Page 93 of Theirs to Treasure

“Now, can we go build a fire and have cocoa? And cinnamon toast! I’m hungry.” Josie scurried out of the bed, and her men followed her.

Chapter 34

Chance had to go to Boston on Wednesday afternoon for AHC. So, Thursday morning at two in the morning, Sam insisted on driving Josie to Sweet Dreams Desserts. She expected him to drop her off, but he said he was staying to help. She, Bill, and Sam got a good start on the orders for the upcoming Saturday festival, but Josie soon realized she was probably going to need even more help. She felt bad, but after Elise arrived to open the shop, she went upstairs to wake Becca and Sarah, asking if they would be willing to help.

“Of course, we will!” Sarah exclaimed. Josie looked over at Becca.

“Well, duh! Josie, you should just expect us to help. You shouldn’t even have to ask. Let me guess, you didn’t have to ask Sam, did you?” Becca came over and hugged her.

Josie laughed. “Well no.”

“And Chance would have been downstairs too, if he weren’t in Boston,” Sarah said.

“You’re right.” Josie smiled.

“I love these guys,” Becca said. “It’s like having two big brothers.”

“It didn’t hurt that Chance let you drive his car,” Sarah teased.

“Nope, that didn’t hurt, but the best part is knowing they love the hell out of you, Josie. They’d cut off their arms before they’d allow anything to hurt you.”

Josie cupped Becca’s cheek. “You’re right, Honey.”

Sarah peeked out from the bedroom. “Hey, are the cinnamon rolls done yet? Do we get one before we have to start work, or should I grab a smoothie here?”

“A cinnamon roll is not a good breakfast,” Josie admonished. “Have a smoothie, then you can have your roll.”

“Okay. We’ll bring you and Sam one down, too, when we come.”

“You guys are the best,” Josie said with a big smile. “When you’re ready, come downstairs, and I’ll put you to work.”

* * *

When Becca and Sarah descended to the bakery, they found the shop brimming with customers, and they all seemed to be laughing. As the girls looked around, they observed Elise and Rob manning the front. They investigated further, trying to identify the source of the entertainment, when they heard an argument coming from the back.

“You’re too big!” Josie said.

“No, let me try again. I won’t hurt it,” some man said. They didn’t recognize his voice.

“It’s too fragile!” Josie sounded frantic.

“I’m trying my best to be gentle this time,” he said placatingly.

“Damn, it, Eric, you’re bruising it,” Josie said heatedly. The man next to Sarah and Becca burst into laughter and blew his coffee onto the coat of the man in front of him.

“I can be delicate, just give me another chance!”

“Your hands are too big,” Josie said loudly, and now half of the people in Sweet Dreams were laughing.

“No, they’re not, they’re the perfect size,” he bellowed.

“It needs a woman’s touch. Where in the hell are my sisters?” Sarah and Becca looked at one another as the entire bakery roared with laughter. Josie stormed out of the kitchen with a silver-blond giant following her.

“Josie, I didn’t ruin your cake. That icing flower is just fine.”

Josie turned back to the giant and pointed her finger at him. “Eric, I told you to knead the dough. You’re too ham-handed to decorate cakes. I appreciate you coming over to help, but you’re not allowed to touch my cakes.”

“I agree,” Sam said as he strolled out of the kitchen to pour himself a cup of coffee. “Don’t touch Josie’s cakes.” There was more laughter from the customers. Sarah and Becca gave up and started laughing as well. Obviously, the whole town was nuts, and Josie had gone a little crazy as well. She spotted them when they started laughing.