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“He also mentioned something about there being a guy with you in the mornings, but he’d noticed that he’d stopped coming around recently.”
“I came in earlier than usual today. That’s what happened. If I came at my normal time, I probably would have missed him.” Then he’d still be loose. It was a good thing I’d changed up my routine.
“Who was the guy meeting you at four in the morning to open?” Dad asked, his tone steady.
“It was Mark.”
I wasn’t sure we had a relationship at this point. I wouldn’t blame him if he walked away. But I couldn’t even process that situation, not with the bakery a disaster. I wasn’t even sure when I’d be able to reopen.
I would lose money and wedding clients. It felt overwhelming and hopeless.
“You guys are serious, then?” Dad asked.
“What are you talking about?” The kitchen was starting to swim in my vision, or I was tearing up. I felt a little disconnected from what was happening. Or maybe I just wanted to hide. Pull a blanket over my head and pretend this never happened.
“You and Mark. You’re together. Serious.”
“Honestly?” I paused my musings to really look at my dad. His face was etched with concern. “I think I screwed up. I said something that made Kendall run away. I don’t think he’ll forgive me.” I wasn’t sure I could forgive myself.
I felt dead inside, like everything had shriveled up. I hadn’t even felt this way when my mother passed away.
“You didn’t screw up.” The familiar, deep voice coming from the doorway drew my attention.
“Mark? What are you doing here?” I tipped my head to the side.
Mark moved across the room, erasing the distance between us, his voice sure. “You didn’t screw up anything.”
He stood in front of me, looking more beautiful than any man had a right to. He looked well-rested and recently showered. His aftershave washed over me like a comforting embrace. He cupped my cheek, and I forgot my dad and Ellie were nearby and probably watching.
It was just me and Mark.
“I’m so sorry I made you think that Kendall running away was your fault.” He punctuated each word, his expression earnest.
“I was the one who talked to her.”
“You were trying to protect her. Protect me.” His thumb was feather light on my jaw. The motion slowly unraveled the tight knot that formed when Kendall ran away.
“Oh?” Why couldn’t I come up with anything more intelligent to say?
Then his expression softened. “I love you. I think I always have.”
“I love you too,” I whispered.
Had he come here to tell me that?
“I’m messing this up.”
“It seems like you’re getting it right.”
“I had this whole speech prepared. Kendall and my parents gave me a talking-to. Told me I need to make things right with you.”
“And why is that?” My voice was steadier now, my vision sharper.
“Because I let you believe that what happened was your fault when all you’ve ever done is try to take care of us. To be there for us. I was an idiot. I feared losing Kendall, and now, I’m scared to lose you.”
I looked into his eyes, seeing the love for me there. I was overcome with emotion—the guilt from yesterday, the fear from this morning, the uncertainty about the future.
“Are you okay? Colton told me what happened.”
