She was right. He didn’t have a leg to stand on. He’d made his choice.

“I wasn’t enough,” she added softly.

“Stop. Don’t say that.” He reached for her arm. She’d always been enough. That he’d made her feel that way gnawed at him. “We were young.”

She raised her shoulder and smiled, her lip slightly quivering the way it did when she was upset. “It’s true. I wasn’t enough. Our dreams together, my dreams, they weren’t big enough for you.” She took a staggered breath. “And it’s history.”

“It wasn’t an easy decision. You said yourself it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.” But that didn’t change anything. It had happened. No matter how sorry he was, he wasn’t going to fix that. He’d not only left town, he’d left scars on her heart.

“I know I said it, and I promise you I meant it. You know I’d have never stood between you and your dreams.”

“You were always so kind.” He wished he’d had this conversation with her seven years ago. “I’m not saying I made the right decision. I’m sorry how it all turned out.”

“Don’t be. You should be very proud of yourself. I’m sorry for the snippy remark. I really am proud of you. You always were an amazing cook. I always knew you’d be an even better chef. Dumont is lucky to have you.”

“I don’t want to leave with all this baggage between us,” he said. “I’m so sorry I hurt you. I wished you’d come with me, and that things had played out differently, but you’re right. There’s no way to know how that would have turned out either.” He took her hand, and all of those old feelings came swelling back.

Her hand became clammy and she stiffened under his touch. Her eyes darted away.

“I want to hear about your life. What you’ve been up to. What’s next.”

Her lips parted. “It’s not the time.”

“I’m only here for a few days.”

“My point exactly.” Her lashes fluttered.

His sister stepped between them.

“Hey, you two.” Dawn’s enthusiasm contrasted noticeably to the current conversation. “I see you’re catching up. That’s awesome! Andrew, you’ve got to see The Cake Factory. She’s done such great things. And not just for herself—for the whole town.”

“Thank you,” Kelly said politely. “I’m going to go…” she started moving toward the door, “…to the van to get the rest of the cakes.”

“I can help,” Andrew said.

“No. I’ve got this,” Kelly said sharply, then turned to Dawn with a gentle smile. “I can help cut and serve them if you need me to.”

“Oh, please do,” Dawn insisted. “I’d make a heaping mess out of those pretty cakes.”