"If it alleviates Tom's mind to know you're here with me and you're safe, isn't that what you want?"
I couldn't say no to that."I'll stay with you for now."
"And we agree that we don't tell your brother about the fire.He doesn't need to know."
"Of course not."That was one thing we agreed on.Tom didn't need to know about any of it."You really think he'd want me living with you though?"
"He'd want to know you were safe, and he knows I'll protect you with my life."
I licked my lower lip."You did last night."
"Yeah."
But it was probably because of the vow he'd made."I don't want to talk about that stupid promise you made to my brother anymore."
He laughed softly."Me either."
"Good."I knew I was being stubborn.I hated the idea of two men talking about me like I needed their protection.It was absurd.I wasn't a kid anymore.I could take care of myself.
He shifted slightly in his seat and glanced over at me."You know a lot of people are going to want to help you.Will you let them?"
I crossed my arms over my chest."I don't see how I have a choice if I want to get the bakery open again anytime soon."
"Everyone wants to see that happen.But it will go more quickly if you accept the help that's offered."
"I will," I said curtly.
A smile curved over his lips."Why do I have a feeling you're going to fight me at every turn?"
I let out a breath."I'll cooperate."
He shook his head, an amused expression on his face."Somehow I don't believe you."
I shifted slightly so that I was facing him."The bakery is everything to me.Baking is the one thing I'm good at.I wasn't sure I could handle the business side of things, but I figured it out.I shared my baked goods with the town, and everyone seemed to love them.But now, I'm not sure how I'm going to survive without that income.Will I lose clientele to Telluride?If I'm closed for a long time, people will forget about me.They'll move on."
"I have a feeling you have a plan for that."
"I need to find a kitchen that can accommodate me, and then I'll reach out to my existing customers and tell them I can still process their orders.I'll make it clear that I intend to continue to take orders and deliver them.I'll provide a service, and they'll want to come back when the shop is reopened."
His brow furrowed."Why can't you use my kitchen?"
"You only have one oven, and it's not a commercial size.I produce far more than your kitchen could handle."
"Your ovens in the bakery were something."
"They aren't cheap either," I said dryly.
"You have insurance and already have a plan in place for the interim.You're going to be okay."
"I hope that's enough."I was quiet for a few seconds as he parked in his driveway."I'm not good at having nothing to do.I'm usually baking at this time of day."
He looked over at me."You want to find a kitchen now?"
"You would help me?"I asked, a little surprised that he would want to get involved with this aspect of the business.
"I can come with you."He backed out of the driveway.“Where to?Christmas Town?”
"Let’s try there first."I was relieved now that I had a task to complete.Secure a kitchen, purchase ingredients, and get to work.Maybe I could reach out to the restaurants I delivered to and see if they'd want to increase their orders.My mind was racing with possibilities.
