models.”

 

He laughed. “Right.” He turned to her and pulled her closer, placing a kiss on her lips. She held him close, not letting him pull away.

 

“Mmm, more.” She wrapped her arms around his shoulders as he deepened the kiss. Then he started walking her backwards, towards the kitchen.

 

“Allen,” she laughed, “where are we going?”

 

“Kitchen. There are too many windows here. Too many people that might walk by,” he said against her lips.

 

“Really?” She laughed when he pulled her into the kitchen and pushed her against the wall, his hands running over every inch of her.

 

“I have to have you. I love you, so much.” He repeated it over and over as he rained kisses over every inch of her. She'd never stood naked in her kitchen before, never imagined she'd be doing so, but now they were both naked and out of breath. Just before she crested, she brought her mouth to his ear and whispered, “I love you, Allen.”

 

The next morning the bakery was crowded. Everyone had heard what had happened the night before. Some came hoping to hear the details, some came just to have a warm breakfast. But almost everyone in town stopped by.

 

Her Valentine’s baskets had been such a huge hit that she'd run out and had had to purchase small baskets at the local hardware store to replace the ones she’d special ordered.

 

Half way through the day, Zach showed up. He shuffled his feet, looking down, and apologized for New Year’s. She hadn't seen him since that night and asked him where he'd been.

 

“AA.” He looked embarrassed. “After New Year’s, I decided it was about time I got some help. I overheard at the Golden Oar what happened here last night and I just wanted to stop by and make sure everything was alright.”

 

“Yes, thank you. I'm so glad you did.”

 

“Well, I'm really sorry about New Year’s.”

 

“It's okay. If you want, there's a box of Valentine cookies. You're welcome to them.” She pointed to the small box on the countertop.

 

“Thanks. I better be going. Thanks for the cookies.” He walked out and she smiled at his back, happy that he was getting help.

 

When Josie came back into the kitchen half an hour later, she looked like she was on cloud nine. She danced around and even took hold of Sara's hands and twirled around the room.

“What's gotten into you?” Sara stopped her from spinning again.

 

“Larry. Larry Hamill. I'm in love with Larry Hamill!” She screamed.

 

“Really?” Sara laughed. “So quickly?”

 

“Sure. If you can fall for Allen fast, why can't I fall for Larry faster?” Her friend frowned and Sara laughed. “He's caring, funny, smart, and so very romantic. What did you think would happen with me and a guy like that?”

 

“I don't know. I've known Larry my whole life. I guess I've never thought of him that way.”

“Good.” Her friend squinted her eyes at her and gave her a look, trying to scare her. “You've got your own man. Leave mine alone.”

 

Sara laughed. “I promise. I will never fall in love with your Larry Hamill.”

 

Josie smiled. “Good, then I guess we can remain best friends.” Sara laughed and hugged her best friend.

 

At lunchtime her mother stopped in. She was dressed up and looked wonderful. It was the first time in a long time that she'd seen her mother wearing a dress and lipstick; she was shocked.

 

“Where are you off to?” She smiled and hugged her. “You look wonderful.”

 

“Oh, well, thank you dear.” Her mother messed with her hair a little. “I'm just meeting an old friend for lunch.”

“Really?” Sara leaned back against the counter and smiled. “Do I know this person?”

 

“Yes, well, Eugene Leachman has been a family friend for years.”

 

Sara coughed. “Doctor Leachman?” When her mother nodded, she smiled. “You bagged a doctor.”

 

Her mother shook her head. “Really, where did you learn such language?” Her mother smiled.

 

Just then Becca walked in from the front room, smiling. “Did you hear that mom bagged a doctor?” Sara looked at her mother and they broke out laughing.