Page 102 of A Slice of Summer
“Delicious dinner, Mom.”That night, Taryn sat in her parents’ kitchen and sipped from her iced tea. She listened to stories about their cruise. Not once had the bakery been mentioned. Were they saving the best for last? She nearly choked. But it would be better to let them bring it up. She swallowed. “I’m happy you had such a great vacation.”
Her father wiped his mouth. “You should take one.”
“I’m planning a trip to Los Angeles, but I have to figure out the logistics.” Taryn wanted to make sure Garrett wasn’t in the middle of a trial or that intense prep period he’d mentioned.
Her parents glanced at each other.
Her dad cleared his throat. “I’m happy to fill in if you’re low on staff.”
“Thanks, Dad. I’d appreciate that. Though I hired Brecken’s sister, Mandy.”
He nodded. “Sweet kid. Loved ginger snaps when she was little.”
“Still does.” Taryn laughed. “We need two or three more people, especially with Finley’s and Brecken’s availability changing in the fall. You should also promote Jayden to be a manager. He’s earned it. I wanted to do that months ago until the Summit Ridge Bakery got in the way.”
Her father shifted in his chair. “About that.”
Taryn held her breath.
“I told them no,” he said.
She seemed to sink. The relief was palpable.
“Your mother made me see I may have been wrong to decide what your future should be.”
Taryn mouthed a thank you to her mom across the table.
“I still think running a business will be too much when you have a family, but I can’t wait for you to prove me wrong.”
Taryn gripped the chair seat. “Does that mean…”
“Lawson’s is yours if you want it.”
“I do.” The words burst from her lips, and then she remembered Garrett. “I—”
“What, sweetheart?” Her mom leaned forward.
Taryn bit her lip. “Could I please make a phone call?”
Her parents exchanged a glance.
“Sure,” her father said.
“Thanks, Dad.” She stood. “I’ll make it quick.”
Out on the front porch, she called Garrett. “Pick up. Please pick up.”
“Taryn?” Garrett asked. “Are you okay?”
Was she? Her pulse raced. She struggled to catch her breath. “No. Yes. My dad said Lawson’s is mine if I want it.”
“Your dream come true.”
“Part of the dream.” She gripped the phone. “You’re the other half, and…I…I love you.”
The air rushed out of her lungs.
Silence, uncomfortable and gnawing, filled the line.
