Page 28 of Sweet Dreams

"So," Reese said as they put the finishing touches on a tray of croissants, "when do we get to meet this paragon of Belarusian manhood?"

Beth's phone chimed again. She read the message, a grin spreading across her face. "Sooner than you might think. He's coming for the competition."

Reese's jaw dropped. "Shut up! Seriously? Oh, this is going to be good."

"Indeed," Jessie nodded thoughtfully. "It will provide an excellent opportunity for cultural exchange and comparative analysis of baking methodologies."

Beth and Reese shared an amused look. "Right," Beth said. "That's definitely why he's coming. For the... baking methodologies."

The bell above the door chimed again. This time, it was Kelly, looking windswept and excited. "There's my globe-trotting girl!" she exclaimed, pulling Beth into a tight hug. "You, missy, have some explaining to do. I want every juicy detail."

As Beth opened her mouth to respond, the door chimed once more. Zack walked in, a hopeful smile on his face and a bag from The Daily Grind in his hand.

"Beth! You're back," he said, his eyes lighting up. "I, uh, brought you some of that new blend we were working on. Thought it might help with the jet lag."

Beth felt a twinge of guilt at the eagerness in his voice. "Thanks, Zack. That's really thoughtful of you."

An awkward silence fell over the bakery. Reese, ever the peacekeeper, clapped her hands together. "Right! Well, as fun as this reunion is, we've got a baking competition to prepare for. Zack, why don't you tell Beth about those coffee-infused scones you were working on?"

As Zack launched into an enthusiastic description of his latest creation, Beth's mind wandered. In just three days, she’dcompete in the biggest baking event of her career. And Yuri would be there, watching. The thought sent a mix of excitement and nerves fluttering through her stomach.

Her phone buzzed again. Another message from Yuri:

Yuri:Ticket booked. I'll be there in two days. Try not to miss me too much until then.??

Beth couldn’t suppress her smile as she typed back:

Beth:Too late. Already missing you. Can't wait to see you. And to introduce you to everyone.

"Okay, lovebirds," Kelly's voice cut through her thoughts. "Enough texting. We've got work to do. Beth, honey, I love you, but you look like you've been hit by the happy stick. We need to get you focused."

Beth nodded, reluctantly putting her phone away. "You're right. Okay, team. Let's talk about strategy. This competition isn't going to win itself."

As they gathered around the central workstation, Beth felt a surge of determination. She had her friends, her bakery, and soon, she'd have Yuri by her side. The Christmas Baking Spectacular didn't stand a chance.

"Alright," she said, tying on her apron. "Let's show this town what Sweet Dreams is made of."

The next two days passed in a blur of flour, sugar, and frantic preparation. Beth barely had time to think, let alone worry about Yuri's impending arrival. But as she stood in the airport’s arrivals area, her heart pounding, all her nerves came rushing back.

What if the spark they'd felt in Belarus didn't translate to her world? What if he took one look at her small-town life and decided it wasn't for him?

Her spiraling thoughts were interrupted by a familiar voice. "Moye solnyshko."

Beth turned, and there he was. Yuri looked slightly rumpled from the long flight but still devastatingly handsome, his blue eyes crinkling as he smiled at her.

Without a word, she threw herself into his arms. He caught her easily, lifting her off her feet as he kissed her deeply.

When they finally parted, both slightly breathless, Yuri rested his forehead against hers. "Hello," he murmured.

Beth laughed, feeling giddy. "Hello yourself. Welcome to America."

Fourteen

The bell above Sweet Dreams' door chimed merrily as Beth and Yuri entered, a gust of cold air following them inside. The bakery was a hive of activity, with Reese and Jessie darting between workstations like sugar-fueled bees.

"Honey, I'm home!" Beth called out, unable to keep the grin off her face. "And I brought a special delivery from Belarus!"

Reese's head popped up from behind a tower of mixing bowls, her eyes widening as she caught sight of Yuri. "Well, well, well," she drawled, wiping her hands on her apron as she approached. "If it isn't the famous Yuri in the flesh. I was starting to think Beth had imagined you."

---