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After returning from the Blueberry Inn, Ally put her head down and worked. It was the best feeling in the world to help customers and see their smiling faces. Kids posed with her for photos; couples bought copies of her cookbook; and every little old lady congratulated her on her upcoming wedding.
So much of it was blissful. Ally enjoyed it for what it was. Well wishes from people who cared for her. She had to believe everything would work out for the best.
It was nearly dinner when she was wiping down the counters that it finally happened. The bakery was nearly empty and Mitch entered. He stood inside by the door, staring at her like it was a show down at the O.K. corral. But instead of flying bullets, Ally felt like she was shot with a bad case of the nerves. Chad nudged Ally with the broom. “Maybe you should go talk to him,” Chad whispered.
Maybe Ally would. She tugged on her fingers. What would she say? How would she start off? Was it possible that she’d say the wrong thing? It was like walking a tight rope and Ally didn’t want to do say or do anything that put their future at jeopardy.
“He won’t bite. Just do it,” Chad said.
“I can hear the both of you.” Mitch approached with a sly, shy grin. “Hey, Ally.”
“Hi, Mitch.” Ally cleared her throat and pushed Chad back toward the kitchen. “I’m glad you, um, stopped by.”
“Me too. You look lovely. You always do. Today’s no exception.”
“Thanks,” Ally said with a small laugh.
“Last night was....A mistake. All of it. From going into the coffee shop and to what I said out on the street. I’m sorry. Please don’t hold it against me. I want nothing more than to have you walk down the aisle tomorrow.”
“That’s what I want too,” Ally admitted. Tears welled in her eyes as pain centered in her heart. “I wish you told me. Told me about Daisy’s baby. Told me you were upset and struggling. I wouldn’t have been mad. I would’ve understood.”
“I should’ve,” Mitch admitted. “I was trying to spare your feelings. Funny, huh?”
“Only that its not funny at all.” Ally took a deep breath. “I am sorry. I didn’t mean for things to spiral out of control. I think maybe I’m nervous too. I’ve never been married before. You had a wife. A great wife. What if I don’t measure up?” Ally’s cheeks warmed hotter than they ever had before.
“Hey now,” Mitch cozied up close to her. “No one is comparing wives. No one is running a checklist. You’re two separate people and you’re the one I’m spending the rest of my life with. Hannah, she was everything, you know? But I’m not that man anymore. I want you, Ally. I’m not comparing you to her. You’re wonderful, as you are.”
“Same as she was,” Ally whispered. And she got it. She really did. She hadn’t realized she was even worried about something like that until the words were out of her mouth.
Mitch stroked her chin. “I guess we’ve both had things on our mind. If only we had told each other. Maybe we could’ve talked it out.”
“I like the sound of that. I want to be there for you, Mitch. Hannah was part of your life which means she shaped you. Which means she’s part of my life too.”
Mitch smiled, bittersweet. “Amen to that, darlin. She would’ve loved you. I think she’s smiling down from heaven. For the both of us.”
Ally liked that. She really did. Everyone in town had adored Hannah and Ally felt a bit in her shadow. Sometimes. Maybe though, there was room for both of them to shine.
“So, look. I’m going to kiss you now, all right?”
Ally nodded. “I think I’d like that very much.” She bit her lip.
Mitch put his hand against the base of her neck. The tendrils of her hair were soft against his callous fingers. Her sugar spice and his rustic charm mixed together in the ultimate love, like it always did. Ally felt nothing but pure magic when caressed by his arms.
The kiss was a promise for good times. Great times. Ally clung to him and his promise. They were going to have a great lie. Now all they had to do was get to the altar so she could say yes.
And their lives would finally really begin.
“Hey, so now we can have a real wedding celebration, right?” Lauren called out as she stepped out from the kitchen.
Mitch and Ally chuckled, their foreheads pressed tightly together. “I’m already hearing wedding bells,” Mitch admitted.
“It’s about time to get this party started!”