Thief's daughter.
Criminal's daughter.
Liar's daughter.
But with each stroke of the broom, another voice rose in her mind—her father's voice, warm and sure:"Sugar & Spice isn't just a business, sweetheart. It's our family's heart in this town."
She couldn't believe the charges. Couldn't believe her father would deliberately hurt people. There had to be an explanation. A mistake. Something she wasn't seeing.
Just like she hadn't seen the truth about Jake.
The thought of him sent a fresh wave of pain through her chest. Jake, who'd held her. Who'd fixed her ancient mixer at midnight because she had a big order due. Who'd kissed her like she was precious, all while knowing he was going to destroy her life.
Hannah's hand tightened on the broom handle. No. She wouldn't think about Jake. Wouldn't remember how safe she'd felt in his arms, how completely she'd trusted him. How wrong she'd been.
The sky was lightening now, painting the broken glass in shades of pink and gold. In three hours, she'd open those doors. She'd face whatever came through them—more cancellations, more accusations, more broken trust.
But she'd do it standing.
Because whatever else was true—about her father, about Jake, about herself—this bakery was hers. And she wasn't going to let anyone take that away from her.
Not Michael Harrison with his bricks and his accusations.
Not the town with its whispers and judgment.
Not even the ghost of Jake's touch that still haunted every corner of this place.
Hannah squared her shoulders and went to start the ovens.
She had bread to bake.
CHAPTER 13
Jake
The call camein at 4:37 AM.
Jake was already awake. He hadn't been sleeping much lately—not since the fire, not since Hannah had started looking over her shoulder like she was waiting for the next blow to fall.
But nothing prepared him for the way his stomach dropped when he saw the number flashing on his phone.
Crystal Lake PD.
His hands were steady as he answered. "Cooper."
There was a pause, then a voice he recognized—Officer Mercer. "Thought you'd want to know, Sugar & Spice got hit again."
Jake sat up so fast the blankets tangled around his legs. "What happened?"
"Brick through the window. No one's hurt." Another pause. "She reported it herself."
Jake was already on his feet, dragging jeans over his boxers, shoving his feet into boots. "When?"
"Quarter past four. Just got your name in the system now."
Quarter past four. She'd been alone for over twenty minutes. Too long.
"Who's responding?" Jake demanded, already grabbing his keys.
