Page 30 of Sweet Dreams

"I hate to break up this little United Nations of baking," she said eventually, "but we've got about twelve hours until showtime, and there's still a lot to do."

Beth nodded, clapping her hands together. "Right. Okay, team. Let's break this down. Reese, you focus on the decorations. Jessie, keep working on that sugar experiment, but maybe dial back the scientific jargon a notch. Kelly, you're on supply-run duty. Anything we need, you're our go-to girl. And Yuri..."

She trailed off, suddenly realizing she hadn't actually discussed with him how involved he wanted to be. "Yuri, you don't have to—"

"I'm all yours, moye solnyshko," he cut in, his eyes twinkling. "Just point me where you need me."

Beth felt a rush of affection. "In that case, you're with me. We've got a secret weapon to prepare."

As they all sprang into action, the bakery humming with renewed energy, Beth couldn't help but marvel at how perfectly Yuri fit into her world. It was as if he'd always been there, filling a space she hadn't even realized was empty.

Hours ticked by in a blur of flour, sugar, and increasingly punchy banter. As the sky outside began to lighten, signaling the approach of dawn, Beth called for a break.

"Alright, everyone," she said, stifling a yawn. "Power nap time. Twenty minutes, then we're back at it."

As the others settled onto various surfaces – Reese curling up in a chair, Jessie sprawling across a clear countertop, Kelly disappearing into the office – Beth found herself alone with Yuri for the first time in hours.

"Hey," she said softly, leaning into him. "How are you holding up?"

Yuri wrapped an arm around her, pressing a kiss to her temple. "I'm perfect. This... all of this... it's amazing, Beth. You're amazing."

Beth felt her heart swell. "I'm so glad you're here," she murmured. "I don't think I could do this without you."

Yuri tightened his embrace. "You could. You're stronger than you know. But I'm honored to be by your side."

They stood in comfortable silence for a moment, swaying slightly. Then Yuri spoke again, his voice hesitant. "Beth... what happens after the competition?"

Beth pulled back slightly, looking up at him. "What do you mean?"

Yuri ran a hand through his hair, a nervous gesture she was coming to recognize. "I mean... I fly back to Belarus in three days. And then what? I can't stop thinking about it. About you. About us."

Beth felt her breath catch. "Yuri..."

"I know it's crazy," he rushed on. "We've only known each other for a short time. But Beth, I've never felt this way before. The thought of going back, of not seeing you every day... it's killing me."

Beth's heart raced. She knew exactly how he felt because she felt the same way. The idea of him leaving was like a physical ache in her chest.

"So don't go," she whispered.

Yuri's eyes widened. "What?"

Beth took a deep breath, gathering her courage. "Don't go. Or... or if you have to go, come back. We can figure it out. Visas, work permits, whatever it takes. I just... I don't want to lose this. Lose you."

For a moment, Yuri just stared at her, his expression unreadable. Then, slowly, a smile spread across his face. "Moye solnyshko," he murmured, cupping her face in his hands. "My Beth. Are you asking me to move to America?"

Beth nodded, feeling simultaneously terrified and exhilarated. "I guess I am. Is that completely insane?"

Yuri's answering laugh was joyous. "Probably," he said, leaning in close. "But then, the best recipes often require a little madness, no?"

As their lips met in a deep, passionate kiss, Beth felt like her heart might burst with happiness. They still had a lot to figure out – the competition, the logistics of an international move, the future of their relationship – but in that moment, none of it mattered.

The sound of slow clapping broke them apart. They turned to find Reese, Jessie, and Kelly watching them with varying expressions of amusement and approval.

"Well," Reese drawled, "I guess that answers the question of whether Yuri's sticking around."

"Fascinating," Jessie mumbled, scribbling in her ever-present notebook. "The release of oxytocin and dopamine during moments of romantic connection can lead to heightened decision-making capabilities and increased risk tolerance. This could potentially impact Beth's performance in the competition. We should run some tests—"

"Or," Kelly cut in, "we could let the lovebirds have their moment and get back to prepping for this competition. After all," she added with a wink, "we've got a wedding cake to practice for now, don't we?"

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