Callie muttered idiot under her breath. “Taryn would go along with whatever you wanted. She’s not a rock-the-boat type but goes with the flow. Most guys get fed up with her work schedule after the second date. She holds her feelings close, which is why when I moved to town, I thought she was standoffish and stuck up. I was wrong.”
Garrett’s jokes had loosened her up. The more they talked, the less he relied on humor to break the ice. “I never meant to hurt her, but it’s not my fault. She’s the one who wouldn’t listen to me earlier.”
“Don’t blame Taryn.” Callie poked her index finger, sharp and accusing, against his chest. “This is all your fault. I love you, and you’re a good guy, but you screwed up. Big-time.”
“Don’t mince words, sis.”
“There’s more I want to say, but we’re in public.” Callie glanced around. “Taryn hasn’t been herself lately. I thought it was competition from the new bakery in Summit Ridge, but you must be a part of it, too.”
Garrett might be known for his courtroom theatrics and charming a jury, but he was at a loss for words. Totally unlike him. “I’m sorry.”
“I’m not the one who needs to hear you say that. Apologize to her.”
“I told you. I tried.”
“Try again.” Callie raised her chin. “Taryn is not only baking our cake, but she’s also invited to the wedding. Fix this, so neither of you is uncomfortable. But most especially her. Because this is all on you, bro.”
She was right. He sighed. “I’ll fix it.”
“Now.”
“I don’t want to upset her more.”
Callie’s face scrunched. “So you’d rather Taryn didn’t sleep tonight?”
“You don’t know—”
“Neither do you.”
Their family walked toward them. His dad carried a tray of drinks, and Brandt held one with desserts.
“I won’t say a word about what happened.” Callie kept her voice low. “But only if you go talk to Taryn.”
Garrett prided himself on being thorough with every case, whether he was the client’s attorney or brought in as a consultant. No matter the circumstances, he gave a hundred and ten percent, even if it meant long days and sleepless nights. He would rather stand in front of a hostile jury with a lifetime prison sentence hanging in the balance than face Taryn right now. He hadn’t been this on edge since he asked Lyric Quinn to the senior prom in front of the entire high school.
Still, Callie was correct. He should get this over with before things got more out of hand. He gave the dog leashes to his sister. “I won’t be long.”
“Take your time and do it right.”
“You sound like Mom.”
“Finally.” Callie beamed.
Garrett wiped his clammy palms over his shorts. “This won’t go as well as you think it will.”
“I’m an optimist.”
“And I’m a realist.” Still, he hoped Taryn listened to him.
As he headed toward the door, his dad raised two glasses of iced tea. “You’re going the wrong way.”
“I’ll be right back.” At least Garrett hoped so.
As soon as he entered the bakery, the scents of sugary goodness surrounded him. If only his words would melt Taryn’s anger as fast as her baked goods disappeared.
Jayden stood behind the counter. His dark gaze sharpened. “Guess I gave lawyers too much credit for being intelligent.”
The guy was only looking out for his friend and boss, but that didn’t keep Garrett from squaring his shoulders. “I need to speak to Taryn.”
