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And because she missed Jaime more than her own family. More than Renzo’s.
But him? The jerk had moved on. When she’d gotten his text message a week ago, she’d nearly thrown her phone against the wall.
Jaime: Hey, are you still down to make Kinny’s birthday cake? It’s all she can talk about.
How could he act so blasé toward the woman whose heart he’d shattered? She could only assume he’d gone back to being that emotionally flat guy she’d first met. She’d spent countless nights trying to figure out why he’d reach out to her like that. Was it a test to see how she felt about him? Was he inviting her to the party? Finally, she’d faced the truth.
He wants a cake, you idiot. That’s it. He was making his daughter happy.
She could’ve told him to go screw himself, but she loved that little girl, and she wouldn’t let her have a store-bought cake when she knew just what would make Kinny happy. So, she’d done it. She’d made a fabulous princess cake with turrets and a working gate with isomalt chains.
Since she’d moved here, their paths hadn’t crossed—he was busy with exhibition games, Kinny had started first grade, and Grace was designing her space while it was under construction—so today would be the first time they’d seen each other since that day in the bunkhouse.
As she neared the backyard, she grew nervous. It would be unbearable to see him having fun while she’d been curled up at night crying her eyes out—but also, she wondered how his family would treat her. Did they think he was a jerk for not holding onto her?
Did they think about her at all?
It didn’t matter. She’d found a lovely townhouse to rent in Wild Wolff Village—a professor from the University of Western Wyoming was on sabbatical—and her bakery opened next month. If the Duprees ever stopped by, she’d be happy to see them. She had no issue with them.
For today, she’d drop the cake off and leave.
But just as she reached the freshly mown lawn, Kinny spotted her. Her whole face lit up, and she shouted, “Gracie.” She raced over, the skirt of her flouncy pink dress fluttering, her eyes sparkling, and her cheeks bright pink. “You came.”
“I did.” When the child slammed into her, she had to brace, holding the cake up high and balancing it so it didn’t shake or topple over.
“Where have you been?” Those little arms banded around her thighs. “I’ve missed you so much.”
She wished she had a free hand so she could hug the girl. “I’ve missed you, too, sweetheart. Do you want to see your birthday cake?” She lowered the cake to give the little girl a better view. “What do you think?”
Kinny’s awed expression was answer enough. “I want to live in it.” She gazed up at Grace. “I love it so much. It’s the best birthday cake ever.”
“Grace?” Abby hurried over. Her eyes went wide when she saw the cake. “Oh, my goodness. This is stunning.” She smiled at Grace. “Thank you. This is amazing.”
“It’s my pleasure.”
“I hear you’re moving here. You’re going to open a bakery in the village?”
“Ihavemoved here.” Kids came rushing over to see the profiterole castle. “And yes, we open next month.”
Abby glanced at the house. She seemed confused. “Did I miss a step?”
More people came to see the cake, and it edged Grace out. She wanted to leave before Jaime saw her. “I don’t know, but I just came to drop off the cake.” She lifted it. “Where would you like it?”
“I’ve got a table set up just for it.”
As they headed off, Kate, Jaime’s mom, came over. “Would you look at that? It’s a masterpiece.” She kissed Grace on the cheek, giving her a warm squeeze. “It’s so good to see you.”
“It’s good to see you, too.” But she really did need to go. There were a lot of guests, but Jaime was bound to see her. “How about I just hand it off to you?”
“Oh, I’m not touching it.” Kate held up both hands.
What choice did she have but to follow Abby to the table covered in a princess tablecloth and strewn with plates, forks, candles, and napkins? Grace set it down carefully. “Okay, here you go. Have a great party.” She took a quick glance at the festively decorated backyard and noticed the big playset. It had a slide, a rock wall ladder for climbing, and three swings. Something looked different about the pool, too, and she realized it now had a slide.
Had Kate and Trace finally moved in?
Not my business. She needed to go. But just as she turned, her gaze landed on Jaime.
This time, a quiet explosion rocked through her at the sight of him. The party sounds muted, and everything but him became a blur. He looked at her like this moment was a homecoming. Like he’d waited years for her return.
