Page 17 of Jack

Stepping over to the sink I quickly wash and dry my hands, making sure that I don’t have any stains from the food coloringon them. I scoff to myself, hearing my mother’s voice scolding me about not cleaning myself good enough for her.

She drives me crazy.

My mother has never liked that I love to bake and make models and displays out of sugar. It is an art, and I am freaking good at it. All of my desire to bake comes from my grandmother Thelma, who taught me everything I know about baking, but it was her drive and support that helped me turn my baking into something far more than most want.

When I step into my store from the kitchen, I see Tree, Kady, along with Luna and the two babies who hold my heart: Kane and Archer.

“We have sold out of the rhubarb and custard candies, Lilith. Some of the older customers told me to tell you to make more next time,” one of my employees informs me with a bright smile.

“That is amazing.” My heart swells. “I will add that to the list; thank you, Casey.”

I walk over to the table where my cousins are sitting with their kids and Luna.

Leaning down, I kiss Archer on his head while he sleeps in his stroller, but Kane reaches for me.

“Oh, baby boy, I missed you.”

“Woman, you saw him yesterday,” Kady states, before she pops a piece of pastry into her mouth.

I am glad that they have already been served; my staff are amazing when it comes to family, and I make sure that they include their own in the special privileges also.

“I know but he is changing so much.” I snuggle in, smelling his baby smell.

“She is right. Archer is changing every day. It is scary to think about,” Tree murmurs, looking lovingly at her son.

I want this one day. I look at my cousins, who both have baby boys. One gave birth naturally, and the other became a momwhen her boyfriend found out he was a dad, but both of them are equally in love with their sons. Family is not always blood.

It has been my dream to open my own shop, which I have succeeded at, and to have a family of my own. A man who loves me and sees me, and a child who will be made from love and loyalty.

An image flashes through my mind of Jack and Dom, playing with a dark-haired little boy. In a blink, the image is gone.

Looking down, I see Tree frowning at me. I plaster a smile on my face to ease her worry.

“You okay?”

I nod.

“I am okay.” I sigh, breathing in Kane’s baby scent again. “My mom called me, told me that I had to attend the wedding. She informed me that I had to get over my issues and not ruin my cousin’s big day. Also, she is sending a dress for me as I am unable to dress myself.” I huff, sinking into my seat a little.

My body always feels deflated when I speak of my family. It is only my father who I want to speak to when it comes to them all; he understands and supports me, I just wish he had the balls to leave my mom.

“Your mother is a C-You-Next-Tuesday,” Kady leans forward and whispers to us, making us giggle.

“I know; for once in my life I wish I could find the strength to stand up to her and not back down. When she speaks, I get this overwhelming feeling to do what she says, and I know she has conditioned me like that. I was nothing to her growing up, always having the nanny watch me while she took Claudia everywhere with her. I was the forgotten child, especially when Dad was away.” My nose burns when I speak about myself this way, but I can’t seem to pull up my big girl panties and do it.

I am pathetic.

I freaking hate what they have made me become.

“I wish we had known how bad it was, sweetie. You know that our parents would have tried to get you to come and live with us,” Tree admits.

“Your father needs to grow a fucking backbone and leave that snooty bitch.” Trust Kady to speak her mind but I nod in agreement.

“I have tried to talk to him over the years, but he says that he loves her and knows how to handle what she does. It is why he also gave me my trust fund early, so I was able to get this place open. He knew my dream.”

“Are you going to the wedding?” Kady asks. Before I can answer, Casey comes to the table.

“Can I get you ladies anything else?”

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