Page 54 of Auctioned to the Cowboys

“Great. Thanks.”

The cupcakes on the table look so pretty with their sweet frosting and sprinkling of chopped nuts. The truth is that Taylor’s idea of running her own business isn’t a pipe dream. She has the talent, and she has the ideas. She just hasn’t had the opportunity.

Maybe it’s something I can rectify. I stroll to my office, and call Barb, hoping that Mitch will have talked to her. She answers the phone with her usual cheerfulness, and another weight drops from my shoulders. Like Mitch, she’s found a way to put her problems with our relationship aside.

“I need your help with something,” I say.

“Tell me.”

So I do. I outline what I need: someone to help research the permits Taylor will need to supply baked goods, information about what an independent bakery business will need in the short and long term in terms of equipment, and places she can advertise. Barb used to have her own cafe in town but retired around ten years ago. Things will have changed since then, but she’ll know where to look and have some useful contacts.

“That all sounds straightforward,” she says brusquely. “Leave it with me. And Jesse, can I be the first to place an order. I’m hosting a charity fundraiser next week. The idea of baking for days when my knee is bad is unappealing. Could I jot down a list of items for Taylor to make for me? Of course, I’ll pay her a fair price.”

“Taylor will be happy,” I say, already imagining her face when I tell her.

I ask after Mitch, and then we say our goodbyes, and I head back into the kitchen.

Clint and Maverick are watching Molly finish the cupcakes. Taylor’s plating up what looks like lasagna and salad. I peer over her shoulder, breathing in the rich meaty, garlicky scent. “That looks absolutely delicious,” I say. I want to kiss her cheek, and breathe in her sweet rose scent, but I hold back. Until I’ve had the important conversation, I won’t touch her again.

I take two plates and place them in front of Clint and Maverick. Molly stands with the tray of cakes, walking slowly and carefully to where Taylor has a rack set up. “What do you think?” she asks her sister.

“I think they’re amazing, and if I ever get my own bakery business off the ground, you’ll be my first employee.”

The young girl blushes with pride.

“Come on,” I say. “Let’s eat.”

As anticipated, the food is mouthwatering. Taylor watches us all with a secret smile playing on her lips.

“We’re going to need to get Molly registered with a school,” I say.

Taylor’s eyes widen. “I guess.”

“Would you prefer to go to the local school or home school?” I ask Molly.

Before she has a chance to reply, Taylor steps in. “I think the local school would be better. She’ll need to make friends?” She voices the last part as a question.

“She will,” I confirm. “I know you’re both away from what you know, and it’s important for you to put down roots.”

Taylor nods and focuses on her plate. She lets out a long breath through pursed lips like my words are a source of relief. She may have been worried that we’d be unhappy about Molly’s arrival. She couldn’t be more wrong.

When lunch is finished, I tell Maverick and Clint that I’ll meet them in a half hour. With our three workers, my presence isn’t so desperately required.

“Can I talk to you?” I ask Taylor. “In my office.”

It sounds ridiculously formal, but there’s no way around it. What I have to say isn’t for Molly’s ears.

“Sure. Molly, can you finish the clearing up?”

Without argument, Molly starts scraping the plates into the trash and Taylor follows me into the hallway. Once we’re inside my office, I close the door. Taylor waits expectantly, her posture tight and her gaze fixed on the floor.

I sit and urge her to do the same. As soon as her butt hits the chair, she starts. “I know you didn’t sign up for a child, Jesse. If it’s too much for Molly to stay here, we’ll move out. I’ll just need some time to get set up.”

“Is that what you want?” I ask. “You want to leave?”

My heart already feels lacerated, watching as uncertainty clouds her expression.

“I want whatever you want,” she says.

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