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Simon placed his hand over the microphone in order to speak to Elaine, who was standing off to the side. “Pepper arrived. She’s in the back. Please escort her here.”
Elaine didn’t say a word but instead nodded and set off to take care of the task.
Simon turned back to the crowd. “Sorry about that. A special guest has just arrived. This person has helped me take Ross Pet Playground from just
another pet store to something extra special. I have a surprise announcement that hasn’t been released to the public.”
A hush fell over the crowd as they waited to hear the news.
“Within each and every Ross Pet Playground there’s going to be a gourmet bakery.” An excited murmur moved through the crowd. “We will be starting out with dog and cat treats that are not only tasty and cute, but also baked right in the store with top-of-the-line ingredients.”
Pepper appeared off to the side of the stage with Daisy in her arms. He gestured for her to join him. She hesitated and shook her head. He gestured again.
“And you have this wonderful baker to thank for the tasty treats.” When Pepper stepped forward, he said, “I would like to introduce the Polka Dotted Baker, Pepper Kane.”
Another round of applause. Questions were shouted from the press, but Simon ignored them. He wasn’t answering any questions until the ribbon cutting was complete. And he still had a surprise for Pepper.
“Pepper has a bakery right here in Manhattan.” And then he gave the address. “It is going to reopen in the New Year. I hope you’ll stop by and give her your support. Just wait until you try her coffee and pastries. They are out of this world.” He glanced over at Pepper, who was now blushing. She looked so adorable.
His assistant handed him a giant pair of scissors. When Pepper started to move away, he reached out to her. “Stay. You’re really going to want to hear this next part.” He turned back to the microphone. “Before I cut the ribbon, I have one more thing to say. With every purchase that’s made at Ross Pet Playgrounds, a portion of the profits will be donated to Daisy’s Friends. And if you’re wondering who Daisy is—” he moved next to Pepper and gestured to the puppy “—this is Daisy. She’s a rescue from a local animal shelter. She left behind lots of cuddly friends who need our help. Funds are limited and Ross Pet Playgrounds want to help by supporting local animal shelters.”
The loudest applause of all filled the air.
He gestured for his assistant to come forward. “Can Elaine hold Daisy for just a moment?”
Pepper’s brows drew together. “Simon, what are you doing?”
“You’ll see.” He helped transfer Daisy from Pepper’s protective arms to his assistant’s, who appeared to instantly fall in love with Daisy. He couldn’t blame her. That little dog had a way of worming into the most resistant heart.
He spoke into the microphone again. “Pepper, you’ve been so instrumental in making this opening a success that I’d like you to cut the ribbon with me. What do you say?”
Her cheeks were rosy as she nodded her head. He gripped one side of the scissor handle and she gripped the other. Together they snipped the ribbon.
And then they moved to the side as the doors swept open and all the guests were ushered inside the store, with its shelves filled with dog and cat toys and Christmas stockings stuffed with pet toys. The shop was decorated with Christmas decorations. In the center was an area for dog training, and along with the bakery expansion there was going to be an adoption center.
“You did a really great job,” Pepper said.
Elaine moved up to them and handed the docile Daisy back to Pepper. “I agree, boss. You really outdid yourself.”
“But it wasn’t me.” He was uncomfortable with taking the praise when it was Pepper and Daisy that had inspired the additions to the store.
Elaine turned to Pepper. “I don’t know how you did it, but I definitely like the change.”
His assistant walked away and Pepper wore a smile.
He was confused. “What did she mean?”
Pepper looked amused. “I think she was referring to you.”
“Me? I haven’t changed.” Had he?
“That was marvelous, darling.” His mother stepped forward and gave him a feathery kiss near his cheek. “I must say that I was surprised by the invitation.”
“You can thank Pepper. It was her idea. She thought you might enjoy it.”
“And I did.” Her gaze met his. “Thank you both for including me.”
For the first time in forever, he truly believed his mother. She wasn’t saying this to impress anyone. Maybe Pepper was right that his mother wanted a chance to mend their relationship.
