Ever since Rake had died just over two years ago, she’d been on “manage mode” to get through and make it as far as she had done. In the few months since she’d been back, the old drive was waking up and the familiar tingle of succeeding crept into her mindset. Not that she could compare her past relationship to the gorgeous old building.
She had the hotel to thank for it. Funny how Cherry Lake was the only place she wanted to be when she found herself widowed with a child to raise on her own. After coming to terms with Rake’s sudden suicide following a terminal prognosis, packing up and making the move had been the hardest part and that was mainly mental. Thank goodness she’d gotten past that.
“I’ve been looking forward to doing this ever since Rake bought the place despite my apprehension about seeing Ethan again. The moment I walked in and saw the ballrooms, I knew it was something special and would be perfect for my business. It’s going to be amazing when it’s all finished, maybe even better than the wedding business I left behind.”
Bella put the pretty pink cake box she carried in on the kitchen table. “I’m pleased for you. You’ve worked so hard, but then you always did. It’ll all come together. I know it will.” She took the lid off and looked at her creation, her lips turning down. “Drat. I’ve messed up the icing.”
Mari stared at the gorgeous pink cake, dipped her finger into the frosting around the base where it was already smudged and took a sample. “Oops, me too.” She sucked her finger and giggled. “I gather that’s for us? I’d hate to have ruined it if you’re delivering it somewhere else but you know the risks you take bringing cake in here.”
“Nope. It’s for you and Noah. Jake’s complaining his pants are getting too tight. I’m overfeeding him apparently and I had to try this recipe out for my portfolio.” She rolled her eyes and they shared a giggle. It was well known that Jake was a health nut but with the love of his life being a famous chef, he struggled more some days than others.
“Fabulous. I love cake and so does Noah. You know it won’t go to waste here.”
“That’s what I thought and you’re the one person I know who never puts any fat on no matter what you eat.” She smiled, pushed the cake closer to her sister. “This is one of the recipes I want to put in the wedding cake book. I want to call it ‘Pink Perfection.’ A hint of rosewater in the frosting kind of takes it to a whole new level.”
“Wonderful, I think it’s very pretty with a side of whimsical. And, for your information, I’m too busy to put on weight, that’s why.” Mari swiped her finger along the other side of the cake, taking another generous dose of pink frosting. She stuck her finger in her mouth and closed her eyes to get the full benefit of the ingredients, her preferred way of tasting anything. The rosewater was there but not enough to be overpowering. A hint of something sweet and fruity hovered in the background. So did the romance and the love that went into her sister’s baking. “You’ve nailed it. That is so yummy. I can’t wait to taste the cake itself. Noah will be thrilled to bits. He’s rather partial to your baking and lucky for me because I don’t have a creative bone in my body when it comes to sweet treats.”
Bella grinned as if to agree with her. “It’s very pink I’m afraid but I couldn’t help myself. It all goes together nicely even if I say so myself. Raspberry cream between layers and a hint of rose essence in the butter cake. I think you’ll like it. If it makes it into the cake selection, I’ll make each layer a darker shade of pink so when it’s cut into, it’ll be stunning.”
“All your creations are anyway, but I love that visual.”
“Right, enjoy. I’m off to pick up Cory from practice.” She ran down the stairs and Mari eyed the cake. It was tempting to cut herself a big slice now. A sugar hit might go a long way to helping her take the step she’d been dreading ever since she found out her foster parents, Pearl and Jeff Benson were home from their big trip away. Going over to see them, begging forgiveness and following up with Rake’s plan for her to fit back in was scaring her half to death.
“Hello.” A voice she recognized rang out from down in the hotel foyer, jolting her out of her mental fog and sent her stomach rushing to her feet. Caught out again, Mari had thought she had until tonight to bolster up her nerves before she came face-to-face with Ethan. A cold sweat broke out over her skin, sending a chill down her back and making her hands clammy.
“Anyone up there, or anywhere? Hello.”
The thump of footsteps came up the carpeted stairs and Mari went to the door and peered down. “Ethan.” She stepped out onto the landing and stared at the man running up toward her.
The days she’d tried to talk herself into going out to the cherry farm and letting them know she was back in town seemed like a distant memory now. It was easy to ignore the job she kept putting off at first because they were away on a long cruise overseas and it gave her
