Chapter 37 Holly
Holly
In the past several weeks, so much has happened it makes my head spin.
First off, Sugar Rush was saved. Denton did just as he described he would and saved the whole block from development with the help of some investors.
I took the biggest sigh of relief when it was all said and done.
My bakery and my dreams were still alive.
I could keep getting up every morning and doing what I loved – making tasty treats for the wonderful people in my neighborhood who come to my bakery because it makes a difference in their lives.
The next big bit of news was that Tony Taviani had been arrested for tax evasion. This wasn’t a huge surprise to me – the man seemed to seriously lack scruples – but I also couldn’t believe that happened.
I’ve also started sleeping at my own little apartment less and less and spending more time at Denton’s place. There have been plenty of ‘sleepovers’ and I’ve gotten really good at being quiet so Tabby doesn’t hear any of our ‘late night activities’.
We’ve spent loads of family time together every week – dinners with Tabby and sometimes Denton’s mom, taking Tabby to the new ballet classes she’s started, weekend movie nights with way too much popcorn and soda and quiet Sunday afternoons where we all lay around in the living room reading.
I’m thinking about all this as I unlock the door to Sugar Rush this morning, the familiar scent of vanilla and cinnamon welcoming me.
I preheat the ovens and get to work on the morning's first batch of muffins. The rhythm of measuring and mixing ingredients centers me in a way nothing else can. By the time Charlie arrives at six, the bakery smells like heaven.
"Morning, boss lady," she says, tying her apron around her waist. "What's the special today?"
"Strawberry shortcake muffins. In honor of Valentine’s Day tomorrow," I tell her, sliding a tray of muffins into the oven.
"And I'm experimenting with those lavender shortbread cookies you've been bugging me about. I’ve got a batch of heart-shaped ones coming out of the oven soon that you can ice later on. "
Charlie pumps her fist in victory. “Yes! They’re going to be so good. Especially when I cover them in pink and red sprinkles.”
The bakery opens at seven, and by seven-fifteen, we already have a line stretching out the door.
"Two dozen heart brownies, please," a harried-looking man in a suit announces, barely looking up from his phone. "And whatever those pink cookies are in the display. A dozen of those too."
"The lavender shortbreads?" I ask, already reaching for a box.
He nods distractedly. "Sure, whatever. They look Valentine-y."
Charlie catches my eye and smirks as she rings him up. Three more customers follow with similar requests—heart-shaped treats for offices, classrooms, and significant others.
By ten, we've sold all of the muffins and most of the red velvet cupcakes. I'm frosting another tray in the back while Charlie handles the front. The swirl of cream cheese frosting is hypnotic, each perfect spiral topped with a tiny sugar heart.
"Holly!" Charlie calls over her shoulder. "We need more of everything!"
I peek out to see the shop still absolutely packed and hurry out to bring her more goodies.
By the end of the day, we’re both exhausted.
I lock up the door and sit down on the closest chair. Charlie joins me, bringing with her two large glasses of water.
“Oh my goodness, if this keeps up we’re going to have to hire more help.”
I nod and smile. “Not the worst problem to have. Especially since we almost lost all of this.”
“It feels like forever ago at this point. So much has changed – I can’t even wrap my head around it.”
“If someone had told me that this would be my life even just a few months ago, I never would have believed it. I didn’t want to admit it, but I was worried for so long that Taviani was going to take all of this from us,” I say, taking a big gulp of water.
“I knew all along how worried you were. I just didn’t know what to do about it,” Charlie responds. “But look at us now… life is so good. And, speaking of that, what are you and your hockey stud doing for Valentine’s Day tomorrow?”
I smile at Charlie, tucking a loose strand of hair behind my ear. "We're going to that new Italian place over on Madison—Bella Monica. You know, the one we've been drooling over on Instagram for months?"
Charlie's eyes widen. "No way! I've been trying to get reservations there since they opened! How did you manage that?"
"Denton has his ways," I say with a little shrug, trying not to sound smug. "Apparently when you play for the Blades, restaurant owners are happy to make a reservation for you for whatever day you choose."
Charlie rolls her eyes, but she's grinning. "Must be nice."
"The best part is Tabby's coming too," I continue, feeling a warm glow spread through my chest just thinking about it.
"It's our first official Valentine's Day as.
.. whatever we are... and I insisted it should be the three of us.
Tabby's been planning her outfit for days.
Last I heard, it was down to either her red sparkly dress with the heart buttons or her pink tutu with matching heart tights. "
"Adorable," Charlie says, sipping her water. "Most guys would be angling for a romantic night alone, you know."
I nod, feeling that familiar rush of affection for Denton. "He’s such a good dad. I love that so much about him.”
"So what about you?" I ask, leaning forward. "Big Valentine's plans?"
Charlie snorts, setting her water glass down. "Oh, absolutely. I have a hot date with Melvin. He's making me his famous salmon." We both dissolve into giggles. Melvin is Charlie’s orange tabby cat.
"Sounds romantic," I tease. "Will there be flowers and candles?"
"Of course. Melvin's quite the gentleman. He even wears a little bowtie for special occasions." She pretends to adjust an invisible tie at her throat, making me laugh harder.
"I'm sure he's a wonderful date," I say, wiping away tears of laughter. "Very attentive."
“Of course,” Charlie says. "Actually, I do have a date next week that I'm kind of excited about." There's a hint of shyness in her voice.
I straighten up immediately, my fatigue forgotten. "Wait, what? With who? Tell me everything right now."
"His name is Daniel," she says, a blush creeping up her neck.
"We met at that sandwich shop on Damen last week when I was picking up our lunch. He was in line in front of me and we just got to talking." She tucks her recently dyed bright pink hair behind her ear, looking pleased. "He’s a musician and he’s got that hot musician-y vibe I love.”
"Charlie! That's amazing! Why haven't you told me about him?"
She shrugs. "I didn't want to jinx it. Plus, you've been in this love bubble with Denton. I didn't want to interrupt with my dating drama."
"Hey," I reach across the table and squeeze her hand. "You know I always have time for your dating drama and I’m always here to listen.”
Charlie's eyes soften as she squeezes my hand back. "I'm always here for you too." Her smile turns wry. "Even if you're disgustingly happy right now."
I laugh, feeling a rush of gratitude for this woman who's been my rock through everything. "I don't know what I'd do without you."
We both stand up, bodies aching from the long day. I pull her into a tight hug, breathing in the familiar scent of sugar and Charlie's citrus shampoo.
"Thanks for everything," I murmur into her shoulder.
"Always," she says simply, giving me one final squeeze before stepping back. "Now go home and get some rest. Tomorrow's going to be even crazier than today."
I show up at Sugar Rush the next morning even earlier than usual. I’ve got to make sure we have plenty of stock today and the only way that’s going to happen is if I start right now. I intended on staying later yesterday to get a jump start on the baking for today but I was just too tired.
I've barely walked through the door when something on the counter immediately catches my eye. There are cupcakes in the display case that definitely weren't there when I locked up last night. My heart rate quickens as I approach cautiously. How did that happen?
As I get closer, I notice each cupcake has a single letter carefully piped on top in icing. What the heck?
I lean closer, scanning from left to right. M-A-R-R-Y...
My breath catches. This can't be what I think it is.
M-A-R-R-Y M-E H-O-L-L-Y.
The realization hits me like a tidal wave. My hand flies to my mouth as tears instantly spring to my eyes. The letters are perfectly formed, the cupcakes immaculately decorated. Each one has tiny edible pearls that are arranged in delicate patterns around the letters.
The bell above the door chimes, and I spin around.
Denton stands in the doorway, dwarfing it like he always does. He's wearing a crisp blue button-down that makes his eyes look like storm clouds, and he's holding a massive bouquet of red roses. His smile is nervous but radiant, lighting up his entire face in a way I've rarely seen.
"Denton..." I whisper, my voice failing me.
He walks to me quickly, his eyes never leaving me. He sets the flowers down on the counter before wrapping me in his strong arms. I melt against his chest, breathing in his familiar scent. My heart is racing so fast I'm sure he can feel it through our clothes.
"When did you do this?" I whisper against his shirt, pulling back slightly to look up at him.
His eyes are soft, almost vulnerable. "Charlie helped. We did it last night when I ran out to get coffee for the morning. We didn’t really need coffee – I always have at least two extra bags in the pantry."
I laugh. “You little sneak… oh my gosh! I can’t believe you did this.”
He takes a deep breath, then steps back. In one fluid motion, he lowers himself to one knee, right there on the floor of Sugar Rush. My hands fly to my mouth again as tears spill freely down my cheeks.
"Holly Louise James," he says, his voice steady despite the emotion swimming in his eyes.
He reaches into his pocket and pulls out a small velvet box.
When he opens it, a beautiful emerald-cut diamond ring takes my breath away.
"You brought warmth back into my life when I didn't even realize how cold I was.
You've made me and Tabby happier than I ever thought possible. "
His voice catches slightly. "I love you. I want to wake up beside you every morning. I want to make chocolate chip pancakes with you and Tabby every weekend. I want to build a life with you." He takes another deep breath. "Will you marry me?"
"Yes," I breathe without hesitation, the word barely audible through my tears. “A millions times yes.”
He stands up quickly and takes me in his arms, lifting me slightly off the ground as he kisses me deeply. I feel like I'm floating, suspended in this perfect moment as his lips move against mine.
When he sets me down, his hands are trembling slightly as he takes the ring from the box and slides it onto my finger.
"It's so beautiful," I whisper, staring at my hand in disbelief. The weight of it feels strange and wonderful all at once. "I can't believe this is happening."
"Believe it," he says, his voice rough with emotion as he brushes a tear from my cheek with his thumb.
I look up from the ring, meeting his eyes. "How long have you been planning this?"
He tucks a strand of hair behind my ear, his smile turning slightly sheepish. "Since Christmas morning, actually. When I gave you the key to my place and saw how happy you were... I just knew. I wanted to give you so much more than just a key."
My heart swells at the thought of him planning this for weeks, of carrying this secret while we went about our daily lives. A thought suddenly occurs to me. "Does Tabby know?"
He shakes his head, his eyes bright. "I wanted this moment just for us first," he explains, his thumbs gently brushing over my knuckles. "Mom knows, of course, since that’s why I needed Tabby to stay with her last night."
"I can't wait to see her face," I say, imagining Tabby's reaction.
Denton laughs, the sound warm and rich. "I thought maybe we could tell her tonight at dinner? If that's okay with you?"
My heart swells even more. "I would love that."
He pulls me close again, resting his forehead against mine. "I still can't believe you said yes."
"Did you think I wouldn't?" I ask, genuinely curious.
He studies my face for a moment, his eyes serious.
"I wasn't one hundred percent sure. After everything we've been through.
.. after I walked away from you once..." He takes a deep breath, his thumb tracing circles on my back.
"I just hoped you could trust me enough now.
That you believed me when I said I'm never walking away again. "
I reach up to touch his face, feeling the slight stubble beneath my fingertips. "Denton, I wouldn't be here if I didn't trust you. I wouldn't have let myself fall so completely in love with you and Tabby if I didn't believe in us."
His smile is like sunshine breaking through clouds. "I want to give you everything, Holly. A life, a family, a home. I want to stand beside you through whatever comes next—the good and the bad. All of it."
"That's exactly what I want too," I whisper, still hardly believing this is real. "You, me, and Tabby. And maybe someday..."
His eyes widen slightly. "Someday?"
I blush, suddenly shy. "Maybe... a brother or sister for Tabby?"
The look that crosses his face is one of such pure joy it takes my breath away. He pulls me close again, his arms strong and sure around me.
"I love you, Holly James," he murmurs against my hair.
“And I love you, Denton Blake.”