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“I can handle that for you,” the employee whispers to me.
“No, it’s okay. I’ve got it,” I reply with a wink as she giggles.
“Your mom can be intimidating,” she whispers sympathetically.
“I know, but Caleb deals with million-dollar business deals—I have faith he can handle her,” I confess to her with a smile.
The girl glances back at the two of them still chatting and doesn’t look convinced.
“My grandfather is loving this place more and more every day,” Caleb says. “If he decides to stay here permanently, I’ll definitely be coming back often. But I don’t know what the future holds for Piper and me yet, and I wouldn’t want to force her into living somewhere she doesn’t want to be.”
“Good answer,” my mom mutters. “What about children? How many do you want, and would you raise them in the church?”
Caleb’s face goes brighter red. “Wow, have you thought about becoming a detective?” he teases my mom. “You’re quite the interrogator.”
She scoffs, “No way, I wouldn’t be able to hold back my snark around those troublesome delinquents in jail.” I shake my head at their banter as I approach Caleb with a bag of muffins.
“Children?” I ask him, holding out the treats.
“Well, let’s just say we’ll have to negotiate and decide on that together if our relationship continues to progress,” he replies with a smile.
He leans in closer and whispers, “I know you enjoyed that. I’ll get even with you later,” then gives me a light kiss on the cheek, causing my heart to skip a beat. “Thanks for the treats. Have a great day, Evelyn,” he says before quickly leaving.
“Hmmm, he really is too good-looking.” My mother turns to me with a curled lip.
“I know, Mom, I need to find an old, bald, and geriatric farmer that lives in Rustic Ridge instead,” I tease her. “Let’s make some scones.”
She gives a disapproving look before turning to wash her hands. I can’t help but smile and touch my cheek where he kissed me still feeling the warmth of his lips lingering on my skin. So much for trying to resist my feelings and his charm. I think we’re on our way to being more than just friends, more than just a wedding date, more than just my pretend boyfriend. I admire how he handled the situation with my mom and find myself eagerly anticipating the next time I get to see him. He has become such a positive presence in my life, and I’m curious about what may come next in our journey together.
15
Caleb
“And that does it.” I hit send on the final email needing to be addressed this morning.
Looking around, I can’t help but appreciate the cozy and cool atmosphere of this bakery. It’s a refreshing change from the corporate setting I’m used to. Grandad is off playing golf with his newfound friends, and I’m happy that he’s found a sense of belonging here. But with him moving here, it means I’ll have to travel back and forth and find a balance between my responsibilities. And the thought of seeing Piper on a regular basis is thrilling.
The woman radiates positive energy and intelligence and is quickly becoming one of my favorite people. Her determination to grow her business, her commitment to her family (quirks and all), and her desire to help others are inspiring. Of course, our fake relationship makes it difficult to express how I truly feel about her, but that’s something I plan on addressing soon.
“Okay, if you can let me know if anything becomes available soon,” I hear Mia’s voice reverberates from the back.
I look around to find that the breakfast rush of regular customers has dissipated, and I’m the last man sitting in the dining room. I haven’t seen Piper this morning, she had a Chamber of Commerce meeting of some kind. And I don’t mean to eavesdrop, but it sounds like Mia is looking for a new house, maybe?
“Hello? Yes, I was wondering if you have any buildings with a setup that might work for a bakery. We would need a workspace for preparation and storage,” I hear her talking as I feel shocked, taking hold of my midsection.
I quickly leave my seat and go into the back. Turning the corner into the kitchen, I find her sitting on a bar stool at a little table.
“Hey,” I call out, causing her to nearly fall off the stool as she twists towards me.
“Oh, Caleb, what’s up?” Mia says.
“Why are you looking for a bakery location?” I ask. “I don’t mean to pry, but your voice carried into the dining space.”
Her face turns pale, and her jaw drops open as if she’s just realized she’s in grave danger, like a rabbit caught in the crosshairs of a hunter.
“I genuinely want to help, maybe my grandfather has a property that would work for you.”
Mia bites her lip for a long moment before suddenly standing up from her chair.
