My eyes scanned the tablet screen, and as soon as I saw the number of orders placed for the holidays, my mouth went dry. This number was double what I typically took, which made sense given that I had planned on Tiffany’s help. Still, I didn’t want to worry her. I meant what I said earlier—I didn’t want her to feel guilty for prioritizing her family.
“You’re the best, Lily. I really appreciate it. I’ll keep you posted on how he’s feeling and if my husband might be able to stay with him.”
“That sounds great. Talk to you soon, Tiffany.”
I ended the call and set my phone on the counter. I looked at the tablet again, trying to convince myself that I’d seen the wrong number or I imagined something.
“Forty orders…” I said under my breath. I typically kept holiday pre-orders between fifteen to twenty customers, since people often ordered more than one item. I had a limited holiday menu that they were able to choose from, but still…
Forty was double the amount of customers I typically took on.
I felt my chest closing in on me, spots dancing in my vision. My palms got sweaty, and it suddenly started to feel like a million degrees in the café.
“Lily?” I could see Gabe out of the corner of my eye, but his voice felt far away.
“That’s…I can’t…” I shook my head, my vision getting blurry.
Thiswas exactly why Hal didn’t want to sell the building to me. Because I could barely take care of the responsibilities I had,and I was so focused on growing the café that I didn’t have a backup plan if things went wrong.
“I’m right here, Sunshine. I got you.” His voice was slow and steady. It didn’t matter how many times I blinked—he wouldn’t come into focus.
Gabe untied my apron, lifting it over my head and setting it on the counter. The simple action made me feel slightly less claustrophobic in my own body.
He gently set his hands on my arms, guiding me around the counter to sit at one of the tables. Instead of pulling out the chair next to me, he kneeled in front of me. He reached over for my hand, taking it in his and holding on tightly, grounding me.
“I’m right here,” he repeated. “We’re in the café, and you’re safe. What can I do to help?”
I parted my lips, but no words came out.
“Take your time,” Gabe assured. His other hand wrapped around mine, and he squeezed gently. “Breathe with me.”
I nodded and took a deep inhale, slowly letting it go. I repeated the action and used the time to gather my thoughts and slow my heart rate down.
“I…I saw the number of Christmas orders and got really freaked out, because I don’t know if I can fulfill them all,” I admitted, my voice not sounding like my own. “And I don’t want to stress Tiffany out when Jack isn’t feeling well.”
“Let’s see what we can do and figure it out together. What’s stressing you out the most?”
“I shouldn’t have doubled the number of orders during the first season I had help. That was so irresponsible of me not to have a backup plan. I also didn’t expect that we actuallywoulddouble the orders. Why would so many people want to order from me?”
“Lily,” he said with a laugh. “You’re the most talented baker in the area—I’d even go so far to say the state.”
I rolled my eyes, but he continued.
“Of course, people want to order from you. People are willing to drive to Golden Falls for your baking.”
“No way.” I was a no-name baker in a small town with limited training. There weresomany other bakers who were more skilled than me.
As if he heard my inner thoughts, Gabe gave me a pointed look. “Yes, really. Stop doubting yourself. You’re talented and skilled at what you do. Don’t diminish that.”
I was speechless again, but this time it wasn’t from my stress or panic. It was from Gabe’s compliment.
My lips rolled together, and I nodded. “Thank you.” My voice was quiet.
I realized he’d let go of my hands. Instead, his large palms were splayed on the sides of my thighs. Now, my throat was dry for awhole other reasonas I thought about him moving his hands up to my hips to grip them tightly. If I moved my hands—which were tightly gripping the side of the chair—to his broad shoulders. Or maybe to tangle in his hair.
I gripped the chair even tighter, my knuckles turning white. I neededsomethingto keep me from reaching out.
“Okay, so, double orders.” Gabe got back to the task at hand. “Usually, you’re handling them on your own, right? Depending on if Jack feels better, maybe Tiffany will be able to help. If not, you have me to help. I can’t say baking is my specialty, but I’m sure there’s other things I can help with to make things go smoothly. We can also recruit your mom to help with baking? I’m sure Eliza and Jules would be willing to help. Your brother and dad, too. Hell, I think if I went outside and askedliterallyanyone walking by, they would be willing to help you. You have this whole town on your side.”
