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Kendall nodded.
I knew enough about childhood development to know that the uncertainty wasn’t good for Kendall. “Do you like it here?”
Kendall considered the icing designs in front of her. “More than I expected to.”
Relief flooded my chest, easing the muscles I hadn’t even realized were tight. “I’m glad.”
Until I lived with Kendall, I never realized how much my well-being depended on my daughter being happy. Before, I was satisfied with her being safe and secure, but now, her emotions were inexplicably tied to mine. If she wasn’t happy here, I’d do anything to change it.
The realization sat like a brick in my stomach. As much as I enjoyed spending time with Sophie, Kendall’s needs would always come first.
I wasn’t sure there was a way to have everything I wanted. Especially if Melanie wanted Kendall to move back to Indiana.
“I don’t like not knowing.” Those simple words were spoken so quietly I could barely hear them, and it burst everything wide open.
“You want me to find out?”
Kendall’s face was pinched, but she nodded tightly. “Yeah, I think I do.”
“I can do that.” If Kendall needed me to reach out to Melanie to solidify her plans, I’d do it, even if it meant that Melanie returned early and took her away from me. I needed to tell Avery I wanted to move forward with custody. The sooner the better.
I’d do anything to make Kendall feel safe and secure. To be happy. The thought of moving out of this home and moving to Indiana didn’t feel right, though. Could I walk away from Sophie a second time?
At eighteen, I’d only been concerned with my own well-being and happiness. I’d taken Sophie’s words at face value and thought that she’d rejected me. Now, I was more in tune with other people’s feelings. I wouldn’t hurt Sophie a second time. Or at least, I hoped I wouldn’t.
ChapterSeventeen
SOPHIE
In the mornings, I trained Olivia to bake my creations. I thought I’d miss the quiet and solitude of my mornings alone in the kitchen, but instead, I missed Mark and his steady, comforting presence as he sat on the stool and watched me.
I missed our conversations that sometimes were light and funny and other times deep. They were glimpses into who he was now. No longer the boy I’d known in high school, he was a man with responsibilities. I knew him better than I had at eighteen. It made what we were doing even riskier because he had the power to hurt me if he left again.
He’d do anything for Kendall. There was no doubt in my mind that if she were truly unhappy here, he’d move back to Indiana. The fact that he’d do anything for his daughter only solidified my feelings for him. I was falling in love with him all over again. Except this time, it felt a lot like falling down a hill. I knew I’d get bumps and bruises along the way and crash at the bottom.
The heaviness that settled in my chest foreshadowed that this wouldn’t end well for me. But then, it never did with Mark. I couldn’t help but think any relationship with him was doomed to fail.
Outside forces worked against us to keep us apart. But there was a small piece of me that hoped he’d fight for me this time. It was probably naïve, but I couldn’t stay away from him despite the likely consequences.
My life was wrapped up in the bakery, my family, and now Gia’s wedding planning service. Wherever Mark decided to settle down wouldn’t change those facts. I just hoped this time, he’d include me in his plans.
In the afternoons, I met with prospective couples at Gia’s office, answering their endless questions and concerns. It was more draining than baking and serving customers. I had to convince these couples that they not only wanted but needed a wedding planner and would be happy with my designs. It was stressful.
So far, we’d only signed two more couples in addition to Savannah and Ethan. I know Gia hoped for more. I wanted our partnership to be a success, too. It had the potential to expand my brand and give me much-needed exposure.
I had to think about my future. Eventually, I wanted a family of my own. I couldn’t be tied to the kitchen like I had been the last few years. Being the face of the brand would make it easier to step away if I needed to.
Despite the stress of those meetings at Gia’s office, I felt a rush when I walked out. A sense that I was on the right path, at least professionally. Personally, I didn’t know if Mark would ever be the guy for me in the end. No matter how many times I’d dreamed he’d come back to me, I never really thought he’d stick.
At the bakery, I was surprised to see Mark talking to Courtney, with Kendall standing next to him.
“Were we supposed to meet this afternoon?” I asked, looking from Kendall to Mark, wondering if I’d missed something.
Mark shook his head, a smile playing on his lips. “I thought we could take you somewhere.”
I hesitated because Kendall didn’t know we were seeing each other.
“Can you wrap up some muffins for us to take with us? Coffees and waters?” Mark asked Courtney.
