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“I can see that.” Beth grabbed several flattened boxes and began folding each one into form. Setting them aside.
“I want to give other kids that same kind of place to grieve, to cope, to belong and connect.”
They worked in silence for several minutes. Her folding boxes, him filling. Her closing the lids.
She set a stack of full boxes onto a cart. “Horses set you off on a westward adventure.”
Grayson plopped another block of rolls into a box. “Don’t knock it until you’ve tried it.”
She cut him a look. “I like it here.”
He picked up a damp towel and wiped icing off the fingertips of his gloves. “I’m just saying—you could do it. Head out on your adventure. Tackle that bucket list.”
“I can’t leave my dad.”
“You could always come back to visit—or even have this as home base.”
She shook her head. “It’s just not in the cards for me.” If it had been, maybe she’d have left with Lyle. Gone on a trek to Texas.
But she wouldn’t choose between her dad and her future. Couldn’t.
No. She was meant for Deep Haven.
She loaded another stack of pastry boxes onto the cart. “Everything I ever need is here.” She waved her hand, gesturing to the room in general.
He set the last baking pan onto the table. “Do you really believe that? There’s nothing beyond Deep Haven for you?”
She couldn’t answer him. Oh, she’d thought it to be true. Told herself that. Repeatedly, each time a dream began to well up in her, she’d tell herself that she wasn’t like Mom. That Deep Haven was all she ever needed. And her kayak had been happily tethered to that dock.
Until Grayson had rolled back into town and started trampling her plans. Invited her on rides and to hang out in the bakery. Danced beneath the twinkly stars.
He’s leaving.
Wasn’t he? Or was he? Because as he stood there, wearing a Fox Bakery apron and a smile, he seemed right at home.
And that lit just a little hope in her heart that he could stay.
“Looks like that’s all of them.” He tucked the lid and added the last box to the stacks on the cart.
He stood close—impossibly close—and she could smell his woodsy aftershave. How could a man smell so good?
She dared to look up at him, met his green eyes. A little mix of fire and mischief sparked in them.
Her focus dropped to his lips. She’d first dreamed of kissing those lips twelve years ago.
Grayson reached out and tucked a lock of loose hair behind her ear. His eyes went to her lips.
Kiss me.
The back door flew open and Grayson jumped away like he’d been torched by a vat of hot glaze.
Robin jogged in. “Hey, are you two done? Sammy’s going to help with—” She stopped, glanced from one to the other.
“Yep. All done.”
Robin looked at Beth, a quirk in her brow.
“Oh yeah. All done here.”
