Page 121 of Sugar Rush

“I know.You’d never do that sort of thing.”I dropped a kiss on Rick’s bare shoulder, then opened the letter, settled down next to him, and read.

Maddie,

I needed time to get my thoughts together, which is why I didn’t tell you about this while you were here.

Also, I didn’t think you’d have a problem with my choice of courier!Handsome, isn’t he?I’d like to say that I called this thing between you two very early on after you arrived.And I was right.You don’t have to say it.I know I was.

A few days after you left, I told Jess and Connor about my decision to retire.My arm still aches, and I don’t want to get up at the crack of dawn anymore.They weren’t surprised, and they’re looking for someone else to share the bakery with them.

Which leads me to this: would you be interested in part ownership ofCake Away?Running it with them, you’d get to bake your Asian-fusion cakes and cookies as often as you wanted.Lord knows based on the response while you were here, they’ll sell well.

And, you’d have time to make your videos and such, if you’re still doing that.

You could maybe even put our little town on the map.

I’ve floated the idea with Connor and Jess.They’re fully on board.

People were asking about your baking for weeks after you left.You really started something here, Maddie, and I wonder if you’d want to continue it.

I realize my sister would miss you terribly, but it isn’t as if she never visits here.

As for the other reason you’d want to shift your life Stateside, well, I imagine he’s been stuck to you like glue since stepping off the plane.

All my love,

L x

Tears streamed down my face as I finished reading, and I looked up to see Rick watching me with concern.

“Darlin’,” he began, very gently.“What’s wrong?”

I swallowed back a lump of emotion, unable to stop myself from grinning so big that my face hurt, but crying at the same time.“Nothing’s wrong.I’m coming home with you, Rick.”

And after I’d finished smothering his face in kisses, I told him all about it.

Epilogue

Six months later

It was officially Aunt Laurie’s last shift atCake Away.

Jess, Connor and I posed outside of the bakery window in our branded aprons as Jenny snapped some pictures.Toby stood next to her, Rick holding his hand.Everyone we knew had come out to ring in the change of staff, and I’d made some taro bao and angpao cookies to mark the occasion.We’d sold out of half the plate of cookies already.

Moving had been stressful.There was so much paperwork, but as soon as Rick met me (and my four giant suitcases) at the airport, I knew I’d made the right choice.My heart belonged wherever he was, and here, I got my other heart’s desire, too.

Ilovedhaving a space here.Loved having a real, tangible home for my creations.

I posted on Instagram less these days.I had retained a lot of my following, but interaction had dropped.I didn’t mind at all.

I still planned to do the odd video with local vloggers, some of whom had started to become friends since I’d moved.

I had everything I needed.

My parents were, of course, sad to see me go, but happy for me.I video called them regularly and last week a parcel of British chocolate from them had arrived.

Rick smiled at me as the camera clicked, and my heart turned over as it always did, although I’d been living with him for three months now.

Waking up next to him in the morning and sliding into sleep with him at night made my heart light with joy.We were making our home together, and I was looking forward to every single day of the journey.

---