“Hey, kiddo. What’s up?”
“Hey, Dad,” I said, trying to keep the nerves out of my voice. “I, uh, I wanted to talk to you about something. I’ve been thinking about expanding the bakery.”
There was a brief pause on the other end of the line, and I could almost see my dad rubbing his chin, his brow furrowed with concentration. “Expanding, huh? That’s a big step. How are things going over there?”
I hesitated for a moment before plunging into the details. I told him about the steady increase in business, the long lines during lunch, and the increasing number of special orders. I even mentioned Teddy and his renovation skills, and how Waylon and Jasper had vouched for him.
To my surprise, my dad didn’t immediately shoot down the idea. Instead, he listened intently and asked pertinent questions about my plans and my finances. I appreciated that he was taking my idea seriously, even though I knew he worried about me taking on such a big risk.
“Well,” he finally said, his voice cautious but optimistic. “It sounds like you’ve really thought this through. And if the business is doing as well as you say, then maybe it’s time to take that leap and grow. But remember, with expansion comes more responsibility and more expenses. Are you sure you’re ready for that?”
I swallowed hard, my heart pounding in my chest. “I think so. I know it won’t be easy, but I believe in what I’m doing. And I’ve got a great support system around me. I’m ready to take this on.”
I hoped I sounded more certain about that than I felt. If Dad sensed my insecurity, he’d latch onto it. He’d ask me a hundred questions, guiding me to make my own decision when what I needed was his insight. He’d been the numbers guy for my grandparents since shortly after he graduated from college. He knew this industry.
There was another pause, and then my dad let out a slow breath. “All right, son. If you believe in yourself and your business, then I believe in you, too. Just be smart about it and don’t overextend yourself. And remember, I’m always here if you need advice or help.”
Tears pricked at the corners of my eyes, and I felt a weight lift from my chest. My dad’s approval meant the world to me, and having his support made the idea of expanding feel slightly less daunting.
“Thank you, Dad,” I choked out. “It means everything to me that you believe in me.”
“Of course, Shiloh,” he replied, his voice warm and full of love. “You’re my son, and I’m proud of you. Now go out there and make your dreams a reality.”
After hanging up, I stood in the middle of my living room, feeling a newfound sense of determination. With my dad’s support and encouragement, I knew I could face the challenges of expansion head-on.
As I sat down to start researching renovation costs and planning the next steps, I couldn’t help but think about how far I’d come. I was proving to myself and my family that I could succeed on my own, and I was excited to see what the future held for Shiloh’s Sweets.
My hands were itching to put my thoughts onto paper, to see what the new space could look like. I rummaged through my desk drawer and pulled out a sketchpad and a handful of colored pencils. With a deep breath, I put pencil to paper and began sketching.
I imagined an open-concept floor plan that would allow for more seating and a larger bakery case. I wanted a peaceful nook with plush seating for customers to enjoy their food while they socialized. I even began to play with the idea of adding a small outdoor patio area for warmer months.
As I continued to draw, I thought about how the bakery’s branding could evolve with the expansion. I sketched out a new logo, one that maintained the essence of my grandmother’s legacy while still feeling modern and fresh. The new color scheme I chose was a blend of bright, inviting hues that reflected the cheery atmosphere I wanted my customers to experience when they walked through the door.
The night wore on, and I knew I should have been sleeping, but I couldn’t bring myself to stop. My excitement and passion for the project fueled me, keeping the exhaustion at bay. It was as if the creative floodgates had been opened, and I wouldn’t have been able to sleep even if I tried.
By the time exhaustion demanded I stop for the night, I had filled pages upon pages of my sketchpad with plans, ideas, and dreams for the future of Shiloh’s Sweets. I leaned back in my chair, rubbing my tired eyes as I surveyed the fruits of my labor. I couldn’t help but feel a sense of pride and accomplishment. I had taken the first steps toward making my dreams a reality, and for the first time in a long time, I felt truly ready to embrace the challenges and triumphs that lay ahead.
With a satisfied sigh, I finally allowed myself to crawl into bed, my head buzzing with ideas and possibilities. I sent a quick text to Lacey, letting her know I’d be in by the lunch rush. It was a damn good thing today was the day I typically started later so I could stay after close to prep for the weekend.
As sleep claimed me, I couldn’t help but think the future of Shiloh’s Sweets was brighter than ever. And I couldn’t wait to see it all come to life.
3
TEDDY
The scentof freshly cut wood filled my nostrils as I sanded the edges of a small jewelry box I’d been working on. There was something comforting about the rhythmic scrape of sandpaper against wood, the way it calmed my racing thoughts and allowed me to focus on the task at hand.
My workshop had always been my sanctuary, a quiet place where I could escape the world and find solace in my work. It was the one place where none of life’s stresses could reach me. And for the past year, it was where I spent most of my time. The shelves at the back of the space were overflowing with items waiting to be gifted or sold.
“Hey, man!” Waylon’s voice rang out, the familiar greeting accompanied by the creak of the door opening. He stepped in, his eyes immediately finding mine. “Whatcha got there?”
“Hey,” I said, dusting off my hands before holding up the jewelry box for him to see. “Just a little project I’ve been tinkering with. I’m thinking about making a few more for the spring craft fair.”
“Looks great.” He offered an appreciative smile. “So, what’s next on your agenda? Anything big coming up other than the show?”
I sighed, setting the box down on my workbench. “Not really. It’s been slow since my last project wrapped up but that’s not unusual over winter. You know how it is: feast or famine. I’m thinking about bidding on the apartment complex on the edge of town but I’d need to put together a crew for that and I’m not sure I want the hassle of being the boss.”
“Speaking of which,” Waylon began, leaning against a nearby table, “I may have a line on a medium-sized job for you. Shiloh down at the bakery’s thinking about expanding, and I think the two of you working together could be beneficial for both parties.”
