Page 11 of Baking with Bryan

“I had a great idea. You should do the floral arrangements.” Nor smiles.

“What?” I look from Nor to an eager December and shake my head. “I’ve never done anything like this. It’s out of my wheelhouse.”

“You’ve always had an eye for arrangement. This will be perfect!” E claps my shoulder, ignoring my protest. “I’ve been wondering how we could get it done without alerting anyone.”

“This way, you can show your family your skills and maybe open a new line of business for flowers in season.” The faith Nora has in me is humbling. I won’t let this woman down. I want to tell her everything running through my mind.

“Excellent. Let’s start planning,” December claps her hands, excited.

“Over dinner. I need to keep my Nor feed.”

Her eyes darken at my words, and December glances from me to Nor. What’s happening is ours to figure out. If I’ve learned one thing about being in such a big, close-knit family, it’s the power of knowledge.

Chapter2

Nora

Leaving Bryan last night was torture. I shift in the cushy chair in the bridal shop two towns over, trying not to think about what almost happened against the wall.Are we dating? Does he still think this is a mistake?My mind has been running possible scenarios like a statistician.

“Get ready. Here she comes.” I look up at Cynthia, the curvy brunette assigned to assist December in finding her gown.

“We were going for the Winter wonderland aesthetic. It seems fitting for a bride named December who’s getting married in the same month, doesn’t it?” Cynthia asks.

“She’s always wanted a winter wedding.”

“It’s romantic the way they’re hosting this.” Cynthia sighs. “I love it when the bride and groom make the day their own.”

I smile and shake my head, thinking of all the adventures they’d brought me on over the years. “Those two have never been cookie cutter a day in their lives.”

December steps forward, and I’m suddenly speechless. The dazzling white dress with the deep v-bodice highlights her tawny skin. The long slightly belled sleeves balance out the tasteful low cut, and the delicate layer of material that flows around her has a light floral pattern that reminds me of snowflakes.

“Oh, December,” I whisper, placing a hand over my mouth.

“I know.” Tears fill her eyes. “And look,” she turns. I inhale sharply when I see the row of buttons.

“Just like you always wanted.”

She glances over her shoulder and nods. “None of the other dresses made me feel like this.”

“Is this the one?” I whisper.

“I think so.”

Standing, I rush over and take her hands. “I agree.”

“I’m getting married.” Her voice wavers, but her eyes are full of joy and certainty.

“Yes, you are. And I will be beside you, ensuring your day is everything you’ve ever dreamed of.”

She sniffs. “Stop. You’re going to make me cry even harder.”

“Are we saying yes to the dress, then?” Cynthia asks brightly.

“Yes.” December wipes away her tears.

Cynthia claps her hands, and I clear my throat and blink back the droplets threatening to spill from my eyes and travel down my cheeks.

“I’m going to get back into my regular clothing, and then it’s your turn.”

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