I’m thinking about all this as I unlock the door to Sugar Rush this morning, the familiar scent of vanilla and cinnamon welcoming me.
I preheat the ovens and get to work on the morning's first batch of muffins. The rhythm of measuring and mixing ingredients centers me in a way nothing else can. By the time Charlie arrives at six, the bakery smells like heaven.
"Morning, boss lady," she says, tying her apron around her waist. "What's the special today?"
"Strawberry shortcake muffins. In honor of Valentine’s Day tomorrow," I tell her, sliding a tray of muffins into the oven. "And I'm experimenting with those lavender shortbread cookies you've been bugging me about. I’ve got a batch of heart-shaped ones coming out of the oven soon that you can ice later on."
Charlie pumps her fist in victory. “Yes! They’re going to be so good. Especially when I cover them in pink and red sprinkles.”
The bakery opens at seven, and by seven-fifteen, we already have a line stretching out the door.
"Two dozen heart brownies, please," a harried-looking man in a suit announces, barely looking up from his phone. "And whatever those pink cookies are in the display. A dozen of those too."
"The lavender shortbreads?" I ask, already reaching for a box.
He nods distractedly. "Sure, whatever. They look Valentine-y."
Charlie catches my eye and smirks as she rings him up. Three more customers follow with similar requests—heart-shaped treats for offices, classrooms, and significant others.
By ten, we've sold all of the muffins and most of the red velvet cupcakes. I'm frosting another tray in the back while Charliehandles the front. The swirl of cream cheese frosting is hypnotic, each perfect spiral topped with a tiny sugar heart.
"Holly!" Charlie calls over her shoulder. "We need more of everything!"
I peek out to see the shop still absolutely packed and hurry out to bring her more goodies.
By the end of the day, we’re both exhausted.
I lock up the door and sit down on the closest chair. Charlie joins me, bringing with her two large glasses of water.
“Oh my goodness, if this keeps up we’re going to have to hire more help.”
I nod and smile. “Not the worst problem to have. Especially since we almost lost all of this.”
“It feels like forever ago at this point. So much has changed – I can’t even wrap my head around it.”
“If someone had told me that this would be my life even just a few months ago, I never would have believed it. I didn’t want to admit it, but I was worried for so long that Taviani was going to take all of this from us,” I say, taking a big gulp of water.
“I knew all along how worried you were. I just didn’t know what to do about it,” Charlie responds. “But look at us now… life is so good. And, speaking of that, what are you and your hockey stud doing for Valentine’s Day tomorrow?”
I smile at Charlie, tucking a loose strand of hair behind my ear. "We're going to that new Italian place over on Madison—Bella Monica. You know, the one we've been drooling over on Instagram for months?"
Charlie's eyes widen. "No way! I've been trying to get reservations there since they opened! How did you manage that?"
"Denton has his ways," I say with a little shrug, trying not to sound smug. "Apparently when you play for the Blades,restaurant owners are happy to make a reservation for you for whatever day you choose."
Charlie rolls her eyes, but she's grinning. "Must be nice."
"The best part is Tabby's coming too," I continue, feeling a warm glow spread through my chest just thinking about it. "It's our first official Valentine's Day as... whatever we are... and I insisted it should be the three of us. Tabby's been planning her outfit for days. Last I heard, it was down to either her red sparkly dress with the heart buttons or her pink tutu with matching heart tights."
"Adorable," Charlie says, sipping her water. "Most guys would be angling for a romantic night alone, you know."
I nod, feeling that familiar rush of affection for Denton. "He’s such a good dad. I love that so much about him.”
"So what about you?" I ask, leaning forward. "Big Valentine's plans?"
Charlie snorts, setting her water glass down. "Oh, absolutely. I have a hot date with Melvin. He's making me his famous salmon." We both dissolve into giggles. Melvin is Charlie’s orange tabby cat.
"Sounds romantic," I tease. "Will there be flowers and candles?"
