Then he remembered the conversation they’d had weeks ago, in his workroom. The day he’d been agonizing over Molly’s unwillingness to stay in Harlot’s Bay any longer than necessary, and Charlotte had recognized their visitor’s voice from the Sadie Brazen audiobooks.
Maybe I could help you back here sometimes?she’d tentatively suggested.You work such long hours, and I’d really like to—
And then he’d cut her off.
He’d told her he was fine. Dismissed her, unwilling to add more stress to her life. Assumed she’d made the offer out of pity, not a genuine desire to learn from him.
But had he explained his reasoning? Or asked her what she truly wanted and why she wanted it?
No. He sure as fuck hadn’t. And now, here they were, just figuring this shit out, when she could’ve been helping him weeks ago. Could’ve been learning valuable skills at his elbow. Could’ve allowed him more time off to spend with Molly.
Molly, who’d tried to talk to him about Charlotte. He hadn’t listened to her either.
And because he hadn’t told Charlotte how he felt about her, hadn’t expressed himself in even the most inadequate goddamn way, his daughter—in his heart, if not by law or blood—thought he considered her stupid and untrustworthy. A burden. That heput up with her, rather than considering her one of the great joys of his fucking life.
The shame of it curdled his stomach.
Swallowing down nausea, he finally asked the right questions. “You really want to be my apprentice? Even though I’m a surly asshole and the work hours completely blow?”
“Yes.” There was no doubt in her tone. “I want to be a baker, and I want to train under you. I already told my parents months ago, and we figured out ways to make the logistics work, if you were willing.”
When he spoke again, he was careful to make things crystal-fucking-clear. All pronouns in place, with no room for any more confusion.
“When we talked last month, Charlotte, I didn’t understand what you were asking or why, and I didn’t make any effort to clarify things. I’m so damn sorry. But I understand now, so here’s my updated answer.” He met her wondering gaze directly. “You’re smart when it comes to flavors, you listen well, and you pick things up quickly. You work hard. You’re friendly, kind, and a great colleague. A great mom too, although that’s less relevant to your apprenticeship. And above all else, I actually enjoy your company, which isn’t something I can say about too many damn people.”
With each compliment, her eyes grew brighter. Wetter.
By the time he finished, she was outright crying. She was also beaming.
“Charlotte, will you please be my apprentice?” He squeezed her trembling fingers. “My stupid back and I could both use a little more time away from the bakery.”
When she opened her mouth to answer, he held up a staying hand.
“I want to say one more thing: No matter what you decide, you’ll always have a place in my bakery and my heart. Not because I feel obligated. Because I want you in my life. And no matter what you do or where you go, I’ll always be proud of you and everything you’ve accomplished. I admire the hell out of you, Charlotte.”
He’d never seen her stand straighter or look more confident, even as she blotted away her tears with a spare napkin.
“Yes, I’ll be your apprentice.” She wrinkled her nose at him. “And brace yourself, Karl, because once Bez hears the news, she’ll definitely ask next.”
He rolled his eyes. “Fine.”
“And as soon as Johnathan’s out of college...”
“We’ll deal with that shit when the time comes.” He paused. Worked up the courage to say what he now knew was damn wellnecessary. “You know I love you, right? Like my own daughter?”
His ears were burning, his hands shaking.
“I hoped you did.” More napkin dabs. “But I didn’t know. Not before tonight. It feels...” She paused. Choked a little. “It feels really good to hear it.”
Without warning, her slight frame barreled into his chest, and she wrapped her arms around his waist. He held her tight, rocking her back and forth a little.
“All these years, you’ve been my anchor, Karl. The one person I could always rely on, other than my parents,” she whispered into his tuxedo jacket. “You know I love you too, right?”
After hearing her breath hitch, he rocked her some more. “Figured you might.”
But... yeah. She was right. It feltreallyfucking good to hear it.
The words sank into his bones. Braced and warmed him from the inside out.
