His parents’ behavior confused Kelly. Mom and Dad had always supported her no matter what she’d chosen to pursue. Last week Andrew had gotten down on one knee and professed his love, never wanting to be apart. They’d set their wedding date for June fourth of the following summer to give them plenty of time to save for and find a house to start their new life together.

Never in a million years did she consider they might be separated for half that time. Even thinking about it made loneliness invade her mood.

Andrew turned his head and saw her standing there. “You heard?”

Right now, the other customers would have to wait. She walked over and took his hand. “I did.”

He pulled her into his arms and hugged her.

She didn’t envy the position he was in. She tried to relax in his embrace, but every nerve in her body tingled with nervous energy.

He sucked in a deep breath and gave her a squeeze. “I love you.”

“I love you too.” They’d made so many plans together, and this didn’t fit with any of them. If she was this confused, she could only imagine what he was feeling right now. Trying not to sway his opinion, she was careful with her tone.

Pasting a smile on her face, she stepped back. “That’s very generous of your great-aunt.”

“If you don’t want me to go, I won’t. It doesn’t even make sense. I’m not a baker. I don’t want to be. That’s your thing.” He dropped his head back. “I don’t know what to do.”

His gentle squeeze of her hands gave her the strength to encourage him, even though it hurt her heart to think about being apart for so long. “I’d never ask you to stay.”

The pained look on Andrew’s face suddenly softened. “Come with me.”

“I can’t.” She blinked, hoping the tears wouldn’t fall. “You know I made that commitment to cover for Mom and Dad while they’re on that cruise, but you have to go.”

“We’re a team.” He squeezed her hands. “We’re engaged. This is our whole future.”

Her throat tightened. “Going to France will only make you a better chef. Think of the things you’ll learn. That’s good for our future.”

Andrew looked up at the ceiling. “Visiting Aunt Claire in France is when I realized I wanted to become a chef. I’d never seen such fancy food. Chefs were like celebrities there.”

She’d heard the story a million times, but he always told it with such exuberance that she didn’t mind.

His voice became quieter. “It’s pretty cool to even have been offered the chance, but I don’t—”