“It is.”
Toby sat back down, still clutching the keys. “When are you leaving?”
“Soon,” I said, sitting across from him again. “It feels like the right time. I’m moving in with Kaisen.”
He nodded slowly. “Are you going to open another bakery there?”
“That’s the plan,” I said, smiling faintly. “I think I’ve got enough experience now to make it work. And honestly I’m excited. It’s a fresh start. A chance to build something new.”
“You’re not scared?”
“Of course I am,” I admitted with a laugh. “But Kaisen believes in me. And weirdly, that makes me believe in myself too. He’s not just my partner—he’s my biggest cheerleader.”
Toby smirked, leaning back in his chair. “Well, if anyone can make it in New York, it’s you. You’re a fighter, Dorie. Always have been.”
“Thanks, Toby,” I said, my chest warming at his words. “But honestly? It’s not just about the bakery anymore. It’s about building a life with someone who makes me feel like anything is possible. And for the first time, I’m not afraid to chase that. I think that’s what you have with Kelly, which is why I believe you’ll make the cafe a success.”
He nodded thoughtfully, twirling the keys between his fingers. “It’s funny how love changes everything, huh?”
“It really does,” I said softly.
“Thank you again,” he said. “I can’t wait to tell Kelly. She’s going to be over the moon. This is huge. I can’t even get my head around it. Thank you doesn’t feel like enough.”
“Success is enough,” I said. “Good luck. I’m going to come back and visit, and I expect to enjoy a croissant and some fancy espresso.”
“I’ll do my best,” he said.
I walked out of the bakery and took a minute to stare up at the building. It was a bittersweet goodbye. I let the breeze wash over me, blowing my hair. I let the weight of the moment settle over me. The bakery had been my sanctuary, my labor of love, for so long. It had given me sleepless nights, countless mistakes, and moments of quiet triumphs. And now, it was time to let it go.
I turned away, walking down the familiar street toward my car. When I got back to my condo, Kaisen was in the middle of packing up my old life. Boxes were scattered around the living room, their contents carefully labeled. Rick was perched on top of one, batting at a piece of masking tape that Kaisen had just laid down.
“Rick, I swear to God, if you mess with that tape one more time…” Kaisen muttered, his tone exasperated but fond.
I watched the two of them with a smile. For all his grumbling, Kaisen had a soft spot for Rick, even if he’d never admit it. And Rick seemed to enjoy tormenting Kaisen just as much as he enjoyed tormenting me.
Kaisen finally noticed me standing there and straightened up, brushing his hands off on his jeans. “Hey. How’d it go?”
I walked over to him, slipping my arms around his waist. “It went well. Toby’s taking over the bakery. I gave it to him.”
“And how are you feeling about it?”
“It feels right. Like I’m finally making decisions that are just for me, you know?”
He smiled, his hands resting on my hips. “I’m proud of you, Dorie. That’s a big step.”
I leaned into him, resting my head against his chest. “It is. But it’s the right one. I’m ready for this. Ready for us.”
He kissed the top of my head, his arms tightening around me. “Are you sure? I mean, this is a big change. I don’t want you to feel like you’re giving up something you love.”
I looked up at him, my eyes searching his. “I’ve never been more sure of anything in my life, Kaisen. This is what I want. You’re what I want.”
He smiled. “Good. Because you’re stuck with me now.”
I laughed, the sound bubbling up from deep inside me. “I wouldn’t have it any other way. How’s the packing going?”
“I really wish you’d let me hire someone. I’ve never done this.”
“I don’t want some stranger pawing through my panty drawer,” I joked.