Page 101 of Falling for the Billionaire Best Man

They were young and in love. There was a certain confidence a person had when they were in love. It was knowing you always had someone as backup. Someone to catch you when you fell. It was the equivalent of moving through life with a safety net. And a cheerleader.

I wanted that, obviously, but after spending time with Eliza and Cullen, I saw the joy in her life. And now I was seeing it with Toby and Kelly. And I got a tiny taste of it with Kaisen.

I was hooked.

At one point, Toby caught me staring and grinned. “What?” he asked.

I shook my head, trying to play it off. “Nothing. You two are just cute. That’s all.”

Kelly laughed, her cheeks turning pink. “Oh, stop. We’re not that cute.”

“Yes, you are,” I said. “Admit it.”

Toby wrapped an arm around Kelly’s shoulders, pulling her close. “Fine, we’re cute. But seriously, Dorie, this girl is it for me. I’m going to marry her one day.”

Kelly’s eyes widened, and she swatted his arm. “Toby!”

“What?” he said, laughing. “It’s true. You’re stuck with me, Kelly. Forever. You may as well just accept it. I’m going to be following you around for the rest of your days.”

I watched them, a strange mix of emotions swirling in my chest. Toby had always been a bit of a romantic but hearing him talk about Kelly like that—it was different. He sounded so sure, so confident. Like he’d found his place in the world, and it was right here, in Cape May, with her.

“Stop,” Kelly joked.

“I’m serious,” Toby said. “We’re going to be ninety and walking down the boardwalk. We’re going to be the Cape May couple. People are going to see us shuffling around and talk about the preschool teacher that fell in love with the baker.”

That was when it occurred to me he could see his whole life in front of him. And that life was here.

“You really love it here, don’t you?” I asked, my voice soft.

Toby nodded, his expression serious. “Yeah, I do. My whole family’s here, Kelly’s here. It just feels like home, you know? Like I was meant to be here.”

I smiled, but there was a pang in my chest that I couldn’t quite shake. I’d always thought I’d end up back in New York City, where I’d gotten my start. Cape May had been a pit stop, a place to regroup and rebuild after everything that had happened. But now I wasn’t so sure. The thought of leaving felt heavier than it used to, and I didn’t know why. Cape May was beautiful. I loved it here, but it didn’t really feel like home. I didn’t feel settled.

I didn’t voice any of that out loud, though. “I’m happy for you, Toby. Really. Both of you guys. I have a feeling you will be legends. They’ll paint murals of you two.”

He smiled, his arm still around Kelly. “Thanks, Dorie. That means a lot.”

We finished up a little while later. Kelly headed out to get ready for her workweek. Toby stayed behind to help me clean up.

“So, I heard the T-shirt shop a couple doors down sold to that firm,” Toby said.

“Yes, I know.”

“Any updates on what they’re going to do?” he asked, his tone casual but his eyes serious.

I understood why he was asking. He just laid out his life plan and working here at the bakery was a part of that plan.

I shook my head, wiping down the counter. “Not really. They’re still pushing, but I’m not selling. This place is mine, and I’m not giving it up.”

Toby nodded, his expression relieved. “Good. I was worried you might cave. Those guys are relentless.”

I laughed, though there wasn’t much humor in it. “Not a chance. This bakery is my baby. I’m not letting anyone take it away from me. They are not going to bully me.”

He laughed. “That’s my boss. Stubborn as hell.”

“Damn right,” I said, grinning.

By the time I got home, I was completely drained. I kicked off my shoes, dropped my bag by the door, and fell face-first into bed. The week ahead was going to be insane—Eliza’s wedding cake, various other orders, and who knew what else. There always seemed to be something that popped up. Someone needed a birthday cake on short notice. Or five dozen cupcakes for an impromptu party. I couldn’t turn the business away. Especially not now. I needed a new oven. My mixer was on its last legs as well.

I needed to start baking tomorrow, but right then, all I wanted was sleep.

Rick hopped onto the bed. He sat down and scowled at me.

“I know, I know,” I said. “I’ve been busy. It’s not like you spend a lot of time with me when I am here. You’ve got plenty of food. Water. Don’t act like you haven’t enjoyed having the place to yourself. I saw all those empty tuna cans.”

He cocked his head to the side. I could only imagine what was running through his head. I never thought of myself as a cat person, but when I met Rick at the shelter, he just seemed like the guy for me. I didn’t know if I would call our story a match made in heaven, but we bonded.

He must have been satisfied with my explanation because he turned around and took his usual spot at the foot of my bed.

I reached for my phone, intending to text Kaisen, but my eyes were already closing. Just as I was about to drift off, my phone lit up with a notification. I squinted at the screen, my heart skipping a beat when I saw his name.

Back in NYC tonight for work. I’ll see you tomorrow night. I want to take you out on that date we won at game night. Get some rest, Dorie. You’ve earned it.

I smiled, my fingers hovering over the screen as I tried to think of a response. But sleep pulled me under before I could type anything, my phone slipping from my hand as I drifted off.

Tomorrow was going to be another long day, but I let myself get the sleep I so desperately needed.