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I’m not sure how to make that call. I can already hear the silence after I tell him, followed by questions I won’t have answers for that he’ll accept.

But Mom’s right. He needs to hear it from me.

"Does Wolfgang know how your brother feels?" she asks.

"Yes. He knows."

"And he understands what this could do between you?"

"He hasn’t asked me to choose between him and Beau, Mom."

"I’m glad."

"He wouldn’t."

I say it before I can soften it. Wolf has given me room to decide what I want, even when I’ve made decisions that hurt him.

Mom lets out another breath.

"I just don’t want you getting hurt."

"I don’t either."

We sit with that for a moment. Then she asks whether I’ve eaten lunch.

"Not yet."

"Baylor."

"I sold everything. That’s good news, remember?"

"It is. Now go buy something that isn’t a cupcake."

"I’m parked beside a chili truck."

"Perfect."

I glance toward it. The serving window is still open.

"Okay. I’ll get lunch."

"Your dad will book the flights tonight. I’ll send you the details."

"Thanks, Mom."

"And we are excited about the gala. About your business. I don’t want you thinking otherwise."

My fingers tighten around the phone.

"I know."

"I love you, sweetheart."

"Love you too."

We hang up, and I set my phone beside my water.

Wolf was smiling when I left this morning. He kissed me at the door, asked when I’d be back, and told me to sell every last cupcake.