Page 18 of Wynter's Second Chance

The boy paused, obviously weighing it over, then shook his head firmly. “Thanks, but… I promised Dad I’d handle these myself”

"Alright, I’ll leave you to it, then,” I said, stepping a little closer with a playful smile. “Unless, of course, you want a ride somewhere?”

Rory’s eyes sparkled with a touch of mischief. “No thanks,” he replied. “I’m not supposed to accept lifts from strangers.”

I couldn’t help but chuckle. “Strangers? C’mon, you know I’m your dad’s best friend.”

He shrugged. “That’s what theyallsay.”

I laughed, shaking my head. “Fair enough. Can’t argue with that.” I stuffed my hands in my pockets and gave him a nod. “But if you change your mind about that ride... I’m here, you know?”

“Yeah, okay.” He didn’t look convinced, but I saw the tiniest twitch at the corner of his mouth, like he was trying not to smile.

Rory shifted the parcels in his hands and looked at me sideways. “I’ve got to deliver these to Dad’s customers.” He gave me a look like he was about to say something sarcastic, but then just kept going. “And he knows I’m doing it.”

I nodded, admiring his resolve. “Alright, then. But you sure you’re okay doing this all by yourself? I know your dad’s been teaching you the ropes, but that’s a lot of cupcakes.”

“I can handle it,” Rory said, giving me a look that was both serious and a little rebellious. "And yes, Dad trusts me to do it.”

“Of course he does,” I agreed. "Your dad's a smart guy. He raised a smart kid."

Rory shot me another sideways glance, looking almost embarrassed for a second. Then he muttered, “Well, I’ve got this side project, too. I'm collecting surveys and feedback from all ofDad’s customers and then I’ll take them to the bank. That’ll show them he can run his own bakery. I know he'd be a success at it.”

“Now, that’s some next-level thinking for someone your age.”

Rory smiled, just barely, but it was there. “I’m trying to help him out. Maybe it'll be the best Christmas present ever.”

I nodded, impressed. “I think it’s a solid plan, Rory. Keep that confidence. If you can pull this off, the sky’s the limit.”

He glanced at me, looking almost sheepish now. “Thanks... but don’t tell Dad, okay? It’s a surprise.”

“Cross my heart.” I mimed zipping my lips. “Your secret’s safe with me.”

The tiniest smile curled his lips. “Thanks.”

I watched him turn and walk away, his shoulders a little more relaxed now, the weight of his mission seemingly a bit lighter. The kid was sharp. And no matter how prickly he acted on the outside, it was clear he had his father’s heart.

I couldn’t help but feel a little more optimistic, seeing how much he had on his shoulders—and how much he was trying to do for his dad. After everything he’d been through, he still carried himself with a determination I admired.

After Rory was out of sight, I got back into my car and waited.

CHAPTER 9

TARAN

I parked, stepping out just as a shadow emerged from the side of my driveway. A broad-shouldered figure moved toward me, rugged in dark jeans and a worn leather jacket that had seen better days, but somehow looked even better for it. Wynter.

I nearly jumped out of my skin. “God, Wynter! Where’d you come from?” I half-laughed, half-panted, clutching my chest. I took in the faint roughness of his beard, the hint of a smirk lifting one side of his mouth, and that scent—outdoorsy, smoky, something clean, like cedar and winter air. His cheeks red from the cold, slow grin spread across his face. “Didn’t expect me back this soon?” His voice had a playful edge, just like when we were kids and he’d pop out from behind trees to scare me.

I chuckled, rubbing my hands together. “Guess you’ve still got the element of surprise down. Nice jacket, by the way. Trying out for the ‘rugged mountain man’ catalog?”

He gave a mock-serious nod. “This old thing? They should haveyouin the catalog, actually. ‘Aspen Ridge’s Favorite Pastry Guy.’”

Rolling my eyes, I unlocked the door. “How did you even know when I’d be back? You timing my shifts now?”

“Ran into Rory on his way to deliver half the bakery to your customers,” he shrugged, stepping into the house behind me. “Kid’s got a sense of purpose, that’s for sure.”

I chuckled, nodding. “Yeah, I’ve been seeing that more lately. Feels like he’s suddenly older. More serious.” I shook my head, amazed and a little wistful. “Last time I checked, he still needed help opening the peanut butter jar.”

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