Instead, Annette reached across the table and squeezed Sadie’s hands. “I’m sorry I was such a stubborn old bat. It took me so long to realize the true root of my feelings. Ever since I came here to stay after Ethan’s accident? Well, I’ve realized I was wrong about a lot of things.” She sighed. “Seeing what a strong team you and Ethan make when the going gets tough…Well, honey, that says a lot about a person. About a couple. And the fact that you two are managing that while raising a toddler and gearing up for the grand opening of a pie shop? You’re quite a woman.”

Sadie got up from her chair and engulfed her mother-in-law in a warm hug.

“I love you, Annette,” she said, meaning every word. “And for the record, you have made our lives easier in a whole bunch of ways. And we are very appreciative of all the love and support you’ve given us.”

“Can we start over?”

Sadie rubbed her tiny baby bump. “I think now’s the perfect time.”

Chapter Thirty

Chapter Thirty

Renee folded the last of the towels, neatly placing the stack in the hall closet. So much had happened since she and Sadie had joined forces to work on Hester’s. She’d been working hard perfecting her menu with the help of Grandma Hester’s recipe box and her own repertoire. Banana cream pie, chocolate–peanut butter whoopie pies, wild blueberry pie, of course. But also more inventive offerings like sweet potato–rum pie, salted–maple syrup pie, cranberry-pecan pie, and so much more. Specials would change daily.

She peeked inside Tansy’s bedroom as she walked by, lingering in the doorway. Who knew an unmade bed and a forgotten, crumb-filled dessert plate on the nightstand could bring such happiness? Ever since Tansy had returned home, Renee could not stop reveling in daily reminders of her daughter’s presence. Entering, she smoothed out the comforter and picked up the plate, walking down the steps to the living room.

Tomorrow morning, at ten o’clock sharp, Renee and Sadie would cut a red gingham ribbon and officially be living their dream.

They were ready—Renee was sure of it—yet still, she was constantly reviewing her mental checklist. She was waking up at four o’clock tomorrow morning so she could begin baking before five (as if she’d sleep a wink anyway). She had already dropped off the commemorative tea towels the first one hundred customers would be receiving, and her outfit was hung over her bedroom chair: a green tunic and skinny jeans. It was pretty for photos and practical for baking.

Hester’s, the flagship store at the Old Red Mill was ready to shine.