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Ethan nodded. “Appreciate it. But I don’t go out these days. You know me.”
“Maybe it’s time you got back out there too, bro?” I asked him, treading carefully. Ethan had been through something much tougher than a divorce, but a lot of time had passed since he’d been made a widow, and I hoped he’d find happiness again.
Ethan’s jaw tightened. He looked over at the girls, who were busy cooing over pastries with Elara and said quietly, “Thanks, but there’s no way I’m falling in love again. It’s a dangerous game for someone like me. Way too painful. Not sure I could handle romance ever again after what I went through.”
I knew not to push it, but I couldn’t resist one bit of advice: “Well, brother, I can highly recommend a fling.”
Ethan laughed. “Flings are the most dangerous of all.”
Just then, Rhea called out: “Hey, Daddy! Me and Lexi just had an idea! We think Elara needs an official opening. Like how they do it on TV.”
“Yeah, with a big pink ribbon!” added Lexi.
“And massive scissors,” added Ava.
“You know what, girls?” I said. “That’s a great idea.”
Ethan stepped forward. "I did have an idea, actually. Something the girls could help with." He pulled out a length of red ribbon. "Thought you could do with an official opening."
***
When opening time came around, a long line of customers stretched down the main street, all the way to Happy Ever Affogato. A photographer from the local paper was here, camera in hand, ready to snap the celebration. I could see that Elara was getting more and more anxious. She kept chewing her lip.
I was anxious too, but for an entirely different reason. I had to put that out of my mind, though, and get through this day first. That meant welcoming everyone in.
I cleared my throat. "Okay, everyone! Thanks for waiting, y’all." I held one end of the red ribbon and Ethan held the other. Elara was inside but within earshot. "Thank you for coming to the grand opening of O’Neil’s Bakery!"
Cheers and applause rang out. I spotted Stephanie and Bryce in the crowd and shot them a grin. "Now, you're going to need a tiny bit more patience, but it will be worth it. Trust me, I've sampled the caramel! Now a word from our head baker and owner, Elara O'Neil!"
More clapping. Elara emerged, looking embarrassed but happy. "I want to say thanks to everyone who's helped make this bakery a reality,” she called out. “I couldn't have done it without Cole, the girls, Patrick, and so many other people.” A pause. “A lot of you will remember my father, Michael O'Neil, as the owner here when it used to be a bar." She looked up, her eyes rimmed with red. "Dad, I wish you could see this. I hope you would be proud. And Mom? You’re the whole reason I love to bake. My mom’s apple pie will always be on the menu here."
More applause. I noticed Lily in the crowd, wiping her eyes with a handkerchief.
"Now," Elara said, "could my two little helpers cut the ribbon? I want to get some people served!"
"Ready, girls?" I asked, kneeling down to their level. Ava had decided to leave the task to Lexi and Rhea, since she didn’t like to be in the limelight, but she had managed to find a pretty big pair of scissors for the girls to use.
"Ready!" they chimed, their eyes sparkling with anticipation.
"Then let's cut the ribbon and welcome everyone to O’Neil’s Bakery!" I announced, handing them a pair of scissors. Quietly, I added: "Watch your fingers, girls.”
Lexi and Rhea looked at each other. "Three, two, one!"
As they carefully snipped through the red ribbon, another cheer erupted from the crowd.
"Okay! O’Neil’s Bakery is now officially open!"
***
Operating a till was surprisingly difficult. But I was happy to help out while Elara served the customers and brought more baked goods out from the kitchen.
Rhea and Lexi hung around for a while, acting like the unofficial mascots of the place. I overheard them chatting to a table of customers at one point.
"She tries out all her recipes on us," Rhea said. "And those sprinkles on the unicorn cupcake were actually my idea."
It was so gratifying to see them both so happy with their place in this bakery. I felt as though being part of this project was a great way to make a true home for the girls in this town. And I had another part of that plan that I'd be unveiling to Elara later.
I hoped she liked my idea.
