Page 53 of The Friendship Pact

“Are you two really just friends?” Lily asked. “Because I thought with the smoldering looks and the spark between you two, you must’ve kissed, at least.”

Kate finished her margarita in one large gulp and set her glass on the table.

“Eeee, I knew it!” Lily clapped and stomped her feet as if dancing in place.

Obviously, Kate couldn’t hide her feelings well.

Cole crossed his arms, grinning from ear to ear. He was a worse gossip than most women she knew, and she didn’t want this conversation retold to Nick, so she clamped her mouth shut.

“Maybe I don’t need to hear this. You girls talk. I’m heading home,” Cole said and threw a twenty on their table. “Enjoy.”

“Thanks, bro,” Chloe said.

Cole nodded and left.

Lily and Chloe leaned forward. “Now. It’s only us. We want to know everything, so leave nothing out,” Lily said.

“Well, maybe leave out some details, since we’re talking about my brother.” Chloe said.

Could Kate admit to her new friends how she’d fallen in love with the sexy sheriff?

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

It was still dark and well before anyone else woke when Kate fed her felines, bundled up, and hurried to the lodge, wanting to get in some exercise after overindulging on tiramisu last night at the rehearsal dinner. With the wedding scheduled for two, she’d have plenty of time to assemble the cake, have breakfast with her cousin, and change for the wedding.

At this early morning hour, the lodge’s kitchen was dark. She flipped on the lights and stashed her belongings in the office. She had made the red frosting roses yesterday morning and needed to place them on Paige and Ethan’s three-tiered cake.

The round slabs were loosely wrapped on a shelf in the walk-in cooler. She’d posted so many admonitions on the stainless steel door about not placing anything near the cakes, it looked like a bulletin board. The warnings had paid off; the layers were undisturbed. She gently removed each section and set them atop the cake stand.

With the frosting complete and the roses placed, the snow-like effect shimmered. Kate set the pastry bag down and glanced at the clock. She still had an hour before meeting Michael and Henry at the Blue Ox for breakfast.

Standing back, she admired her work. The red roses and the pine boughs added to the country elegance Paige had requested.

“Oh Kate, it’s beautiful.”

Kate’s hand flew to her heart. Focused on her work, she hadn’t heard Ruth walk into the kitchen.

“Oh dear. I’m so sorry I startled you.”

Kate smiled at Ruth. “It’s fine, and thank you. I hope Paige and Ethan think so too.”

“How could they not?” Ruth moved closer. “The random snowflake on each layer is exquisite. And these roses . . . I’d love to know how you mixed the full blooms and the buds together so tightly. And the look of fresh snow—wow! I’m speechless.”

Kate giggled. Ruth was anything but speechless. It had been a long time since she’d had someone gush over her cakes, especially another baker. “I would love to show you sometime. They’re fun to make.”

“The pine boughs are a nice touch.”

“Thank you.” Kate learned early on to accept compliments with a simple thank-you. Before working with Regina, she’d always try to explain or dismiss the flattery. Regina had set her straight. Always accept compliments gracefully, she’d say.

Kate removed her apron and tossed it into the laundry bag. “This is by far the hardest part of cake decorating.”

“What is?”

“Protecting the cake.”

“Oh yes. I agree. Let’s take care of that right now. I’ll be right back.”

Ruth returned with a stainless steel cart. “We’ll place the cake in the ballroom,” she said. “The staff has the room all set for the reception.” They carefully transferred the cake and made their way to the service elevator. Ruth pushed the cart while Kate walked alongside. Thankfully, it was a short distance.