33

Chloe hummed the tune to the last hymn as she parked in front of the bakery. She got out of the car and glanced at her watch. She must have just missed Dorothy.

Dorothy Brown volunteered for the Sunday shift so that Chloe was free to attend church. Chloe had hoped to catch her before she left to discuss next week’s schedule. No matter, Chloe only needed to dash in and get the cake Maxi had ordered for Jason’s surprise birthday luncheon. Designing the cake with a fire engine theme had been pure pleasure for Chloe. The look on Jason’s face when he saw it would be the virtual icing on top. Chloe chuckled. Hard to predict who would like it more—Jason or little Ben. Like his father, the boy was obsessed with fire trucks.

Chloe was looking forward to the party. All her family and friends would be there. The one drawback would be seeing Aidan again. Chloe sighed, wondering if Maxi had told him she was coming. Probably not. Knowing the way Aidan felt about her, he likely wouldn’t show.

She tried not to let sadness dim her good mood. Lord, give me the strength to face Aidan, especially if he’s with Patricia. Help me to withstand the pain and not ruin the celebration for my friends.

She snapped on the lights and stopped to admire the sparkling room. A sigh of pure satisfaction escaped as she ran her fingers across the oversized, stainless steel refrigerator. With a hard tug, she pulled the door open.

Carefully, she lifted the cake out and set it on the counter. When the bell jangled out front, her heart somersaulted. Even after all this time, Chloe couldn’t keep images of the assault from her mind. Shaking, she plucked a large knife out of the block, and then crouched to peer around the corner into the café.

Aidan?

She shot upright so fast that her feet slipped out from under her. With a thud, she landed on her rear, the knife clattering across the floor. Heat flooded her neck and cheeks. Would she ever stop making a fool of herself in front of him?

His shadow hovered over her. “Are you all right?”

“I’m fine.” She scrambled to her knees on the cold tiles. “What are you doing here?”

A smile tugged at his lips as he held out a hand to assist her. “Maxi sent me to pick up the cake.”

Frowning, Chloe pulled her hand free. “Why would she do that? She knew I was bringing it with me.” She stifled a groan. “Oh, no. Looks like the matchmaker is at it again.” She ducked back into the kitchen.

“I’m actually glad to have the chance to talk to you alone.” He followed her in. “You’ve done a great job here, Chloe. The bakery is beautiful.”

“Thank you.” Her stomach did flips. She couldn’t bear him being so close, and moved behind the worktable, where she pulled out a large cardboard box and began to pack up the cake.

Regret reflected in his gray eyes. “I owe you a long overdue apology. I reacted badly about the whole situation with Matt and Lindsay. I realize now that you were only trying to protect the kids—and me, as well. I’m just sorry it took me so long to figure that out.”

His words should have brought her such joy, but wisps of sadness curled around her heart. “And I’m sorry I almost got you fired,” she said quietly. “I hope you can forgive me for that.”

“I’m the one who needs forgiveness. For harboring such anger and self-righteousness. I’ve been a real jerk.”

A fierce defensiveness rose in her chest. “You’re not a jerk. You’re an upstanding person who demands the same of the people around him. There’s nothing wrong with that.”

A ghost of a smile hovered. “You make it sound admirable, but unless those qualities are tempered with tolerance and compassion, they’re only superiority in disguise.” He gave a rueful chuckle. “Luckily I have a sister who likes to remind me of my shortcomings.”

“Well, thank you for the apology. It means a lot.” She managed to raise her gaze. “I want you to know I wish you and Patricia all the best.”

A flush spread across his cheeks, and he opened his mouth to speak.

But she turned away, not wanting to hear about his new relationship. She picked up the decorated box and held it out to him. “You’d better get going. Maxi will be waiting.”

Aidan took the box, and then set it back on the counter. “Chloe, wait. There is no Patricia and me.”

“What do you mean? The kids told me you were…together now.”

His eyebrows drew into a frown. “We’ve gone out to dinner a few times, but as friends. I promise you there is nothing romantic between us.”

Chloe fought for equilibrium as she tried to process what he was telling her. Her heart pumped so hard against her ribcage she could scarcely breathe.

Aidan captured one of her hands. “I’ve missed you so much,” he said in a husky voice. “Can you ever forgive my stubborn pride?”

She swallowed the tears burning her throat. “There’s nothing to forgive, Aidan. I only wish I hadn’t hurt you.”

“I know.” With one finger, he tipped her head up to stare into her eyes. “I love you, Chloe. And if you’ll let me, I’ll spend the rest of my life trying to make it up to you.”

Joy and disbelief leapt in her veins. Aidan loved her?

His eyes searched hers, waiting for her reply.

On a sigh, she reached up to cup his face and drew him closer. When his lips met hers, her eyes fluttered closed, and she drank in his familiar taste, reveling in the scent of his aftershave and the hint of stubble that brushed her jaw. His arms tightened around her as he returned the kiss with equal measure.

When they finally drew apart, Aidan gave her a hopeful look. “Does this mean you’ll give me another chance?”

She nodded, a slow smile blooming. “I love you too, Aidan. I promise to be a better person for you.”

“You’re perfect just the way you are. I’m the one who needed to change. And thanks to you, I have.”

She fought to contain the rush of emotions that tumbled through her. “I—I don’t know what to say. This is all so unexpected.”

He grinned at her apparent bewilderment. “For starters, say you’ll come to the official unveiling of the youth center’s new sign. It’ll be a fun night.” He sobered. “We’ve missed you being there.”

Chloe blinked back happy tears. She’d hated avoiding the center, but it brought back too many painful memories of her time with Aidan.

“Which reminds me,” he continued. “I need to order a cake—a very large cake—for the celebration.” He tugged her back against his chest. “I hear there’s a fabulous new bakery in town where I can get one made.”

Floating on a wave of pure joy, she laughed. “I don’t know if you can afford my prices, Mr. North. Custom-made cakes that size are pretty expensive.”

“Hmm. Well, now that I’m kissing the cook, maybe I can get a discount. In fact,” he moved his lips to her ear, “I’m hoping to make it a lifetime discount.”

Shivers coursed down Chloe’s arms. She looked into his eyes, amazed to find them shining with love. “Nothing would make me happier.”

And when he kissed her again, Chloe gave silent thanks for the miracle of second chances.