“I won’t,” Kelly said, because if there was one thing she was completely certain of, it was that she never wanted to feel like this again.

Mom squeezed Kelly’s hand in her own and then kissed the top of it. “You will love again. Andrew York can be replaced. Good riddance to him for not knowing how special you are.”

Chapter Two

Chapter Two

Seven Years Later

Five bright pink helium balloons bounced in the breeze next to the spiral boxwood topiaries at the entrance of The Cake Factory on the corner of Main and Elm.

When Kelly first opened The Cake Factory, the name had been sort of tongue-in-cheek. The old ribbon factory had sat empty for years after they’d consolidated operations in their facility up north. After months of letter writing, they’d finally agreed to let her lease the small front office space next to her parents’ cafe. She’d spent nearly every dime of her savings on the renovation to turn that dusty office into a sparkling and inviting bakery. It was only five hundred square feet and two ovens, with her baking everything herself… hardly a factory.

The following year she’d expanded and re-invested her profits into purchasing the whole factory building. The town had supported her wholeheartedly. They’d even extended tax incentives to help her refurbish that end of Main Street. Bringing jobs to the community and doing her part to sustain the economy in her hometown was her proudest accomplishment yet. Beautifying Main Street was just a bonus.

Now the two-story brick building hummed with activity day and night, and the smell of fresh baked goods permeated the air—living up to its name.

Inside, she’d decorated the customer-facing area with a combination of crisp pink-and-white stripes, offset with gray-and-white polka dots for a touch of whimsy.

The front door opened, and Missy walked in with her designer handbag swinging from her wrist. A punchy coral color, her purse matched her sweater set and shoes. “What’re we celebrating?”

“Our anniversary,” Kelly said. “Five years in business today.”

“Congratulations!” Missy owned the real estate company located up the block and was a faithful customer. “You know your goodies are my secret weapon.”

“You must have an Open House today,” Kelly said. “You’re in luck. We’re having an anniversary special. For every six goodies you buy, I’ll give you one free.”

“I like the sound of that.” Missy stared into the glass case. “I can pick from anything in the case? Even the cake pops?”

“Your choice.” Kelly didn’t rush her. They’d loaded the case with cupcakes, cookies, brownies and the ever-popular cake pops this morning. She’d been in business long enough to know not to rush her customers. The longer they ogled the goods, the more they left with.