Page 45 of Win a Date with a Baker

“But.” She gives my hand a gentle squeeze. “I believe you.”

Hope flares in my chest.

“So...”

I whisper. “So?”

A smile slowly spreads across her face.

“I think...” She glances at the trays of tiny donuts. “...any man willing to hand-pipe an apology onto more than a hundred donuts has probably suffered enough.”

Relief crashes through me so hard my knees almost give out. “So?”

“You’re getting your second chance.”

I don’t waste it. I lift my hand to her cheek, giving her every opportunity to stop me.

Instead, she leans into my touch. When I kiss her this time, it’s slow. Not desperate. Not hurried.

Just grateful.

When we finally pull apart, she’s smiling.

“So...” She reaches for an apron hanging beside the prep table. “We’ve got a wedding dessert wall to finish.”

I grin. “Yes, we do.”

“And afterward?”

I raise an eyebrow. “Afterward...”

She slips the apron over her head and winks. “...you can tell me exactly how many long it took you to do all of that lettering.”

EPILOGUE

ELIZABETH

A little girl shyly steps up to the counter.

She’s probably six or seven—I can never tell—and completely adorable in her puffy pink dress, tiara, and oversized opera gloves that practically reach her shoulders. She exchanges a look with her dad, who nods, and opens her mouth.

Nothing comes out.

My stomach twists in sympathy. Poor girl. While I’ve never been shy or quiet—just ask my sister—I can totally relate to how hard it is to step outside of your comfort zone. And this little sweet pea is doing her best.

“Your highness,” Tyler’s voice booms as he enters from the kitchen. “Thank you for gracing us with your presence.”

And, as if that wasn’t adorable enough, he gives a sweeping bow that would put Prince Charming to shame.

Is it any wonder I’m totally obsessed with this man?

The little girl’s eyes go wide.

Then she giggles.

“I…” She takes a deep before squaring her tiny shoulders. “I wanted to know…”

Tyler leans so they’re eye level.