And I hate that despite everything, I could so easily love him again.

Instead of leaving, he makes his way to the counter and sits on a barstool next to Melly. And right along my chest being tight, a lump forms like a golf ball in my throat looking at the two of them.

“Do you help your mother cook?” he asks.

Amelia nods. “Sometimes.”

“I bet you do all the important jobs.”

She looks at me with the dark eyes she shares with her father. “Mummy said I could have a piece of apple pie when it’s cooked.”

“Really?” Josh turns his gaze to me. “Any chance of a slice for me? If it’s anything like the other food here, it’ll be fantastic.”

“Well, I …” Truth is, there’s plenty for him to have. I have a pie to spare, and while I’d planned on selling it, one slice won’t break the bank.

“Two pieces of pie, Mummy.”

I narrow my eyes as I look at the little traitor to the left of Josh. The smug look on his face tells me he knows just how I feel about being betrayed. “I’ll go and check on it.”

Everything else is packed. I remove the burgers from the warmer and slide them into the insulated cases to keep them warm. I’ll take the chicken out at the last minute.

The last thing is the apple pie.

Opening the oven, I slide out the tray. They’re cooked to perfection and I draw a deep breath. Packing four of them, I leave the lids open on the boxes to let them breathe before taking the fifth back out the front.

Leaving the pie to rest for a moment while I grab crockery and cutlery, I then cut two slices of apple pie and place them on two plates with a dollop of ice cream.

Josh smiles as I place one in front of him.

“Yummy,” Amelia says.

“It really looks yummy.” Josh nods.

“It’s still hot, so be careful.”

“Yes, Mum,” they both chorus.

The door opens. I smile at Dave as he walks toward me. “Good timing. I just took the apple pie out of the oven.”

“Brilliant.” He nods toward Josh and Amelia.

“I’ll go and get it.”

“Did Maggie pay you? She was sure she did, but …”

I smile. “She paid me on Friday. We’re all square.”

Dave turns to Josh. “It’s my granddaughter’s birthday.”

“Happy birthday to your granddaughter,” Josh says.

“I’ll pass that on. She’s a fan of yours.”

I suppress an eye roll as I turn back to the kitchen. Of course she’s a fan. Everybody loves Josh.

Stop being so bitter, Delaney.

One by one, I take the boxes out to the front counter.

“Do you need help taking that out to the car?” Josh asks Dave.