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CHAPTER1
Rose
Another day, another dollar. That’s what they always said. Rose Denton had constantly repeated those words as she looked into the mirror. She believed it would be different that day, even though her heart told her otherwise. A year had passed since her marriage ended, and it felt like yesterday that he told her he was leaving. His words echoed through her mind as she asked why it was ending. They had planned the perfect life, the great adventure that faded long before the ink had dried on the papers.
Long had she imagined her fairytale wedding: the long dress, the veil, the pretty pink roses along both sides of the aisles.
The church organ played the traditional wedding march as she moved toward her future, the man she believed was her soulmate. All eyes would be on her, though it would be with loving glances and sweet whispers. No sneers or jokes at her expense. It was her day, a day she was the beautiful one in the room. She knew nothing in this world was perfect, yet that day had been.
The first year of their marriage played out wonderfully, as she had planned. Their honeymoon, a cruise to see the Northern Lights, the number one place on her bucket list since she was a child. They kissed, danced, laughed, and made love. Rose had gotten everything she wanted, and then the roof caved in.
Long had Rose known she was not like the other women. Since she was a young girl, she had always been the biggest one in the room and heard jokes about how she needed to stop eating and that she should walk to school instead of riding the bus. Been called a whale and forced to eat alone during lunch. She never got invited to parties, prom never had a chance, and if she attended football games, it was the visitor side she sat on. However, it wasn’t just her larger size that made her life harder and lonelier.
It made her understand she was different and her life would never be simple.
When she was sixteen, Rose allowed herself to experience love for the first time, or what she thought was love. A young man she had known since fifth grade had grown close with her and became something more in what seemed overnight. She gave him a part of her she hadn’t another and believed he cared for her. However, when one of their nights together created life, Rose quickly realized that this guy, whom she had thought offered her a chance at normal, ended as soon as it began.
Rose, however, wouldn’t become a young mom. Instead, she learned that might be a dream she never fulfilled. This fact is what led to the end of her marriage years later. Rose stood in front of the small high-top with an exhale, her gaze locked to the picture on the wall: a glorious day, the grand opening of her bakery. What was supposed to be a business she ran with her husband became the only thing she got in the divorce.
“You really should take that down.” Her best friend Sarah's voice broke through Rose’s thoughts. Rose rolled her eyes, her fingers with a quick snatch of the rag she had cleaned the table.
“Why? It’s the history of the bakery, a good day.”
Rose moved around the counter, and Sarah with a sideways stand at the end. Sarah had been Rose’s best friend since kindergarten. The outspoken friend who never held back on what she thought. And she had clarified her feelings for Rose’s ex-husband before exchanging vows.
“You know,” Sarah licked her lips with a smile as she moved closer to Rose. “We should go out tonight and celebrate the day's milestone.” Rose scoffed at her friend’s suggestion. Celebrate. Celebrating the anniversary date of her marriage ending seemed as appropriate as dancing at a funeral.
“Sarah, come on.” Rose pushed that legendary fake smile across her lips. She knew how to fake happiness, how to ignore that feeling of sorrow. Rose had become a pro during her teenage years and a master during her eight-year marriage. “As much as I would enjoy such a night, I doubt I’ll be up for anything more than a bubble bath and some wine tonight after the day we have coming.”
“I mean…”
“Sarah, please.” Rose chimed in, though she could see the mixture of sadness and frustration on her friend’s face. “Let’s just get ready for the morning shift, okay?” Sarah nodded understanding before moving around Rose with a light pat against her back.
Rose exhaled a slow breath, her eyes closed for a moment. The bakery would open in an hour, and plenty was still to do. No more thoughts of the past, no more sorrow of lost dreams. The bakery had become all she lived for, her entire focus. It would be what people remembered her for. It had become her baby.
Rose tossed the rag over her shoulder; her gaze lifted again to the picture across the bakery. He had crushed her, broken her heart, forced her to look at her future in ways no one should. Her eyes started to water; tears built in the corners of her eyes when the sudden ding from the oven broke her lingering stare. She sniffled a quick rub of her fingers under her eyes. Rose smiled and nodded her head.
“Another day, another dollar.” She whispered to herself as she turned from the counter.
* * *
The bakery that morning was hectic, as most Saturday mornings were. Rose’s Cupcakes developed a reputation quickly after its opening. They offered the best cupcakes, fluffy with the best-whipped icing in three counties.The muffins were jumbo, every flavor someone could wish for.
Fresh coffee and smoothies made with fruit from the local farmer’s market. Brownies that had been written about in the local paper, praised for their size and unique taste, a secret ingredient Rose refuses to reveal…even to Sarah. Homemade pies, a specialty Rose took pride in to honor her mother.
Chatter filled the crowded room; a line stretched along the center as townspeople waited to place orders. The bell over the door chimed with each entry and exit, as constant as the song playing softly on the speakers at the front of the store—the smell of freshly baked cookies filled the air. Sarah was at the front counter, a pen and paper in her hand while she took orders. She had been with Rose since day one of the opening and wanted the best for her best friend. Her sister. Though, at times, she was a little overprotective when threats arose.
With the last order taken, Sarah smiled at the other employee, a nod toward the back. With a smooth stride through the swinging doors, Sarah leaned against the stainless-steel fridge, her gaze on Rose as she sliced apples for her famous apple pie. “We’ve nearly gone through all the brownies,” Sarah’s voice soft, Rose with a nod of her head in understanding.
“I’ve got another batch in the oven. It should be ready in five,” Rose replied as she placed the last slice beside the water bowl. Rose had a way in the kitchen; she was a superstar. Brave. In total control. The kitchen and baking had become her happy place, one found through despair and loss. “I think we should be fine until lunch with that batch.” She added.
“I’m sure we will be. The great Rose Denton is at the helm.” Sarah said, Rose with a glance up at her.
“Stop it,” Rose said with a chuckle.
“You know, I still think you should go out for a drink tonight with me,” Sarah said, pushing from the fridge as she made her way to the other side of her friend. “No celebration, just a drink at the end of a long day kinda thing.” She continued as she swooped a nearby strawberry into a bowl of cool whip. Maybe grab a guy to end the night on a good note.” Rose rolled her eyes with a chuckle.
“You know I’ve given up on relationships,” Rose replied with a quick roll of the dough she had created effortlessly.
