Page 33 of The Bride and the Baker

“Really?”

“I did in the beginning, and in my lowest moments lately, but Myra is right. Age doesn’t come into it if we really like each other. There’s nothing wrong with it, and it shouldn’t be a barrier.” He tilted his head to one side. “You saw it as a barrier, didn’t you?”

“I did. And seeing as it was so close to things ending with Nick, I thought it was too soon.” Daisy sighed. “But now I think time shouldn’t matter, just like age. If it feels good, I should make the most of it.”

“What are you saying?”

“If…if you and I…well…”

Daisy’s confidence was now beginning to fade. She didn’t know if she could say it, not with her heart racing as it was.

She rushed to Lee and kissed him. Lee started, but a moment later he was taking charge, kissing her very thoroughly. Daisy pulled back enough to see his face.

“Does that give you a hint as to what I want, Lee?”

“I think so. But you might need to give me more of an indication.” Lee winked, giving her a sly smile. “I’m one of those people who needs a lot of hints before I get the message.”

Daisy giggled.

“I’m sure you are. How do you think I should get the point across?”

“Let me take you home, and you can show me there.”

“Can you take time off like that?”

Lee kissed her.

“I’m the boss. I can do whatever I want. In any capacity.”

Daisy really liked the sound of that.

* * *

“Here you go.” The barman pushed the two drinks across the counter to Lee and Daisy. “It’s on the house.”

“Don’t be daft, Uncle.” Lee reached for his wallet. “I can pay.”

Charlie Grey waved his money away with a smile.

“It’s been dealt with. This is my way of saying congratulations to my favorite nephew.”

Daisy laughed.

“I’m sure Lee’s siblings will be delighted to hear that.”

“I say it to all of them, so nobody’s feelings are hurt.” Charlie grinned. “Besides, how else should I give a gift to the newly engaged couple.”

Lee started to protest again, but Daisy squeezed his arm.

“Let him do it. It’s just a one-off, and there’s nothing wrong with a complimentary drink.”

Lee didn’t think so - he always felt guilty taking something for free - but he wasn’t about to argue with Charlie. His uncle would easily win. In any case, he wanted to enjoy the evening with his fiancee.

Fiancee. That sounded really good when thinking about Daisy.

It was hard to believe three months on from the fiasco that was meant to be her wedding day that he was engaged to the woman he loved. Lee had been a little concerned that it was early to even propose, but Keith reminded him that if it felt right, he should take advantage of it.

Thankfully, Daisy had said yes. And Lee didn’t think he had seen her smile this much, something she had been doing a lot since they decided to make a go of their relationship. She looked and sounded happy.

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