Page 108 of Sweet Somethings

"It looks like they're heading in that direction. I hope Martha doesn't get in the way."

"So do I. She could ruin things. On the other hand, I don't think Cecelia will let anyone stop her if she decides to go for it this time."

"What time is the dinner?"

"They said they're meeting about seven thirty, so I told him I'd bring the cake by at eight-thirty. He'll be my last delivery."

"You really need to get some help."

"After tomorrow is over, I am going to look into that." Silence fell between them. There were so many things she wanted to say but in light of all the uncertainty, she didn't know if she should say them. Unfortunately, she seemed to have little restraint when it came to Roman. "I missed you today."

"Right back at you," he said, a tender note in his voice. "I guess I'll see you tomorrow after all the crazy baking is done."

"I can't wait," she murmured. "Have a safe flight."

"Don't fall asleep in the cake batter."

"I'll try not to." As she ended the call, she found herself smiling and feeling a lot less weary than she had a few minutes earlier. She could do this. She could get through the night and the day and then she'd see Roman again. She didn't want to think past that moment. For now, it was enough.

* * *

Juliette was standing in the kitchen of Roman's grandfather's house, pulling his cake out of its box on Tuesday night, when Roman entered through the back door.

Her heart jumped with the sight of his handsome face and she almost dropped the cake. That would have been a disaster. She carefully put it on the counter, then turned to look at him.

He was closer than she'd thought, slipping his arms around her waist, lowering his head to kiss her hello. It was a long, tender kiss, filled with promise—at least she hoped that was promise and not just wishful thinking.

"You're still alive," he teased, as he lifted his head to give her a smile.

"I am. I made it through the day. Who knew Valentine's Day would be so harrowing? This is my last delivery."

"How's it going with my grandfather?"

"Let's take a peek," she said, leading the way into the hall. They crept quietly toward the dining room, then paused so they wouldn't be seen.

Vincent and Cecelia sat close together at one end of the table, which was lit with candles and decorated with flowers.

"Wow, did he do all that?" Roman muttered.

"It's beautiful. I wonder if he cooked. There aren't any dishes in the sink."

"He probably ordered out." He paused. "He looks like a teenager in love."

"Cecelia looks young, too. They found their way back to each other. I still can't quite believe it."

"You're the one who made it happen," he reminded her as they made their way quietly back to the kitchen.

"And you," she said. "I'm just glad our meddling had a good result."

"Me, too. We make good partners in crime."

"I don't know if we'll rob any banks together, but I get your point."

He smiled. "I have a feeling you could talk me into anything."

And she had a feeling that the one thing she couldn't talk him into was what she wanted most. That thought was depressing, and she was suddenly overcome with exhaustion. She'd been running on adrenaline for too many days, and she didn't think she could handle an emotional conversation right now.

"I should go," she said abruptly. "You can serve them the cake in a few minutes."

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