Best of My Love (Fool's Gold, #20)

Now she signed her name where Trisha indicated. She was nervous and excited. More happy than scared, she thought, barely able to keep still in her seat. She hadn’t slept in three days and should be exhausted, but she was filled with energy and possibilities.

She’d already signed the lease on the space next to the existing bakery. She had her contractor lined up, along with the building permits she would need. Bailey, Mayor Marsha’s assistant, had walked her through the process and everything had gone smoothly.

She signed three more times. Trisha looked through the paperwork.

“All right, ladies, you’re done. Traditionally we all shake hands, but I suppose you want more?”

Amber laughed. “Of course we do.”

Everyone stood and there was plenty of hugging. Trisha grumbled but Shelby felt her hang on tight, even if it was just for a second. As she and Amber walked outside together, her former business partner handed her a set of keys.

“I won’t be needing these anymore.”

Shelby sighed. “Wow. We really did this. You sure you’re okay with what’s happening?”

“You’re asking me a little late, aren’t you?” her friend teased. Then Amber’s chin began to tremble. “I’ve loved the bakery, Shelby. It’s been so important to me. But having a baby is something I never thought would happen.” She lowered her voice. “We got the amniocentesis results back and everything’s fine. We’re having a boy and he’s healthy.”

Shelby hugged her again. “I’m so happy for you.”

“Thank you. So while I’ll miss the bakery, it’s nothing compared to the joy I’m feeling about my son.” Amber smiled at her. “If you need anything, let me know. You’re going to do great. You’ll see.”

*

SHELBY WALKED TO the bakery. Her head was spinning. There was so much to do. She had to get her temporary kitchen set up and confirm the kiosk she’d rented for the renovations. There were—

She turned the corner and saw a small crowd in front of the bakery. As she got closer, she realized that she knew everyone. In fact, all her friends were there.

Madeline stood with Destiny and Kipling. Starr chatted with one of her girlfriends. Aidan and Taryn, Larissa, Patience, Ana Raquel. Even Sam Ridge stood on the sidewalk.

Aidan spotted her. “She’s here,” he called.

Everyone turned and started clapping.

“Congratulations!” Madeline yelled. “It’s all yours.”

There were more shouts, then plenty of hugs. Glasses of champagne were passed around. Shelby didn’t know what to think, but before she could ask what was going on, Aidan stepped close to the bakery.

“Congratulations, Shelby,” he said. “We’re all proud of you and happy for you. You’re going to do great.”

He pulled a rope and a banner rolled down. On it were the stylized psychedelic daisies she’d chosen for her Flour Power logo.

Tears filled her eyes. “You did this for me,” she whispered.

He raised one shoulder. “It’s not every day you get to celebrate something this big.”

Kipling came up and put his arm around her. “You did good, kid. Thank you for letting me be a part of this.” He raised his chin toward Aidan. “He thought this up himself. I wish I had, but he’s the one who arranged everything and called us all. He’s a good man, Shelby. Just in case you were thinking of keeping him around.”

*

DEMOLITION WAS LOUD and construction was louder still. Shelby supposed she’d always known that, but knowing and hearing were two different things. The construction crew had shown up bright and early every morning and worked until six.

The newly leased space was now an empty shell and on the Ambrosia side of the building everything was gone except the old kitchen. That equipment still had years left in it. They would keep it as it was.

That meant she and her team could bake from six at night until six in the morning, then sell at the kiosk a dozen yards from the bakery. But the guys working every day meant packing up everything needed to produce pastries and cupcakes and cookies, then storing it until it was needed the next day. The logistics were daunting, but worth it, she told herself.

Shelby watched the clock. It was the Friday morning of Spring Fling weekend. Tourists filled the sidewalks, taking advantage of the beautiful weather. Tomorrow was the parade. Shelby had a feeling they were going to sell out early today and with the construction going on, there was no way to bake more. They would have to adjust their schedule tonight. Which meant she needed to get home and get some sleep. But first she had a stop to make.