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She walks close to me. “Be sure not to fill them more than halfway, or they’ll overflow.”

I nod, continuing.

The timer dings for the first batch and Margo pulls them out, placing them on the cooling rack. I glance at them mournfully. They’re golden brown and crispy on the outside but I bet that filling is sweet and warm and…

“Stop coveting the pastries and finish the cupcakes, Cole,” Margo scolds.

My head snaps back to my task.

“Whatever you say, princess.”

Margo’s brown eyes widen, her cheeks flushing again, heart-shaped mouth falling open.

Fuck. How was I the last to taste her lips?

It’s not fair.

And now I’ve brought up Belle. My ex-wife. I’ll have to explain what happened. Why she left.

It feels like a void in my chest just to think about, even though it’s been nearly a decade. Now I send a check every month to a ghost, because Belle won’t talk to me. Won’t even look at me.

I send it every month because I feel like I failed her, and it’s the only apology she’ll take.

I finish the cupcakes. Well, my part of it.

Margo comes over to inspect them and hums in approval before sticking them in one of the still-hot ovens.

“Dishes,” she orders, and I dutifully go over to the sink.

I’ve closed property deals with less supervision.

The day goes by quickly. There’s a lot to do, and Margo rules with an iron fist.

Not that I mind. I like a strong woman who knows how to take orders in the bedroom, and Margo has that in spades.

Finally, after a full day’s work, the room is filled with delicious-smelling pastries. Margo lets me try to frost a single cupcake, but she’s not impressed.

So I stand back, leaning against one of the stoves while the three of them frost everything but the last tray. I can’t help noting that they work together well. Both Gabe and Marcus take Margo’s direction easily.

I have a little bit of a harder time taking orders, I guess.

I never have been much of a rule follower.

Thunder rolls outside, followed by a lightning crack that makes Margo jump.

The lights flicker and she groans.

“Don’t worry,” Gabe says, his hand hovering over her shoulder. “Hollow Pine has a backup generator.”

Marcus grunts. “I’ll go load the truck. Generator needs topping up, too.”

He exits the room without another word.

“What if it storms the day of the festival?” Margo asks, biting her lip.

“We’ll just move inside to the ballroom.” Gabe pauses, looking at me pointedly. “I’ll call Suzanne, prepare her for the possibility.”

I stare at him, mouth agape. Is Gabe actually giving me a few minutes alone with Margo?