Page 19 of Baking with Bryan

Allison looks away, and her jaw clenches. “You’d really choose her over me and freedom?”

“Your mistake was believing there was a contest.”

Her head snaps up as if someone slapped her. Her face turns red, and she steps away from him.

Ignoring us, she smiles at workers, and saunters to the register like the conversation never happened.

“Hopefully, that’ll be the last of her. We never had anything real. She enjoys being dramatic and hates being alone.” He places a hand on the small of my back. “Go get your jacket.”

“Okay.” I hope my voice doesn’t express how much I want him now. I’ve never had a man stand up for me that way.

He hadn’t batted an eyelash or minced words. His actions mean more than any flowery language he could shower me with.

My ex, Darren, had been great at going through the motions of romance, but they were empty, and I always knew I was easily replaceable. To be fair, he was the same for me. It’s the polar opposite of the intensity I share with Bryan. Can we maintain this, or are we a raging fire doomed to burn out quickly?

As I slip on my coat, I head to the employee break room and wrestle with the demons spewing negativity in my head. It can’t be this easy. The problem with getting everything you want is how much you have to lose.

* * *

One week Later

Nora

“We did it,” Bryan whispers.

“I know. I’m ready to sleep for a month now,” I lean against Bryan as we survey the winter wonderland we’d created inside a tent with a small crew of hired help. Trees covered with a dusting of snow spray and snowflake ornaments the guests can take with them as a favor. Round tables covered in crisp white linen are pressed to the far left, leaving the right side for the ceremony.

The massive silver hoop is a work of art, with ever-green pieces dusted with fake snow and an array of deep red and white flowers. Pinecones here and there add a rustic flair they’d desired. Small potted poinsettias serve as centerpieces, and silver chargers boast white plates with snowy Christmas trees. Elegant silver napkin holders round out the settings.

Soon the couple would come in for their first looks, and we’d all begin hair and makeup for the ceremony before people arrived at three o’clock.

“Nora?”

“Mmm hmm.”

“I’m done downplaying our relationship. Tonight, everyone is going to know you belong to me.”

Relief is a waterfall breaking a dam of doubt.

“Did you really think I’d change my mind, baby girl?”

“Maybe? It’s all been too easy.”

“It shouldn’t be hard,” he counters.

“I’m afraid the other shoe is going to drop,“ I admit.

“No.” He pinches my chin between his fingers. “Don’t do that. We deserve this happiness we’ve found together. We’re going to go at the pace we both feel is right and ignore the opinions we know others will shove our way.”

His lips brush against mine. “It’s been killing me to hold back. It’s never been in my nature.”

“Today is your day, too. You put so much work into this setup. This should put focus on your accomplishments, not your new love life status.”

He chuckles darkly. “They’ll have to split their attention between both.”

I recognize the heat boiling in his dark brown depths and moan.

“Bryan,” I caution.

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