It was only eight thirty, so she took a long, hot bath then went to her bedroom. She slid beneath the crisp white sheets to dream about all she’d accomplished without him.

I’m living the dream. He was only a tiny piece of my past that helped build my passion for baking. A short-term purpose, that’s all he ever was.

She closed her eyes, repeating that to herself and picturing all the projects she’d worked on since he’d been gone.

Only sleep wasn’t coming.

She was frustrated, and bothered. Rather than fight it, she got up and got dressed and went back to her happy place—The Cake Factory.

Last Christmas, the factory workers had pooled their resources and had a sign made for her that read Cake Factory Boss Parking Only and posted it in the parking space right next to the back door. The letters were a wild mix of stripes and polka dots, just like the storefront decor. Black and white with hot-pink accents, and a little cupcake crown over the O in Boss. It still made her smile every time she parked here.

The sweet aroma of cake hung in the air. The sky held the twinkle of a million promising stars. She wished on one as she stood at the back door, because a girl could never have too much luck.

With the swipe of her card key, she entered through the back factory entrance. The whir and chug of the equipment was soothing. Employees talked as they finished their baking for the night, raising a hand in a friendly hello as she walked through.

If she wasn’t going to get any rest, she might as well be productive. She had that groom’s cake to bake, and that would keep her busy for hours. If that didn’t make her feel better…nothing would.

Chapter Seven

Chapter Seven

Andrew stood at the edge of the driveway with his mom and Dawn, watching the last few people leave. It had been a great party, but it was after midnight.

“Thank you for going to all this trouble. I’d wanted to just lay low and slide out of town unnoticed, but I’m glad I didn’t miss out on seeing everyone. I had a great time,” he said to them.

It had been cool talking about his accomplishments since he’d been gone. Kind of made him feel like less of a failure when they’d seemed so impressed. No one but Kelly had even asked about him having a restaurant of his own. Then again, that had been their dream. A long, long time ago.

“I’m so glad you enjoyed it,” Mom said. “I was afraid you’d get mad, but Dawn was going to do it with or without me, so I figured I’d better help. Thank her for everything.”