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“You know how money can corrupt people. They cheat on their partners, get women pregnant then leave them, and mistreat their employees,” she says.
“Mom, I understand your concerns but let’s not get caught up in the drama like the heroines in your romance novels. Just because Caleb has money doesn’t mean he’s some evil billionaire. Besides, he’s been nothing but kind and respectful towards me and hasn’t done anything to show any questionable behavior.”
Gizmo tugs on his leash and barks up at me, reminding me that we are supposed to be walking.
“I promised Gizmo a walk. Do you want to join us, or can we catch up later?” I ask.
“I’ll come with you,” she says. We turn towards the library, and she remains quiet for a few moments. “So, where did you meet Caleb?”
Before I can answer her, she grabs my arm and pulls me to the front window of the thrift shop. “Oh! Look at that beautiful broach,” she says in an odd tone.
“It’s pretty…are you okay?” I ask as her grip on my upper arm tightens.
“I’m trying to protect you—” she whispers.
“I see you, traitor.” Dominic’s voice sends shivers down my spine as he walks past us on the sidewalk.
This is the first time I’ve seen him since he was fired in my bakery. I don’t say a word. There’s nothing I can say to the man that wouldn’t start an argument. My breathing becomes shallow for a few seconds until he disappears from my peripheral vision.
“That was awkward. You know he’ll have it out for Caleb now, right? Dominic lives here, and while I know you felt like he was doing things wrong—wasn’t there another way?” my mother asks.
“Not one that wouldn’t have hurt my business,” I raise a hand to stop her, “and while you might think that would be a good thing, I don’t. I’ll live with what I did.”
My mother frowns and adds, “I might not like that you are focused on your career but I wouldn’t want it taken away from you unfairly. As for Caleb—” she starts again as if Dominic hadn’t interrupted our conversation.
“Mom, let’s not talk about this right now. Our relationship is still new,” I honestly tell her. “I promise when there is something to report, you’ll be the first to know.”
“Fine,” she says, but her tone tells me we are far from being done with this topic. “Did Missy confirm the wedding cake flavor with you?”
“Yep—all three of them,” I reply with a hint of sarcasm.
“I know it wasn’t our original plan, but she only gets married once, right?”
“And you, Missy, and Olivia couldn’t agree on one flavor. So now we have Missy’s favorite from the tasting, vanilla with fresh strawberries, as the main three-tier cake. Then two smaller cakes—a lemon with a marzipan frosting and a dark chocolate and raspberry buttercream.”
“Is that too much?” she asks.
“It will definitely be more work, but I said I’d do the cakes,” I mutter.
“Great. Oh, and we are so excited to go dress shopping for the bridesmaids!” she gushes.
“Why didn’t Missy wait until next year to have her end-of-summer wedding? Then we wouldn’t all be in this mad rush trying to plan everything.” I turn to her.
“They are ready to be married sooner rather than later,” my mother begins to explain then whispers, “and you know they are waiting until marriage,” then goes back to her normal voice, “and we don’t want to give them enough time to rethink that.”
I shake my head. “I understand, and I’m happy to help make things happen,” I tell her.
“I sure hope Caleb and you are also waiting,” she says as my face flushes with embarrassment.
“Mother! No more commentary on my dating life.”
“I just want all my daughters to find happiness and security before I pass away.” She places a hand over her heart. “Since you’re determined to date someone that none of us know, I’m simply making sure you still hold onto our beliefs and morals.”
“Do we have to talk about this now? We’re in the middle of town,” I say, trying to remain calm through gritted teeth. “Can we please just take a break from discussing my love life for one day?”
Her eyes look sad. “Do you hate me?” she asks.
I sigh and wrap my arm around her waist. “No, Mom. I love you, but you sure know how to push my buttons. You’re both my greatest joy and my biggest challenge in life.”
