“Well, yes.” He frowns. “I thought you might like to sample some of the local pastries. They’re supposed to have some of the best here, but if you want to go elsewhere.”
“I’m teasing.” I squeeze his hand harder. “This is exactly what I need. I still don’t know what kind of bakery I want to open, so visiting other bakeries can help me dream. I’ll find some inspiration.”
We get in line, and there are only a few people ahead of us.
“What do you mean by that?” he asks. “How many different kinds of bakeries are there?”
“That’s a loaded question. Some bakers specialize in wedding cakes or cakes in general. Then, there are bakeries like this—pastries, goods one consumes daily, like croissants and bread.Then, some people specialize only in specific things. A cake pop shop, for example.”
“There’s no way that’s a real thing.”
“Oh, but it is. I’ve been to one, and it was super cute, but I don’t know if I want that to be my specialty.”
I don’t say it aloud, but I consider the art of cake pops a tad juvenile. Then again, they are trending, which makes specializing in them a sound business plan.
“We’ll have to try a little of everything if you’re looking for inspiration,” he says.
I tilt my head to the side. “Itwouldbe fun to find inspiration in my travels. Not that I’ve traveled a lot, but…”
“Do you want to travel more?”
“I don’t know. It was never high on my list of priorities, but I think I do—especially now that I’m here.” I poke his side. “You gave me the travel bug.”
He smiles, watching me from the corner of his eye. “We can make that happen.”
We. Theo and I are still so new, if we’re anything at all, and I don’t know what to expect from him as a partner—is he my partner?There are still so many questions, but when he talks about traveling with me, I feel like we’re on the precipice of something great.
Maybe we’ll travel forever to get a moment alone, and I can try sweets from across the globe. Or not; he probably has other plans, but it doesn’t sound like a bad idea.
We spend our day gobbling up fruit tarts and cardamom-flavored bread. Some of the treats remind me of the same ones I grew up on—similar to cinnamon rolls and so close to a blueberry pie that it almost makes me nostalgic. Others are unlike anything I could ever imagine: pink berries served with milk and sugar, and soft cheese served with jam.
Theo is opening my eyes—and flavor palate—in ways I would have never imagined. My mind is racing with thoughts, all of which lead me back to the kitchen, but for once, I’m not in a hurry to start baking.
I want to stay with him here as long as I can. This is a good life.
Chapter Nineteen
THEO
Aday alone with Evie isn’t enough, but it’s all we get. The next day, we’re back to work and back outside. She fully recovered from her last spill in the woods. Now that the moment has passed, I can admit I’ve seen worse. Her scrapes healed quickly, and she’s not emotionally scarred to the point that she refuses to return with me.
In fact, she requests it.
The trip is nearly over, and things are running smoothly now. Everyone seems to know what they’re doing. Some have returned to the office, and some new people have joined, but they’re all quick learners. They learn from each other.
Evie has been the perfect distraction on this trip, but as I walk around the woods, every employee has my attention. I’m proud of them. They all care enough about my dream that they’re here. Sure, I’m paying them, but they don’t have to be here. They could get paid in the office.
They’re choosing this. It’s the same choice I made when I founded Intentional Paper.
Evie no longer tries her hand at planting. After filming a few videos, she rests on a log and taps away at her iPad. Usually, she would do her work in our little cabin, but I don’t have a single complaint about her choosing to be here with me.
Even though she’s in the shade, I swear she’s glowing. When she looks up at me, her eyes crinkling with warmth, I melt into a puddle at her feet. I belong to her. I’ll give her whatever she wants. There’s work to do, and I want to work as hard as my employees. How am I supposed to when she’s right here?
A tug at my chest leads me in her direction. As far as anyone else can tell, I am still working. They don’t know I’m coming up with other ideas. We still have to keep our secrets.
“Did I tell you how beautiful you look today?” I whisper, flexing my fingers.
“Only three times since breakfast”—she leans in—“but saying it around the others is bold.”
