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He's been working on three new recipes forChocolat y Caramel, and I have the honour of being the first person to sample them—hence the blindfold. According to Max, it will sharpen my sense of taste, enabling me to give him better feedback. Although, I think he's also getting some kind of kinky thrill from feeding me while I'm blindfolded. Who knows what he'll end up putting in my mouth?
Max has already introduced two new desserts to theChocolat y Caramelmenu, one of which he made for his mum. Barbra is a wonderful lady. She and I hit it off right away, and often grab lunch together. She has a sweet tooth and loves her desserts, and Max named his most recent creation “Barbra's Spotted Dick with a Twist,” replacing the traditional suet sponge with puff pastry. Barbra usually likes it with a dollop of squirty cream instead of custard, which always makes Max laugh.
But my husband isn't only talented in the bedroom and baking department. He's pretty nifty when it comes to cooking, too. When he places a delicious meal he's prepared in front of me, I can't ignore the symbolism of him providing me with sustenance. Of him taking care of me in a way no one else has since Mum died.
I spent so long afraid to lean on someone for fear it would make me dependent on them, but I didn't realise how damn tired I was fighting for every scrap of independence. Max made me see that there's no shame in sharing the load and accepting help. Having him work alongside me,withme, supporting me has opened my mind and heart to the joy of sharing the good stuff and the bad with someone you love. Marrying him six months ago was the happiest day of my life, and every day since has been a revelation.
It was the anniversary of Mum's death a month after the incident with Gerald, and for the first time, I had someone to lean on. Max accompanied me to her grave, where we placed her favourite flowers--violets and white poppies. I introduced them, silly as it sounds, but it was comforting to think Mum could hear me, maybe even see me from over the rainbow. I know she'd approve of Max wholeheartedly, and she'd be happy for me.
Gerald was dismissed from Sutherland's for gross misconduct, and charges were brought against him by Sutherland's lawyers, resulting in a maximum sentence of seven years in prison. As Max said, While Gerald wasn't solely responsible for Sutherland's financial issues, his mismanagement of the store and poor leadership was certainly a significant part of it.
With Gerald gone, there was an opening for a store manager. I was all set to quit my job and find another store to work at to avoid wagging tongues, but Max convinced me to apply. He told me in no uncertain terms that I had the knowledge, know-how, and passion required for the position.
I was reluctant at first, but when Max told me the hiring process would be managed by an external recruitment agency, I relented. I was worried about how it would look with us being in a relationship, but after going through the lengthy interview process, I knew I’d earned the job on my own merits. As Max said, I wasn’t given the role because of our relationship, I was given it because there was no candidate more deserving than me. And yes, he made me cry when he said it.
There are good people with solid ideas willing to work hard to see the Sutherland's brand rebound in the market. I already have plans underway to revitalise each department by updating their offerings to appeal not only to the "moms" but to the family as a whole. We'll be expanding our online sales and in-store collection processes and redoing the shop layout for a more customer-centric experience.
Max's heart was never in running a department store. He doesn’t love it the way I do, so he stepped aside to focus his energy on opening aChocolat y Caramelpatisserie in the store. We don't have a hospitality area, so it will be a fantastic addition to the business. It will encourage greater foot traffic and entice shoppers and tourists into the store and keep them there.
Max is more than happy to take a back seat as a board member and leave the rest to me. And the beauty is we've found a way to bring both of our dreams to fruition.
I couldn't bring myself to sell the little semi-detached house I shared with Mum and decided to rent it out. A couple and their two children now live there, and it comforts me to know the house is filled with love and laughter.
Monty and I came as a package deal, and he's settled in well at the apartment. Fortunately, he's an indoor cat, so he's quite content to prowl the rooms as the whim takes him.
"Okay, this one is called a cruffin," Max says, pulling me from my thoughts.
"A cruffin?"
"Yep. It's a cross between a croissant and a muffin." He taps my bottom lip with a fork, and I open up.
"Oh, that's good. I taste vanilla and cinnamon, and the sweet combination of cake and flaky pastry melts on my tongue."
"Next up is Vegan Plum and Apple Pastry."
"Nice." I nod. "I'm glad you're adding another choice to the vegan range."
Max places a piece on my tongue, and I moan. "The apple and plum work perfectly together. Nice sharpness, not too sweet, and as always, the pastry just melts."
"Okay, final one," Max says.
I open up, and he spoons a small amount into my mouth. I hum in approval. "Oh, sweet heavenly lord, this is amazing. It's like a decadent pudding rather than a pastry. Rich, smooth dark chocolate with a hint of coffee, vanilla, and ... what is that? I can't quite place it."
Max removes my blindfold. "It's violets."
I look down at the ramekin holding the luxurious dessert, and my hand flies to my mouth. The top is decorated with delicate violets and white poppy petals.
"This one is called Faith's Fondant," Max murmurs.
"You named a dessert after Mum?" I whisper, lifting my eyes to his.
He nods. "Do you like it?"
I shake my head as the first tear trickles down my cheek. "No. I bloody love it, you incredible, wonderful,thoughtfulman. God, I love you so much."
Max gathers me into his arms and kisses me softly. "Love you, too, Mrs Sutherland."
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