Page 79 of Captured By the Billionaire Cowboy
Sophia grinned widely. “I turned it down.”
“Sophia, no–”
“Don’t get upset until you hear the entire story.” Sophia patted her arm. “This is the biggest event in your life. I couldn’t miss it.”
“But what about your career?” Ciara groaned. “The contract could’ve meant big things for your business. Even if you moved back to America, the order would boost your resume.”
“Still not as important as my sister.” Balancing the cupcakes in one hand, Sophia gave her a side hug. “The customer was afamily man, so I explained the situation. I couldn’t do the cakes since they had to be prepared right before delivery, but I offered my gourmet cookies at cost instead.”
“Cost?” Ciara’s groan was even louder.
Her sister laughed. “Let me finish. He was so impressed with my focus on family, he took the cookies and paid full price. Then he put in two more orders for upcoming events. Plus, he holds events all over Ireland so even if I move here, I’ll still be able to keep him as a customer. He even promised to share my name with his associates.”
“Movehere?” Ciara stopped. “What do you mean? You’re – we’re – moving back to America in a few months.”
Only… was she?
“Are we?” her sister murmured, studying her carefully. “I wasn’t so sure. Ireland has grown on me, and it seems some things have grown on you, too.” She paused, with a not-so-subtle raised eyebrow. “Whether or not it’s just for a few months, I wouldn’t mind a little change of scenery. Plus, the landlord offered to end the lease early after I told him about the horse rescue. I want be near my only sister.”
“I’m thrilled you may move here.” Frank placed an arm around each of the ladies. “Having my two lovely nieces so close would be wonderful.”
What had she done to deserve such a loving family? “If you relocate, we could offer your baked goods at the retreat,” Ciara suggested. She turned to Grandma Leigh. “This won’t affect our deal since you mostly provide entrees and side dishes.”
“Oh honey, don’t worry.” Grandma Leigh eyed the cupcakes. “If those taste as good as they look, I may order some for the diner. We’ve been so busy, I’ve been looking for a little help with the baking.”
“They taste evenbetterthan they look.” Ciara winked at her sister. “I just earned you new business, which means I earn a commission.”
“Oh really?” Her sister donned her stern face, yet her eyes sparkled. “I know where this is going.”
“What should be my reward?” Ciara tapped a finger on her chin. She smiled widely. “Three dozen cupcakes should do it.”
Sophia clutched the cupcakes tightly as Ciara made a pretend grab for them. Frank shook his head, while the others laughed. Shannon thought it was hysterical.
“These are for everyone. Well, everyone who works here,” Sophia clarified. “I didn’t have time to bake for the thousands of guests you’re expecting. But you can have one.” She carefully opened the lid and removed a bright pink cupcake. Before she handed it to Ciara, she turned to the rest of the group. “Would anyone else like one?”
“I want three!” Shannon said in a singsong voice. Her mother and grandmother chuckled, negotiating it down to one. The rest of the group took as well, and sighs of pleasure soon proved their delight. Sophia still held Ciara’s.
In the background, more trucks approached, an echoing reminder of the fair’s imminent arrival. Frank tipped his hat. “I’d better get back to work. If you’d like, I can take the rest of the cupcakes to the house. I promise not to eat them… well, not all of them.”
The sisters laughed. “That would be great.” Sophia handed him the container, but still kept Ciara’s treat. “It was a pleasure to meet everyone.” The smiling group returned the sentiment as they left, intent on their next tasks. She waved as they split up.
Although Ciara was still full from the pancakes, she could never resist Sophia’s dreamy concoctions. She held out her hand. “May I have my cupcake, please?”
Sophia wagged a finger. “I’m holding it for ransom. You have to listen to my proud big sister speech.”
Ciara flushed. “Sophia–”
“This won’t take long.” Love, warmth and endless emotion tinted her expression, as she turned serious. “I’m just so proud of you. All these years, you’ve worked to make a difference in the world.”
Ciara kicked the dirt, careful to avoid disturbing a tiny onyx snail. She’d embarked on dozens of campaigns, but it had never been enough.
“I know what you’re thinking,” Sophia softened. “But you’re wrong. With every cause, you helped someone; with every rescue, you changed lives. Some animal or person found a better life because of you. You don’t need to prove anything. You werealwaysenough.”
The world turned blurry. The frustrations of the past, the lost opportunities, somehow seemed less. Was Sophia right? Did even small deeds make a difference?
“Do you know how much I love you?”
Ciara blinked back tears. “I love you, too.”
