I’d talked to her on the phone this week about the hotel’s fridge space to store the cake, but I swept my arm out welcoming her to take a peek.

“Oh, it’s gorgeous!” She looked thrilled. This was what I was hoping for from my sister.

“I’m sure you want to get this gorgeous cake in the kitchen’s fridge before it melts,” Thatcher commented.

“Got some helpers right here,” Kit added, then turned her head and waved two men in white uniforms over. Mother and Astrid stepped out of the way and I gave quick directions to them on how to handle the cake. “Nice to meet you, Astrid. I’ll take care of this beauty for you.”

They whisked it away and then I was stuck with nothing to do except spend the weekend with my family.

Oh joy. Kit was too efficient.

“Astrid, you’ll want to take your van away as soon as possible,” Mother advised. It wasn’t good to have it known one of her children worked in the service industry, even though she was the one who wanted me to make the cake.

Before I could respond, Mother glanced at her watch. “Oh, look at the time. I don’t know why you always decide to be late, but the coed party has already started.”

She looked me over and her lips pinched. This was why they didn’t look thrilled when we’d pulled up. Well, one of the reasons. They hated it when I came in the bakery van. It was the only vehicle I had. Not only did it offer constant advertising, it made no sense for me to drive something else when I was paying for this one.

Since Amy had told me to arrive at seven and they were out front waiting at this exact time, she was just being… herself. Then again, I wasn’t sure why Amy had told me to come now when I was late to tonight’s party.

“I am always punctual, Mother,” I reminded.

“And if she was a bit late, that’s a woman’s prerogative, right?” Thatcher added, setting his hand on my shoulder and kissing my temple. The gesture was reassuring and felt dang good.

Mother stared. Amy stared.

“That… that doesn’t give you time to change or put your contacts in, but at least you’re here.”

“Yes, I’m here,” I replied. “As requested. This is what I’m wearing, and you are well aware that contacts bother me.” I had no idea what she wanted me to change into or why my glasses were a bother. It wasn’t like I was wearing Mickey Mouse ears or something. Or my bakery t-shirt.

She pursed her lips. “When you said you were bringing your boyfriend, Astrid, I didn’t realize you were bringing someone so—”