Freddie and Phoebe say a few words, congratulating us as the prospective best man and maid of honor had we not eloped. Though Chase’s sisters did bring me flowers. And they’re not intimidating at all. Phoebe will always be number one, but I feel like I have three more sisters now. I wonder if they used to torture their brother with tea parties and princess balls. I’ll have to ask later...and find out if Erica is single because Freddie has his eye on her.
I order all the appetizers, especially the ones with marinara sauce, because I don’t care if I sit in it. Nothing could dampenthis day. Not even rain or Marlow. But thankfully, the sky is clear.
“Are we doing professional critiques because if so, I’d say a bit more oregano,” I say after we dig in and everyone else is talking among themselves.
“It’s going to be a shame when I have to go all season sans pizza.” Chase tells me about his game diet.
“Better enjoy this while you can, then.”
“Mmm.” The way he looks at me makes me grateful there won’t be any restrictions on us and sends my heart fluffies wild. “Thoughts on fresh basil?” Chase asks.
“I’m a fan...a big fan.” I nudge him with my shoulder. “You might say your biggest fan.”
“What if I were to retire?”
The table goes silent, suddenly interested. Chase’s father’s eyebrows lift. His mother tilts her head in understanding. It’s a gladiator sport, after all, and we all want our Lion around for a long time.
“I have an idea for Pippa’s Pizza Parlor. Fan or not?” Chase asks.
“What?” I ask, nearly choking on my orange soda.
“Well, you know about that whole inheritance thing? When I first found out about it, I drafted up a business plan and have been waiting to put it into action.”
Chase tells us all about a pizza franchise that will hire people coming out of tough situations, like jail, homelessness, layoffs, or extreme cases of job loss.
“Every Friday, we’ll feed the homeless and families in need.”
“This is amazing. Tremendous.” Chase has such a big heart and my greedy little fingers are glad it’s mine. All mine.
“I was wondering if you’d help me launch it...and help with the merch, candles in particular,” Chase asks.
We all talk about the pizza parlor enterprise, with everyone suggesting ideas. April mentions a pizza and pie shop in a small town out west called Hawk Ridge Hollow. Even Mr. Collins makes a few suggestions for how to structure the business.
I haven’t pried into his conversations with his father, but they’re gradually making amends. I know they’ve had a couple of long talks behind closed doors...and none were broken afterward, so that’s promising.
After we’re done eating, we stroll through the park and then along a quiet side street with a few shops and cafes. The scent of vanilla and sugar wafts in the air.
“Mmm. It smells good.”
“Hungry for dessert?” Chase asks.
“For wedding cake? I suppose I have room.”
With his hand on the small of my back, Chase leads me into a café. Our wedding party follows us. Treats of all kinds fill the display case.
“Want to grab a table?” Chase asks.
“As long as you bring me back something delicious.” I settle at a vacant spot in front of the window.
Moments later, Chase and my brother return with two cakes—one vanilla sponge cake with vanilla frosting and another has Concordia’s famous chocolate cake with shiny ganache. As Chase sits down, he says, “Pippa, I thought it would be a piece of cake to ask you to prom.” He shrugs. “That didn’t work out. But I’m thankful that you married me.”
“I always thought if my life were a movie, it would be a romantic comedy of errors, but it’s turned out pretty perfect.”
Everyone laughs and I don’t cry at all. Not this time.
As the cake gets eaten, we kind of take over the café and invite strangers off the street to join us. “The more the merrier,” Mum calls, serving cake alongside Ruth.
Chase gives me a look that says,You sure this is okay?
