My heart swells. “The best stories.”
“Like ours,” she says, then leans across the table and kisses me. And I make a vow right then.
To write her love letters for the rest of our days.
The next day she wakes up to one on her pillow.
Dear Mabel,
You’re my too much and my enough.
Love,
Corbin
EPILOGUE: ANYTIME DELIGHTS
MABEL
I swing open the door to Afternoon Delight one summer day, the bell tinkling as the blue-tiled antique mirror catches my eye—along with the postcard tucked in the corner.
And the words on it:Life is short. Eat the cake.
Words to live by. And that mirror looks fantastic here in the bakery. Well, I had to find a new home for it. I moved out of my apartment in the city in the winter—officially into this firehouse but really into Corbin’s home.
I guess that makes me sort of stepmom-ish. But Charlotte and I talked about my role in her life and agreed I’m more of the cool aunt.
Works for her, works for me, and it works for her dad.
Who’s behind the counter, looking hot as hell in hisALL THIS AND I CAN BAKEapron.
It’s summertime, and he’s working here more—as planned. As he serves Dottie some of her favorite brownies and chats with her about a chenille sweater she’s knitting for the fall, I take a moment to just admire him.
The way his shoulders are relaxed.
His easy smile.
His way with people.
He figured out how to do this—how to realize his dream and his mother’s dream without breaking himself.
I’m so seriously proud of him, and I tell him as much every day.
When Dottie leaves, I slide behind the counter and pinch his butt.
“Best part of working for you,” he says.
“We work together,” I correct.
He hums doubtfully. “That’s cute. Keep telling yourself that, boss.”
I roll my eyes, but he’s not wrong. We restructured a little. Yes, we own Afternoon Delight together, but I’m the sole manager and make all the decisions.
He likes it that way, and so do I.
Turns out, surprise, surprise, I have a lot of opinions. Like what to bring for dessert to my mom’s faculty luncheons, since she hired us as her caterer for the monthly events. And what goodies to deliver to the VIP suite at the Foxes. But also, what goodies to bake forRomance Beach, since this woman nabbed a regular gig providing cake at wrap parties. Mrs. Henderson also swings by a couple times a month for goodies for her gardening club. And I supply, free of charge, treats for dog adoption events.
Corbin mostly just likes baking and serving customers—and, of course, sharing his mom’s recipes. That’s always been why he wanted to do this, and it makes my heart happy to see him fulfilling their dream.
