Page 12 of Sebastian

Natalie smiled. “He’s really protective of me and Addie.”

“That’s sweet, but I’m glad you got to follow your dreams, too.”

“It’s all a balance.” Natalie ruffled Addie’s hair.

“Balance. I could use some of that in my life. I’m trying to save money by doing everything myself, and it’s a blessing to have so many orders, but I’m not getting home until one or two every morning and then I’m back up at six to open the bakery. At least I have Melissa most days after she finishes school.”

“Em! That’s not okay. Do you need some help tonight? I can jump in wherever you could use me.”

“No, I couldn’t ask that of you. I mean, I know you’ve had a long day with work and then Addie’s dance. Don’t you need to get her home?”

“She’s okay. I know she has some homework she needs to get done before bed anyways, and it’ll give her a chance to sit and enjoy her treat.”

Emma couldn’t have heard her correctly. Homework? All Addie should be worrying about after school is playing with her toys and enjoying her time at dance.

“They are giving out homework to first graders? That’s wild.”

“Tell me about it. Remind me and I’ll show you the math she’s working on. I feel like a dunce every time she needs help.”

She laughed. “Alright, well, yeah. Okay! I’ll only keep you until Addie is done with her cookie and homework, but I think we could make a dent in my orders by then.”

“Perfect oh brilliant baker. Put me to work.”

Emma showed Natalie how to pipe a frosting flower onto her sugar cookies before she grabbed her phone and put on her favorite playlist over the bakery’s speaker system.

“Hey, Addie, come show me what you’ve been learning in dance while your mom works on her piping skills.”

Addie dropped out of the booth and ran back into the kitchen.

“We’ve been doing a lot of line work,” she said as she lifted one hand above her head, the other arm low and towards her back. Then she spun around.

“Wow, that’s really beautiful. You think I could do that?” Emma asked.

“Only one way to know,” the precocious little girl gestured for her to try.

Emma repeated the same motions that Addie showed her, and when she finished her spin, both Natalie and Addie were smiling.

“Wow, Em. You’ve got great lines. I definitely think that’s why Mr. Montgomery likes you.” Natalie winked and Emma felt her face flush.

“Mommy’s boss likes you? Mom and I agree that he could be one of the princes in my princess movies! And he put a container of lollipops on his desk just for when I come to work with my mom after school.”

“She may have a little crush on him,” Natalie laughed.

“So, does he like you how a boyfriend likes a girlfriend?” Addie asked.

“No,” Emma quickly replied, wondering how it suddenly felt like the bakery felt like it was on fire. Natalie laughed before telling Addie to go back to the table to finish her homework. “Sorry, but she’ll probably be busy for the next few weeks planning your wedding.”

“She really is amazing, Nat. You must be so proud.”

“I am. A lot of the times I feel like a single mom. So many of the decisions and nearly all of the parenting falls on me. It’s really tough, but then I see the smart, kind, and adventurous human she’s growing in to and it’s all worth it.”

“It must be hard having a husband in such a demanding job. But he must be a really good doctor if he’s traveling all over to help patients.”

“He is, and I’m so proud of him.” She continued to pipe flowers onto Emma’s sugar cookies. “I love him, honestly, I do. I just wish he would pick me and Addie over his job sometimes, and then I feel so guilty for thinking that, because how many people would die if he did choose us, you know?”

“That’s really rough,” Emma sighed. “Well, you are doing an amazing job with her and I think you should be very proud.”

“So, can we talk about how much you flushed a minute ago when I brought up Mr. Montgomery?”

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