Page 15 of Fall for You (Flirting with Forever 4)

Hadleigh winces. “I get it. Sawyer and I thought for sure we’d never get past our struggles either. Now that he’s no longer a student teacher here, everything is fine. It’s hard when you’re in the thick of it, though. I get it.” She pats my back. “Maybe there’s hope you can get past this hard part, too.”

Sophia squeezes her eyes shut for a second, then opens them. “I hate to say this, and you know I’m totally behind you to support you however you need, but what could possibly go wrong?” Her statement oozes sarcasm. “Dating a student’s parent sounds terrifying.”

Chapter 9

Liam

Well, shit. Dad of the Year over here. When I woke up this morning, I’d known it was Olivia’s birthday and had even wished her a happy birthday over a pancake breakfast. But now it occurs to me I probably should have thought about a cake or something. Do sixteen-year-olds expect birthday cakes? I’m guessing yes. Not to mention, I’m sure I’d never hear the end of it from Becky if I dropped the ball on this. Never mind the fact that, as far as I know, she has no plans to see her child today.

I consider my options as I tap my fingers on the steering wheel. Surely, the grocery store has cakes. But damn, I feel like for her sweet sixteen it should be special, and I’m kicking myself that I didn’t think of it before now. There has to be another option.

That’s when I remember there’s a cute little bakery right on the main drag through Newberry. I could try there first, and if it’s a bust, then I’ll hit the grocery store afterward. Decision made, I head in that direction.

A few minutes later, I park and step out, looking at the little place I’ve seen once or twice before in passing. Meg’s Sweet Treats. Looks good to me.

The door chime sounds as I enter. It’s a small place, has room enough for a counter and some tables up front, and I assume there’s an area in the back where the magic happens. A sweet-looking lady of about sixty-five, give or take a few years, stands behind the counter, patiently waiting for me. She offers a polite smile as I glance around the place a second time. “Can I help you?”

Eyeing the display case, I take in all the delicious-looking desserts. There are all sorts of goodies—assorted cookies piled high next to decadent brownies, rich-looking fudge, and some really amazing little strawberry tarts. Mental note taken. I’ll have to come back here with Olivia. Maybe when she pulls that biology grade up as a little surprise. Hell, I’d bet after she gets a taste of some of this cake it could be used as a bribe. A dad has to do what he has to do sometimes, even if it means enticing the teen-monster with sweets.

I approach the counter, pointing at the cakes, which have several slices missing. “Do you only sell your cake by the slice, or do you offer entire cakes as well?”

“Both. We get tourists through here just looking for a treat, and our locals purchase cakes for special occasions frequently, too. What are you in need of today?”

I give her a rueful grin. “Well, it’s my daughter’s sixteenth birthday, and I’ve conveniently forgotten until now that she’s probably expecting a cake for dessert tonight to celebrate. I was thinking about just buying a couple of cupcakes, but your cakes look fantastic.” My lips press together for a beat. “I don’t want to let her down. It’s the first year her mother isn’t available to make her a cake.”

“Oh, I see.” She nods, knowingly.

“I’d have tried to make one myself, but I’m just getting accustomed to cooking again. I haven’t tried my hand at baking yet.”

Her eyes twinkle at me. “Well, I can help with that. I happen to have a few cakes in the back that haven’t been claimed today. Usually we make one or two in the morning and sell by the slice if they aren’t purchased.” She grins. “Believe it or not, you are not the first man to rush in here in dire need.” With a wink, she continues, “Now, does your daughter have a flavor preference? I have a vanilla buttercream or chocolate back there.”

“Let’s go with the vanilla.”

“Perfect.” She pushes the door behind her open e

nough to poke her head through and raises her voice. “Would you mind bringing out the vanilla buttercream I made this morning? I have a gentleman out here ready to purchase it.” Someone beyond the door asks her something I can’t hear. “No, I have a box up here. I’ll get it ready.”

Just then, to my surprise, a woman who is having her wedding at my cider mill this spring comes in hand in hand with a little girl who looks to be about five or six years old. I’m still not used to living in a small town. Apparently, you run into people you know absolutely everywhere.

The bakery owner smiles at her and waves. “Well, if it isn’t Sophia and Ava! Nice to see the two of you.”

“Hi, Meg! You gots a strawberry tart for me?” The girl wrinkles her tiny nose and gives the baker a semi-toothless grin.

“I sure do, sweet angel. Give me just one second while I help this nice man purchase a cake, okay?”

I chuckle at the whole exchange, which draws Sophia’s attention. “Oh. Um, hi, Liam.” Her eyes dart around the room strangely, like she’s nervous all of a sudden.

Frowning inwardly, I smile outwardly while wondering what the problem is. “Hi, Sophia.” I nod at the pint-sized girl at her side. “Is this Heath’s daughter?”

“Yep. Our little flower girl.” She leans down to kiss the side of Ava’s head before her eyes flick from me to the door behind the counter.

Just as I follow her gaze, the door pops open, and a woman backs out and turns, my cake in her hands.

My jaw drops. “Oh.” Well, now I know why Sophia was acting like that. She and Quinn are friends … and I sure as hell wasn’t expecting to see Quinn here, regardless of the size of the town. I would also bet that Sophia is aware of the issue brewing between me and Quinn.

Quinn blinks, then carefully sets the cake down on the counter. “Liam, hi. What are you doing here?” Her voice sounds a little breathy and nervous.

Instantly, I’m filled with renewed determination. I don’t want whatever this thing is between us to be over. My chin juts toward the cake. “That’s for Olivia’s birthday.”

---