Page 75 of Don't Leave Me

“Shouldn’t I get the bakery off the ground before we start having kids?”

Wes has been looking for spaces Sophia could open a bakery. A place went up for sale next to Bennett Bradley Security and he jumped at the chance to buy it. He said if she didn’t like it, he’d use it as a rental and make some money off of it, but he thinks it’s perfect for what she wants and needs.

I loved the idea of her working next to Mason. I knew she’d be safe. Now that I’ll be working at Bennett Bradley Security, I like the idea even better. I can walk next door and see her at any time.

Wes took her on a tour of the place via video chat and it seems perfect. She’s already ordered the equipment she needs for the bakery and Wes is storing it in the warehouse until she can come home and see it in person. If she gives him the go ahead, the place should be transformed quickly into her dream bakery.

“Nah, I think we can make it work even with a little one. After all, we have all of Mulberry Lane at our backs. We’ll have more help than we know what to do with.”

“I like that. I really want a family.”

“I know you do, sweetheart.” I press a quick kiss to her lips. “I also think you should drive home this weekend to see the bakery space.”

“What?”

“If you like it, they can get a head start on renovations. Your dad told me last night they have an extra team right now. Something about permits not being ready for a new build. You could have everything ready by the time we move.”

“Can you come with me this weekend?”

“I have three days off.” I grin. I wasn’t supposed to be off, but Colt said to go and he’d cover it for me.

I think the man is taking pity on me because he knows how much I want to make Sophia happy. He also knows how excited we are to start our new lives together.

“Best. Fiancé. Ever.” She kisses me between each word, making a large smile spread across my face.

Chapter 34

Sophia

“This place is perfect!” I squeal as I spin in a circle, imagining my new bakery.

“Alright, explain your vision to me.” Uncle Blake motions for me to start as he tugs a notepad out of his pocket. “I'm sure this isn't going to be a normal bakery,” he teases.

“Never!” I frown at him. The thought of a normal bakery makes me sad. “Can we put bigger windows on the front?”

“Sure. It’s child’s play.” Dad rolls his eyes.

“Ok. I want the kitchen to have a window to the outside. I want a wall of windows from the kitchen into the bakery too. I want everyone to be able to see their sweet treats being made. I want to see little chubby faces pressed against the glass when I'm in there. Kitchens are always so dark and covered in stainless steel, I don’t want that at all.”

“Done. What else?” Dad watches me carefully. He’s probably better at this than I am.

“I want the kitchen split into two spaces. One for baking and one for decorating. There needs to be a door from the decoratingspace to behind the counters. The display cases should be long and classy looking. I don’t want it to look cheap.”

“Sophia Robinson will never like anything cheap,” Uncle Blake teases me some more.

“She needs a room in the back for parties and classes too. There would probably be a door to the kitchen from there. It will make it easier for you to set up things without walking through customers. I think you should also have a large portion of the kitchen out of sight. You don’t want people watching everything you’re doing. Sydney thought she wanted that until she realized there were people watching her every move and trying to steal her recipes. She took out the window quickly. You could have the ovens in view, but maybe not where you’re making everything. You’ll also need to leave space for a fridge, freezer, storage, and an office.” Pecker steps behind me and wraps his arms around my waist, resting his chin on my shoulder.

“Peck’s right. You don’t want people watching your every move. Maybe have a small kitchen closed off from the rest of the kitchen. You can work in there for some of the day making specific things. Like scoop your cookies in there or pour your batter into your cupcake liners in view, but make everything behind closed doors.” Dad nods his head, agreeing with him.

“Plus, if you really want to be open twenty-four hours a day, I think it’s better if people can't see how many people are working. The last thing you need is someone stalking you and keeping tabs of how many people are in the bakery at all times.” Uncle Mason’s voice comes from behind me, making me spin around to face him.

“Uncle Mason!” I step out of Pecker’s hold and leap into the air, knowing Uncle Mason will catch me.

“How’s my favorite baker?” He hugs me tightly and spins me in a circle.

“I'm not a baker yet.” I roll my eyes as he places me back on my feet. “But soon! What are you doing here?”

“Well, it was a really long walk from my office, but I wanted to meet the man I offered a job to. It’s nice to meet you, Peck.” Uncle Mason closes the distance between him and Peck, holding out his hand to shake.

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