Page 53 of Always the Baker

“Can I say something as well?” I lowered my voice so she wouldn’t take me as a threat, but I was protective of Billie too.

“Go ahead.”

“You mentioned Billie’s dreams… but do you actually care about them?” She blinked as her expression went slack. “What happened between us had a lot to do with the fact that she isn’t satisfied with her job or her life. I know you may think it’s not my place to speak on this because we haven’t known each other long, but we know each other intimately, and she shared things with me that she hasn’t been brave enough to share with you. You never have to worry about me breaking her heart, but you do have to worry about her never reaching her full potential and being unsatisfied with her life because of her obligation to you and this place. I don’t want her harboring resentment toward you or herself for that matter.”

Scoffing, Gina crossed her arms over her chest. “How dare you—”

“I mean no harm or disrespect,” I said quickly, lifting my hands in surrender. “All I’m saying is, I care about my sweetheart and want her to live the life she deserves. I’m going to do everything in my power to make that happen, and I hope you don’t work against me by trying to keep her here under you.”

“My daughter knows she can do whatever she wants with her life. I’m not stopping her.”

Chuckling, I ran my hand over my beard. “Okay, Mrs. Hopkins. Just please keep this conversation in mind if she comes to you wanting time off to pursue those dreams you mentioned. I understand she has responsibilities, but those responsibilities are because of your commitment to this business. I hope you allow her the grace to pursue the dream you planted in her heart when yours became deferred.”

When she finally heard the intent behind my words, her frame softened. With a bob of her head, she gave my hand a gentle squeeze.

As we headed back inside, I caught sight of Billie through the window. Her brow was furrowed in concentration as she worked. I knew every word I’d said to her mom was true. This was real, she was real, deserving of so much more, and I was all in.

By the time the office closed for the day, Billie had a glint in her eye. “So, do you want to spend the evening playing darts with my friends, or do you want to go to the fall fair?”

I pretended to think about it for a minute, but the decision was an easy one. A night in the bar was cool, but I needed one-on-one time with Billie.

The local fair was crowded,and I believed Billie when she said it looked like over half of the whole town had come tonight. Her eyes lit up as we entered. Her hand was warm in mine.

“Oh my God, Brax, look!” She tugged me toward a cotton candy stand. “We have to get some. It’s fair law.”

I laughed, pulling out my wallet.

“Well now, I can’t allow you to watch me break the law.” I shifted my attention toward the vendor. “Two, please.”

As we walked, Billie took a big bite of her cotton candy, leaving a pink mustache on her upper lip. I couldn’t help but grin.

“What?” she asked, self-consciously wiping her mouth.

“Nothing,” I said, shaking my head. “You’re just adorable.”

She rolled her eyes, but I caught the blush creeping up her cheeks. “Says the guy with blue sugar all over his beard and chin.”

I swiped at my face, chuckling.

We wandered through the fairgrounds, laughing at the ridiculous carnival games and people-watching. It was so different from my usual scene—no paparazzi, no screaming fans, just regular folks having a good time.

“Oh no.” Billie groaned suddenly, pulling me to a stop.

“What’s wrong?”

She pointed to a booth where a bored-looking teenager was halfheartedly calling out to passersby. “It’s the ring toss. I’m absolute garbage at it, but that stuffed penguin is so cute.”

I sized up the game as a cocky grin spread across my face. “Leave it to me, sweetheart. Ya man got this.”

“Brax, you don’t have to.”

But I was already walking toward the booth, fishing out some cash.

“Wait… Did you just say you were my man?”

Ignoring her, I continued toward the counter. The kid perked up, explaining the rules rapid-fire.

Five minutes and several dollars later, I was starting to regret my bravado.

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