The sun was about to set and it was almost time to get Ellie back to Yonkers. If Josh had his way, she’d stay with him. But she’d already closed her shop for two days and was insistent on it opening on time Tuesday morning. The past hour had been spent watching her jot down her display for the morning rush. Ellie was so focused he couldn’t get her to come out onto the deck with him.

He was sure he could’ve gotten her to change her mind and take a short break, but when Rafe text him asking for a call, and the deck provided the privacy he needed. Josh hadn’t yet explained to Ellie what he actually did. Loving someone meant supporting their career choice. It was easy for him, but Ellie had no clue that he put his life in harm’s way all the time. It was a conversation that needed to take place before she went back home.

“A prince! Can’t they send their military?” Josh asked Rafe.

“It’s complicated.”

Isn’t it always? “Let me guess, it’s the military that has him.”

“You might say he’s being detained against his will. The king has fallen ill and the eldest son, a real piece of shit, has imprisoned his brother.”

“And why are we involved?” Josh asked. This wasn’t their normal type of mission. It sounded more like they needed family counseling instead.

“Because the Hendersons asked for our help.”

Of course. Somehow their paths continued to cross more and more with the Hendersons. “Do we have all the details?”

“Not yet. Those will be coming. We have a meeting with Bennett Stone and Alex Henderson in a few days. I’d like to take the lead on this one.”

“Roger.”

Rafe changed the subject. “How are things with you and Ellie?”

“I explained what transpired with Parker, Mabe, and Night.”

“And?”

“Ellie is Frank’s sister. She asked questions, but understood that the world is filled with ugliness.”

“I never would’ve thought she could handle that type of news.”

“She’s tougher than anyone would think.” Even me.

“Good. She’s going to need to be to put up with you,” Rafe joked.

“You’ve been spending too much time with Gabe. You’re starting to sound like him.” Josh knew Rafe and Gabe were as different as night and day. But every once in a while, Rafe relaxed enough to almost laugh. And Deanna is a saint for putting up with your ass.

Rafe got serious once again, saying, “You’re right. That’s why he’s going with you.”

“Great. Just what I need.” Gabe was the man you wanted on your side, but somehow Josh knew he was going to get shit about that damn video Katia-Lynn took. Gabe said it was permanently deleted. But for Gabe, nothing was ever truly gone. He probably had a copy just waiting for the right/wrong time to play it again.

Josh heard the door open and knew Ellie was coming out to join him.

“Text me the information, and I’ll be there.”

Rafe responded, “Roger.”

The call ended as Ellie came around the corner. “Guess I’m not the only one who worked through the sunset.” She took the seat next to him. “Melissa told me a little about what you do, what all you guys do. But I still don’t really understand it.”

This was the perfect time to explain, and the chopper was approaching to fly them back to Yonkers. It would also give him time to break the news that he couldn’t stay.

Josh got up and extended his hand to her. “Why don’t I explain it while I get you home?”

Ellie didn’t budge. “Oh no you don’t. I know how this works.”

“I don’t know what you mean?”

“The last time you dropped me off and took off again. I could be wrong, but you seem to have that same look in your eyes.”

Josh sat back down. “Got me figured out that quickly, did you?” She nodded. “You’re half right. I won’t be able to stay in Yonkers with you. We have another . . . assignment.” The word mission sounded too dangerous to use with her.

“Different from the last one?”

“Yes. I can’t tell you the details.” I don’t have them myself. “But it will take me overseas. We are off the grid for periods of time. I don’t want you thinking that because you don’t hear from me, I’m not thinking of you.”

Ellie was quiet for a moment then said, “My brother would do the same. I’m . . . used to it.”

Josh reached out and took her hand. “But you don’t like it.” Ellie shook her head. “Honey, I wish I could tell you this will be the last one, but I won’t lie to you. This is what I do. We are called to help when no one else can.”

“I know. I’m . . . proud of you for doing it. I’m just not sure what I’d do if I lost you too.”

Pulling her into his arms, Josh said, “Honey, we work as a team. I’m not out there alone. Yes, it comes with its risk, but so do a lot of things. I can’t change who I am. All I can do is promise to be careful.”

Ellie buried her face in his neck. “Foolish to have thought someone like you would be happy selling cupcakes in my shop.”

Josh laughed. “I don’t know how safe that would be. I clearly remember someone throwing dozens of cupcakes at me. That’s a slip hazard if I ever saw one.”

Ellie sat up and slapped his shoulder playfully. “I believe you asked for it.”

“How exactly did I do that?”

She smiled. “You thought I wouldn’t do it. I needed to prove to you I wasn’t a pushover.”

Josh laughed. “Don’t worry, I’ll never make that mistake again.”

Ellie wrinkled her nose and said, “Darn, I thought you looked so delicious in all that green.”

“If you start now, you’re not making it back to Yonkers tonight.”

Ellie leaped off his lap. “Tempting, but I have a business to run. And I’m already going to be up baking all night to have it ready for morning.”

Josh knew he could change her mind with a kiss and a touch. But Toot Sweets was important to her, and that made it important to him as well. Getting up, Josh said, “Let’s get you home. If you want, I’ll stay the night and help you cook.”

Ellie declined his offer. “First off, I bake, not cook. And if you stay, nothing will get done.”

“What are you working on?”

“First I need to find Frank’s list he left me. Then I’m going to tackle another vegetable from there.”

Shit. He needed to get that back into the shop. “You wait here and I’ll grab your bag.”

“Okay. I want a few more minutes to enjoy the smell of the ocean.”

He kissed her on top of her head and went inside. Then he grabbed his phone and texted Chris and Gabe.

NEED THAT LIST NOW!

Gabe responded. WHERE?

YONKERS.

Chris texted. I’LL BE THERE IN TWO HOURS.

Part of him wanted to fess up to what he’d done. But that would take something Ellie held dear to her. For all he knew, Frank had intentionally listed out Carlos’s name with vegetables to accomplish two things. There were definitely other ways he could’ve left the lead without including Ellie. That was Josh’s theory, and he had no proof, but it was the only thing that made any sense.

When he returned outside he said, “I think you should add the Broccolicous to the list for tomorrow.”

Ellie laughed. “Is that what took you so long? You were planning my menu?”

“Just one. It’s my favorite.”

“Oh, I bet. Keep it up, Josh, and I’ll be sneaking broccoli into everything I make for you.”

Josh raised his hands. “I don’t like it that much. You win.”

Winking, Ellie said, “Always.”

Josh pulled her into his arms, and before kissing her he clarified, “For now.”

---

Ellie had hated saying goodbye to Josh last night, but if she hadn’t she might as well have kept the doors locked. Her cases were full and customers seemed happy. It was as though things were back to normal. But she knew they weren’t. Toot Sweets was still in the red; it was decision time. No matter how badly she wanted to make this work, she didn’t have the foggiest idea how.

Even before Frank had been killed, Ellie had spruced up her résumé in case it was ever needed. She could bring home a paycheck by working for someone else and remove the overhead cost of self-employment. The thought of selling the building sucked most of all. Frank had spent a vacation or two helping her paint and get the place ready. It might not be much, but she was proud it was hers. And I have the debt to prove it.

This was the lull in customers, the time of day she dreaded. But it was perfect for taking a lunch break. She was about to go into the back when the bell dinged as the door opened. Smiling, she greeted the stranger. Yes! A new customer. She needed to wow him. And sell him a bunch of cupcakes.

“Good afternoon. Welcome to Toot Sweets. How are you today?”

The man looked around the shop as he answered, “Good.”

“Are you a Yonkers resident?” she asked, but his accent said he wasn’t.

“I am not.”

And not much of a talker either. Some businessmen booked hotels in Yonkers to avoid the high expense of staying in New York City. This guy didn’t look like he had to worry about that. From his head to his leather shoes, it said designer.

“Can I interest you in a sample of—”

“No.” He didn’t even look her way.

She’d been around rude customers many times. They come in, look around, complained, and left. But he didn’t seem like the type who would waste her time, never mind his.

“Please let me know if you have any questions about any of my tasty treats.” It was humiliating having to stay engaged with someone who practically ignored her.

Finally he turned to her and said, “Why don’t you sell coffee and teas?”

“There is a coffee shop a few blocks down if you’re looking—”

“Sending customers somewhere else is not going to keep this place open for long.”

Ellie was at a loss for words. But she had to say something. “I agree, but if I don’t have what you’re looking for, I believe the kindest thing I can do is direct you to where you can obtain it.” Then maybe you’ll leave.

“What do you use this area for?” He pointed to the large open spot in front of the bay window.

“I put up decorations a few times a year.”

“Waste of space. You should have tables, and chairs. You need to start selling coffee, espresso, tea, and such. How about that fireplace. Does it work?”

“No.” Not that it’s any of your business.

“That needs to change as well. A sofa, soft lighting, make it comfortable for customers to come and stay.”

“I’m sorry, who are you exactly?” Besides one ballsy SOB. She never let anyone come in and tell her what to do before, and she wasn’t about to start now.

He walked over and extended his hand. “Dean Henderson.”

“Nice to meet you, Mr. Henderson. I’m—”

“Ellie. I know. Heard all about you.”

That didn’t seem to be a good thing from his expression.

“You have a good idea, but your delivery needs a lot of work. Are you open to suggestions?” Dean asked.

“I really don’t think that—”

“Listen. I know your financials, your marketing, which by the way doesn’t exist, and your product. All I need to know is do you want to make Toot Sweets successful or not?”

“Of course I do, but I have no idea who you are or why you’re here.”

Dean softened a bit. “Sorry, I forgot you’re not used to doing business like this. I think you’re onto something really good. But you’re not setting yourself up for success. This shop needs an upgrade. But it also needs to be customer friendly.”

Insulted, Ellie said, “I am friendly.”

Dean laughed. “Yes you are, but I’m talking about the shop exclusively. You sell quality, let them know it.”

“And you know this because?”

“It’s my business to know.”

Henderson was a name she should know. But there was no way he was part of the Hendersons from Boston. They were billionaires. Giants in the business world. No way would someone like that be here in her shop.

“Where are you from exactly?” She wasn’t sure if she wanted or didn’t want him to be from Boston.

“Boston.”

“You’re the Henderson?” It sounded so stupid the way she said it.

He shrugged. “I’m one of them. So back to my question, would you like to put this shop on the map or not?”

Ellie looked around then back at Dean. “Mr. Henderson—”

“Dean.”

“Dean. Do you really think it’s possible?”

“Ellie, I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t think so. I’m not saying it’s easy. It will take some hard work, long hours, and a commitment from you. But yes, I can see this taking off and you opening up multiple shops in key locations. New York City, Boston, and LA to name a few.”

The offer was so tempting; never would she have dreamed something like this would happen. There was a major problem with it all. The same thing that made her think about giving up.

“Although I want nothing more, I can’t afford to make whatever changes you suggest.”

“I’m looking at investing.”

“You mean as a partner?” She’d only thought about doing that with Frank. She needed to trust a person, and the Hendersons, although successful, were powerful. How could she hold her own against them?

“In a sense, yes. I would put a team together to drive the business. You’d be responsible for managing the cooks—”

“Bakers.”

Dean nodded. “Bakers.”

“And will I keep my recipes?” She didn’t want to lose her identity by making it something she didn’t want. She wasn’t chasing riches, just hoping to make ends meet.

“Yes, you will have full control of that as well. What do you think?” Dean asked.

She couldn’t believe she wasn’t jumping at the chance. Ellie knew what the Hendersons were able to do. If they were interested in her shop, they would take it to a national level. It was exciting and scary. But is this what she really wanted to do?

“I’m sorry. Could you please give me a moment?”

“Of course.”

“May I get you a cupcake or coffee while you wait?” Ellie offered.

“No thanks.”

She smiled and went into the back room. Pulling out her cell phone she sent a quick text to Josh. He’d said he might be off the grid, but maybe he hadn’t left yet.

ARE YOU FREE TO TALK? I HAVE A QUESTION

Josh replied, YES DO YOU WANT ME TO CALL?

YES

Her phone rang immediately. “Is everything okay?” Josh asked.

“Yes. Sorry. I didn’t mean to worry you. I had a visitor today. And I am not sure what to do.”

“Who are we talking about?”

“Have you heard of Dean Henderson?”

Josh replied. “I’m familiar with the Hendersons.”

“He wants to help me with my shop.”

“That sounds good. He’s one heck of a businessman.”

“Yes, but I’m not sure. He’s talking about more shops all over the country. It’s a wonderful opportunity, one someone like me could only dream of.”

“But?” Josh waited.

“It’s so big. Maybe too big. What if they don’t like it? Or what if I fail and they lose their money? What if—?”

“Honey, slow down. Can you answer one thing for me?”

She hadn’t even realized she’d been rambling. “Yes. What is it?”

“Never mind what Dean or anyone else is offering. What do you want?”

“I want”—she wasn’t so sure any more—“I want Toot Sweets to be everything my brother believed it could be. But I don’t know if I can trust Dean. What if I don’t have the control he’s promised me?”

“Then I’ll be there with you to straighten it out. But don’t go by what you read. The Hendersons are savvy businessmen, and honest men.”

“And you know this how?” Ellie inquired.

“It’s a small world, Ellie.”

That wasn’t much of an answer, but she was able to get at least one thing out of it. The decision was all hers.

“Josh.”

“Yes, honey.”

“Thank you.”

“For what?”

“For not telling me what to do, for letting me be me.”

“Ellie, I wouldn’t want you to be anyone but yourself. That’s the woman I love.”

As if she wasn’t missing him enough already, he had to say that. She wished she could leap through the phone and hug him right now. She promised herself she wouldn’t tell him how much she missed him. Wouldn’t say be safe. Wouldn’t ask when she would see or hear from him again. So she was left with the one thing she hadn’t denied herself. “I love you too, Josh.”

Ending the call, she headed back into the shop where Dean was patiently waiting.

“Did you decide?”

“I have.”