Epilogue
CAROLINE
Caroline jogged across the parking lot of Meadowview Assisted Living Facility with a box of cookies tucked under her arm like a football. She waved a hand over her head as Skye’s car pulled onto the road headed back toward the bakery.
How could Caroline have known the residents would love the sweet treats so much? It was a good thing she had extra help.
She put the box on the table just inside the facility and dusted flakes of snow off her shoulders before hanging her coat on the hook by the door.
“Miss Caroline,” Jessica called as she hurried into the foyer. Her long, auburn hair flowed down her back and hung over her shoulders. “Thank goodness they’re here. Some people were getting antsy.”
“They couldn’t wait fifteen minutes for a cookie?” Caroline asked with a chuckle.
Jessica picked up the bakery box and started walking backward. “They’re taking turns asking for updates.”
Caroline followed Jessica as she power walked to the community room. Who would have guessed that the girls responsible for almost destroying her business would end up being some of the best helpers? Jessica especially loved interacting with people and gushing over the desserts.
Requesting that the girls help with catering events only solidified Caroline’s resolve to hire another employee. Being able to manage, produce, and present was much easier with extra, capable hands.
The girls handed out the New Year’s themed cookies on small plates, smiling and laughing with the residents as the tension subsided with the appearance of more confections.
There wasn’t much for Caroline to do except hang around and chat.
Everyone complimented the cookies and the kindness of the servers as they enjoyed the company.
When the last tray was packed up, Jessica made her way over to Caroline with her hands clasped in front of her. “Miss Caroline.”
“Is everything okay?”
Jessica brushed a strand of hair behind her ear. “I think so. I was just wondering if… I saw the post on your blog saying you’re hiring. Do you think I could apply for the job?”
Caroline blinked and stared at the girl for a few seconds before her wits caught up with her. “You want to work at the bakery?”
“Well, yeah. I’ve had fun helping at these events, and I think I’d like to give it a try. That is, if you’ll let me.”
Caroline nodded, taking a moment to rein in her excitement. “I think that’s a good idea. Meet me at the bakery the day after tomorrow, and we’ll start your training.”
Jessica’s gray eyes widened. “Really?”
“Really, really,” Caroline confirmed.
The young girl ran off to share the news with her friends, and Caroline grabbed a bag of supplies and hoisted it over her shoulder. Something good was coming out of the storm, and she couldn’t wait to tell Skye and Justin.
Since Justin hired Nick to manage her PR, business was bigger than ever. The Cakery had received a few applications, but none of them stood out. Now, it all looked like a part of God’s great plan.
Sitting in her car, she pulled out her phone and wrote up a blog post.
Hello, sugar plum. It’s Sweet Caroline with a quick update. I’m happy to announce The Cakery has added a new member to the family!
She added a small intro for Jessica and signed off with a Happy New Year.
A text came in just as she was about to put her phone down.
Justin: How’s it going?
Caroline: Leaving now. See you soon.
Her family celebrated New Year’s Eve a little early every year so the kids could be in on the fun. She parked beside Justin’s truck at her parents’ house and jogged to the porch.
Quickly shutting the door against the cold, she shivered in the foyer before pulling her coat off.
“Boo!” Bentley shouted as he jumped out at her.
Caroline gasped and pressed a hand to her chest. “You scared me, buddy!”
Bentley ran off giggling seconds before Justin appeared.
“Hello, sweetheart.” He pressed a firm kiss to her lips that was too quick for the excitement she’d carried around all day.
“Hello, handsome.”
Justin took her coat and hung it by the door. “The kids are hungry and whiny, so we’ve been playing airplanes to keep them distracted.”
“You could have started without me.”
“They’re fine. Nora has been giving them a french fry after each flight.”
Justin grabbed Caroline’s hand and she followed him into the living room. The Christmas decorations were still up, and the whole family crowded around on chairs and the large rug.
Skye jolted to her feet as soon as she spotted Caroline. “I’m so glad you’re here. I have news!”
“Good news? What is it?”
Skye held up her left hand, showcasing a sparkling diamond ring. “Hayden proposed!”
Skye’s long-time boyfriend, now fiancé, appeared behind her and slid his arm around her waist. “I wanted to wait for midnight, but…” He shrugged. “I was a little too excited.”
Caroline squealed with her friend before turning to Justin. He winked, and her heart soared. They knew what it was like to be too excited to wait. She had a shiny new ring on her finger, but the leather band around her wrist had been enough to seal the deal.
Dinner was as loud as always, and the kids were a lot less feral once they’d gotten their bellies filled. Alicia found an early New Year’s countdown online and pulled it up on the big screen TV.
Caroline settled onto Justin’s lap in the chair they’d sat in the last time he came for a family meal. “Do you want to hang out with me tonight?”
His arms wrapped around her, and he pressed a kiss to her jaw. His warm breath skimmed her cheek as he whispered, “I can’t think of a better way to start the new year than being right here with you.”