AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Chapter 1
"Done!" With a content smile, I examine my masterpiece—a multi-layered chocolate cake. Looking at it, I can imagine the sensations you get when you take a bite. First, a hit of the rich, decadent, dark chocolate with its deep, dense character, before the delicate mix of sweet and tart from the raspberries comes in. And when you think it can't get any better—the grand finale... luxurious white chocolate.
Modesty has no place here. This creation is orgasmic!
I'm Emma Campbell, owner of Simply Irresistible, a small bakery I run from home. I specialize in custom bakes, delivered to the client's door. My kitchen is my workplace, from where I create pies, cupcakes, scones, and any other sweets for special occasions.
"Mommy!" Charlotte, my six-year-old daughter, yells as she bursts into the kitchen and hugs me, breaking my train of thought. "Is the cake finished?"
I brush a hand over her cheek. "Yeah. Now I have to bring it to the Petersons."
"I'm coming with you," she announces with a grin. "They always give me candy."
"Fine. Let's go, cupcake. We have to be quick, though. We’ve got to get back home and ready for tonight."
I waste no time as I grab the cake box and make my way toward the front door. Normally, I don't do everything by myself as my neighbor, Miranda, helps me deliver my creations, but she's on eight weeks of leave—meaning I do not only have to bake everything from scratch, I also have the added stress of getting it to the right place at the right time.
Charlotte gives me a wide grin and jumps up in the air with excitement. "Tonight is the night you might meet my new daddy.”
My heart aches as her words ring in my ear. I meant to talk to her about this before it gets out of hand, but I couldn't bring myself to upset her. Maybe I should ask my best friend Alisha to speak with her. It's her fault for putting the idea in her head. Planting the box on the kitchen island, I beckon her toward me. "Sweetie, come here." Her bubbly laughter and the familiar scent of her coconut shampoo fill my lungs as I stroke my fingers through her blonde hair. "I need you to listen to me," I say, trying not to sound too harsh. "I understand you want a daddy, but it's not something that'll happen overnight. These things take time, sweetheart."
Her brows furrow in confusion."But it could happen?”
"Please... don't count on it happening tonight."
She shrugs. "Okay."
My brows lift at her reaction, but I put it aside and kiss her on the head since time is ticking. "Let's go."
Ten minutes later, Charlotte is sitting next to me in her car seat. I hoped her questions would falter after our discussion back home; unfortunately, her curiosity has only increased.
"Mommy?"
I give her a quick nod to show I'm listening. "Yes, sweetie?"
"I want to be a big sister."
I swallow to reduce the instant dryness in my throat. "Oh. Why?"
She turns in her seat, her face serious. "Because then I'll have a daddy too."
My hands grip the steering wheel tighter as I contemplate what to say, but she interrupts my inner monologue.
"Does my real daddy love me?"
The seriousness of her question brings tears to my eyes. I turn my head and gaze at my sweet girl, who's biting on her bottom lip, awaiting my answer. Unable to think of anything better, I say, "Sweetheart, your daddy loves you."
Her eyebrows knit together. "Why did he leave?"
"He got frightened, honey. Even grownups get scared sometimes."
Charlotte considers my answer. "Will he come back to meet me?" She avoids my gaze, and her lips press together while she rests her hands folded in her lap.
"I don't know, Charlotte." The longing in her voice for a daddy makes me glance away and try to swallow the growing lump in my throat.
Keep it together. When I focus back on the road, my eyes widen, and alarm bells go off in my head. I slam the brakes, which make a high-pitched squeal on the road as I hold my breath and mentally pray. Out of instinct, I stretch my arm out to protect Charlotte as we skid closer to the car that's stalled in the narrow street. My heart is beating a thousand times faster than it should and my hands are shaking like leaves. Once our car stills and my eyelids part, I look at my girl, who's looking at me with wide, questioning eyes.
"What happened, Mommy?"
