“You’ll be able to stay at Aunt Claire’s while you’re there,” his mother said. “The owner of the school is renting the carriage house for the executive pastry chef teaching this special curriculum. I have no idea what this is costing her, but she’s covering every dime. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”
Andrew pulled up a chair to the end of the booth. “Wow.”
“Unless you’ve got second thoughts about the whole cooking thing,” his dad said. “You can always come back and work at the shop with me.”
“I have a job, Dad.” He fiddled with the bottom of his shirt. “And Kelly is here.”
Kelly tucked herself out of their view. Ever since Andrew had refused to work with his father in the family business, his dad had hated all of Andrew’s ideas. Truth be told, Andrew was an awesome mechanic, but he didn’t enjoy doing that kind of work. After a long day turning wrenches, he’d been filthy and in a foul mood. When he was in the kitchen, his whole demeanor changed.
Andrew’s mom pressed her hand on his arm. “I need to let Aunt Claire know if you’re coming. The Pastry and Baking Program begins the first week of July.”
“So soon? Kelly and I had plans this summer.” He tugged at his shirt collar.
“I’m sure those plans can wait. You two have your whole lives ahead of you. The program runs from July to December. Only twenty students get in. Aunt Claire pulled some serious strings.”
“It does sound like a great opportunity…” He leaned back in the chair, looking down at his hands. “But I don’t want to be a baker. It would be a big waste of time and money.”
“We’d never be able to send you to something like this.” His mom sounded almost apologetic. “Aunt Claire says that if you do well, there could be other scholarship opportunities too.”
Kelly could see how torn he was. He pressed his fingers into the palm of his hand, the way he did when he was deep in thought. Paris was so far, but if she were faced with this decision, she’d jump at it.
“You’ll be home by Christmas,” his mother added gently, as if she’d read his mind.
“I need to talk to Kelly,” he said.
Mr. York peered over the top of his glasses at Andrew. “You can make your own decisions, son.”
Kelly flinched. Those words were like a stab to the heart. Did his father really think she’d ever stand in the way of such a great opportunity for him?
“I will make my own decision. I just want to include Kelly in it. She’s my fiancée.”
Kelly’s heart swelled. At least Andrew knew whose side she was on.
His dad’s mouth pulled into a tight line, then he pushed his chair from the table and stood.
Kelly held her breath.
“You two talk it over tonight,” his mom said. “We’ll see you at the house later. It’s the middle of the night over there right now anyway. We can call her tomorrow afternoon and give her your answer.” She stood and hugged Andrew.
“Thanks, Mom. This is amazing news. I don’t mean to sound unappreciative, but Kelly and I just set a wedding date last week. I’m not going to make a decision this big without her.” Andrew’s shoulders slumped as if he’d been beaten.
Kelly pulled her hand to her heart. They don’t understand that baking and culinary arts are two entirely different skills.
His father turned and walked out the door.
Is there anything Andrew could do or say that would make that man happy?
Andrew’s mom raised a dismissive hand toward her husband. “I know. Never mind him.” She stepped back. “I’m really proud of you. I want you to have the chance to do what you want with your life. Don’t let Dad worry you. I’ll deal with him.” She gathered her purse and rushed outside to catch up with his dad.
His parents’ behavior confused Kelly. Mom and Dad had always supported her no matter what she’d chosen to pursue. Last week Andrew had gotten down on one knee and professed his love, never wanting to be apart. They’d set their wedding date for June fourth of the following summer to give them plenty of time to save for and find a house to start their new life together.
Never in a million years did she consider they might be separated for half that time. Even thinking about it made loneliness invade her mood.
Andrew turned his head and saw her standing there. “You heard?”
Right now, the other customers would have to wait. She walked over and took his hand. “I did.”
He pulled her into his arms and hugged her.
She didn’t envy the position he was in. She tried to relax in his embrace, but every nerve in her body tingled with nervous energy.
He sucked in a deep breath and gave her a squeeze. “I love you.”
“I love you too.” They’d made so many plans together, and this didn’t fit with any of them. If she was this confused, she could only imagine what he was feeling right now. Trying not to sway his opinion, she was careful with her tone.
Pasting a smile on her face, she stepped back. “That’s very generous of your great-aunt.”
“If you don’t want me to go, I won’t. It doesn’t even make sense. I’m not a baker. I don’t want to be. That’s your thing.” He dropped his head back. “I don’t know what to do.”
His gentle squeeze of her hands gave her the strength to encourage him, even though it hurt her heart to think about being apart for so long. “I’d never ask you to stay.”
The pained look on Andrew’s face suddenly softened. “Come with me.”
“I can’t.” She blinked, hoping the tears wouldn’t fall. “You know I made that commitment to cover for Mom and Dad while they’re on that cruise, but you have
