“Thank you for giving him a chance,” Carla said with tears filling her eyes. “You saved our family.” She draped an arm around her daughter. “Joelle has recovered wonderfully, thanks to your husband.”
Austin?
“Oh, what did he do?”
Juan smiled. “He paid for Joelle’s medical services—all of them.”
My chest constricted. I had no idea Austin had done that. I loved that man more each day.
“Thank you for helping me.” Joelle walked up, hugging me.
I embraced her back. “I’m so happy you’re healed. Live life to the fullest, and listen to your parents, okay?”
“Okay.” She beamed. “We’re here to support you. I love pastries.”
While Carla and Joelle browsed, Juan told me, “I got a new job that has better health insurance now.”
“That’s wonderful news!” I cheered.
“I’m part of the maintenance team at Austin’s new property in Auburn. It’s about a ten-minute drive from home. Thank you foreverything.” He reached for my hand and shook it. “I’m so grateful.”
“You’re welcome.”
My heart was full when I arrived home. Who knew Juan’s life would turn out so beautifully. He’d made a mistake because of his love for his daughter. Everyone deserved a second chance.
Feeling overly sensitive, I poured myself a glass of juice and sat on the couch in the living room, crying.
When Austin arrived home, he saw me and rushed over. “What’s wrong?”
Austin
“Just happy.” She stretched out her arms to me.
Coming home and seeing her everyday was a blessing. When Jeremy told me Sierra had targeted Ava, I was ready to release my evidence. But I didn’t need to anymore because other victims had come forward with more proof that would put the Montage family in prison for a long time.
“Happy tears?” I wrapped an arm around her. “Tell me what I missed.”
I was worried she’d been working too much. She’d looked pale for a few weeks now. I’d told her to cut back her hours at the bakery, but she refused. The joy on her face when people bought her creations was indescribable.
“Juan stopped by the shop today with his family. He told me what you did.” She cupped my face with both hands and kissed me. “Why didn’t you tell me?”
I shrugged. “You were busy fulfilling orders. He mentioned he’d stop by with his family to thank you.”
“You’re now his boss.” Ava leaned back onto the couch, sounding out of breath. “You gave them a miracle.”
“You were my miracle when you came back to me.” I squeezed her shoulder. “So it makes sense to share the magic with others.”
She told me about Carla buying two boxes of pastries to share with their friends.
Ava shifted to face me. “I’ve got a miracle for you.”
“Yeah? An evening date baking in the kitchen with you in sexy lingerie?”
“Maybe.” She laughed. “I’ve got a bun in the oven.”
“What are you baking?” I looked toward the kitchen. “I don’t smell anything.”
She took my hand and placed it over her belly. “This kind of bun.”
