“Yes, and he and your grandmother disagreed with us. But my mother always considered herself progressive and a feminist. That’s why they paid for you to go to the culinary academy.”
“So I’d have a backup.” Taryn startled, realizing she’d said the words aloud. Tears stung her eyes. “When were you going to tell me?”
More silence.
“I’ve poured myself into the bakery. I deserve an answer,” she pressed.
“After I signed the contract.”
When there was nothing she could do. Not that she could do anything now that she knew the information.
She swallowed around the lump in her throat. “It’s a done deal?”
“Not quite.”
Butalmostwas implied.
Her heart sank like a cake does when someone opened the oven door too often. She had to say something before he destroyed her grandparents’ legacy. “You might want to reconsider selling to the owners of Summit Ridge, given their sketchy behavior.”
“Your mother and I will discuss it when I return. There’s no rush.”
Not for them.
What about her?
Taryn glanced around the bakery. This place was where she’d grown up. It was supposed to be her future. She still wanted it to be. That gave her an idea.
She took a breath. “Forget about the Summit Ridge folks. Sell Lawson’s to me.”
Chapter Seventeen
The week passedby in a blur for Taryn. Summit Ridge Bakery had issued a public apology. They’d mentioned cutting ties with their consultant, Nick Baxter. Lawson’s business was up to holiday levels thanks to the coupons and people wanting to support them after hearing what had happened. With the increased traffic, she’d hired Brecken’s oldest sister, Mandy, who was sixteen and wanting a part-time job to save money for college.
Taryn’s parents hadn’t called, but that didn’t stop her from applying for a small business loan. She wanted to buy Lawson’s. If they decided not to sell it to her, she would open a place of her own. The decision wasn’t out of spite or for revenge. Taryn was a baker and owning a bakery was her dream. She would make it happen. Somehow.
It was as simple as that.
How complicated things became remained to be seen.
Not that she’d told anyone, including her employees.
Anything she said would be premature. The sale to the Summit Ridge Bakery owners might not happen. However, she’d been tempted to tell Garrett. Except that wasn’t something you said to a friend who was leaving on Sunday. So, she’d kept quiet.
Despite helping Callie with wedding stuff, he’d had coffee with her on Monday and Wednesday. They’d also eaten lunch at the Falls Café on Tuesday. She’d missed seeing him yesterday, but there’d been a play-golf-pseudo-bachelor-party for the guys. Taryn, however, would see him at the rehearsal dinner, if only for a few minutes, but she’d take it. She parked behind a car in Margot’s driveway. She unloaded the first box of desserts from the trunk, carried them to the front of the house, and rang the bell.
Margot opened the door. “Come in out of that heat.”
“Thanks.” Taryn stepped inside. “At least it’s only in the eighties.”
“Very true. I had a special tent set up for the dessert bar.”
“I can’t wait to see it, but I have more I need to get. The other desserts are in coolers, so they don’t melt.”
“Pippa is still decorating and hanging fairy lights and tulle. She shouldn’t be much longer.” Margot glanced at the clock as if to confirm her plans. “Let’s put these in the fridge while you bring in the others.”
It took Taryn three more trips. “This is the last one.”
“Pippa’s gone, and the caterers are setting up.”
