June runs a hand lightly along the edge of one crate, eyes wide. “This is… a lot.”
“I helped a little,” I admit, moving closer. “But most of it is Aiden. He does this twice a year for the senior home.”
Both of them glance around again, impressed, and a quiet pride settles in my chest knowing I get to be part of this too.
I step into the garage to check the fridge and notice several loaves still sitting proofed and ready but not baked.
I pull out my phone.
Me:
Are you baking the bread in the garage, or is that extra?
His response comes quickly.
Aiden:
I will be baking those tonight. I didn’t have time to finish.
I stare at the message for a second before walking back inside. Without overthinking it, I move to the oven, slide a Dutch oven onto the rack, and set the temperature to four-fifty.
April and June watch me like I’ve grown a second head.
“He didn’t get to finish baking,” I explain. “So we’re going to do it for him.”
April laughs. “When did you become a sourdough expert?”
“Shut up and help me.”
I pull the manila envelope open and spread the labels across the counter, separating them into piles.
“These right here are the Vampire Slayers,” I say, pointing toward one crate. “These are Plain Janes. Third crate is Lemon Blueberry, and the last one is Aiden’s secret red velvet recipe.”
June lifts a sheet of labels. “These are adorable.”
“The bagels are Danny Dough-vito’s Bagels,” I continue, handing another stack over, “and these are for the jams. Oregon Peaches… and Elena’s Blueberry Jam.”
April looks up “Who’s Elena?”
“Aiden’s mom,” I say.
She blinks. “You’re telling me Aiden’s mom’s name is our mom’s name, but in Spanish?”
I smile, handing her another sheet.
“Yup,” I say, clapping my hands once. “Let’s get to work.”
April rolls her shoulders dramatically. “Okay, team. We’re getting this man ready for market.”
June laughs, pulling a crate closer. “Let’s do it.”
Two hours later, I’m scoring the third loaf of bread when the garage door opens, the sound cutting through the soft chatter filling the kitchen, and I glance up just as Aiden steps inside. He’s still half in uniform, fireman pants and heavy boots paired with a fitted blue station T-shirt that stretches across his shoulders,Fire Rescueprinted across the back. His hair is slightly messy from wearing his helmet all day, flattened in places and curling at the edges, but the second he sees the kitchen, his entire expression softens, his smile warm and easy, like coming home to a full house is the best surprise he could’ve found waiting for him.
April and June both stop what they’re doing.
They look at him, then immediately at each other, and June mouthshotwhile April nods dramatically across her, the two of them being so painfully obvious that I have to bite back a laugh and pretend I’m very focused on the bread in front of me.
“Hello,” Aiden greets, stepping farther inside, his gaze moving between everyone.
