“It’s okay,” I said softly. “I understand. I feel attached to Cloverleigh that way too. I was thinking recently that I don’t know if I could ever move too far away, because it’s so much a part of me. I grew up there. My roots are there. My heart is there.” I took a breath. “But if I don’t try to branch out a little, do something more just for me, I’ll always wonder what if.”

Natalie put a hand over mine. “I know exactly what you mean. And even if this place isn’t what you had in mind, I think you should go for it.” She gestured toward the empty macarons box. “You’re so talented. I’d carry these in my shop every day of the week.”

“Thank you.” I glanced at the door, wishing I had Mack here for confidence. “I think this place is perfect. What I’m looking for is kitchen space to bake in and counter space to sell in. I also need time to bake extra for weekend events like weddings. The busier I get, the tougher it is to use my own little kitchen, especially if I do events outside Cloverleigh.”

“Are you an early riser?” Natalie asked. “Bakeries are not for night owls.”

“I’d definitely say I’m more of an early riser,” I told her. “I like schedules and routine, and I’m good with deadlines. I’m organized, outgoing, and easy to work with.” Then I paused. “But I’ll be honest and say the thought of running my own business leaves me weak in the knees.”

“Are you willing to learn?” Maxima asked.

“Totally.”

“And I’m willing to teach,” Natalie said, placing her hands on her stomach. “At least until I pop this one out in May.”

“Do you know what you’re having?” asked Maxima.

“A girl.” Natalie blushed and smiled. “I’d have been happy either way, of course. We already have one of each, but I’ve got sisters and there’s something so special about that bond.”

“I agree,” I said. “I’ve got sisters too.”

“Any kids?” she asked, glancing at my left hand.

“No. Not yet.” I smiled and shrugged. “Hopefully someday.”

“Well, you’ll be pretty busy with a new business for a while, so no need to rush.” Natalie looked at Maxima. “Okay, so what’s the next step?”

Maxima said that since it wouldn’t involve the sale or rent of the building, this was a little outside her area of expertise, but she had business experience and gave us her advice. She also said again that she’d be glad to invest in me if I needed money to buy in.

About an hour later, Natalie and I parted with an impulsive hug and a promise to meet again soon. Maxima had recommended forming an LLC for the partnership if we decided to go through with it, but I wanted to talk to Mack or my dad first. My head was spinning.

On the walk to my car, I pulled out my phone and listened to Mack’s message. “Hey, I’m so sorry, but I can’t meet you today. Mrs. Ingersoll called, and said Felicity came home with a bad fever. I’m running home to take her into the doctor. I feel horrible, and I won’t blame you for being mad. I’ll call you as soon as I can. I want to hear how it went.”

I reached my car and jumped in so I could start the heat. While the engine warmed up, I texted him back.

Poor Felicity. I hope she’s okay and please tell her I said to feel better. Everything went great here. I can’t wait to tell you about it. And I’m not mad!

On the contrary, I wasn’t sure anything could take away from my excitement. I was disappointed that he hadn’t been able to make it, but I understood. Mostly I was just dying to tell someone about the meeting. I called Chloe on the way home and filled her in, and she was thrilled for me.

“That’s awesome, Frannie,” she said. “I know exactly the place you’re talking about and I think it’s perfect.”

I called April too, but she didn’t answer. I left her a message as I was pulling into the garage at home, and went up to my apartment, unable to stop smiling. While I was unzipping my coat, my phone buzzed—it was Mack.

“Hey, how’s Felicity?”

“She’s okay. Just a virus. I gave her some Motrin and put her to bed. Mrs. Ingersoll just left. Now I’ve got to feed these other two monkeys and make sure they get their homework done.”

“You sound exhausted.”

“I didn’t sleep well last night, and this week is nuts. I have to get the house in shape for my parents’ visit, I have Best Man shit to take care of, and I have to cram five days of work into three since I’m taking Thursday and Friday off—mostly to spend some time with my parents since the weekend will be full of wedding shit.”

“Why don’t you let me come over and help? I can be there in fifteen minutes, and you can deal with the homework and the house while I make dinner. That way you’re not trying to do everything on your own.”

“That’s okay. I’m used to it. And you don’t owe me any favors right now, that’s for sure.”

“Mack! Stop it. What are you going to feed them, anyway?”

“I don’t know. Chicken nuggets.”

Glancing at my kitchen, I remembered the stuffed shells I had in the freezer. “I could bring the stuffed shells I made last Saturday night …” I teased.

He groaned. “That sounds so good. But I don’t want you to think you have to rescue me all the time. I can handle things on my own.”

“I know you can. But why do it alone when you don’t have to? I’m standing here alone in an empty apartment, Mack. I’d much rather be at your house. Besides, that way I can tell you about the meeting.”

Exhaling, he said, “Okay. If you’re coming because you want to, I guess it’s fine.”

“I want to. I’ll be there soon.”

Mack

She came over that night with stuffed shells and told me all about the meeting while she reheated them. When dinner was done, she and Millie loaded the dishwasher, singing and giggling like friends while I got Winnie in the shower and tended to a miserable Felicity. When I came back down after getting Winnie in bed, Millie was in the shower and Frannie was putting on her coat in the kitchen.

“I’ll get out of your way,” she said, zipping up. “I know it’s been a long day.”

I took her in my arms for the first time that day and kissed her forehead. “Thank you for everything. I don’t deserve you or your shells.”

Laughing, she squeezed my torso. “Thanks for listening to me babble on about the coffee shop.”

“I loved hearing you so excited. I think it’s a great plan. Less risk than if you were going it alone, and you get the benefit of her experience and loyal customers.”

She sighed. “I can’t decide if I should ask my dad for the money to buy in or take Maxima Radley up on her offer for a loan.”

“Both have positives and negatives. Your dad would probably give you a better interest rate—if he made you pay it back at all—but taking money from family members can be fraught with problems. Now, your dad doesn’t seem like the kind of guy to hold it over your head, but it’s still a risk. Talk to him.”