Total pages in book: 100
Estimated words: 96037 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 480(@200wpm)___ 384(@250wpm)___ 320(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 96037 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 480(@200wpm)___ 384(@250wpm)___ 320(@300wpm)
He nodded. “We know. But we checked our records. Ninety percent of the events request cake for dessert. Especially weddings. Your cakes would be a huge asset to the company.”
“But school and commuting…”
He smiled. “School isn’t an issue, nor is commuting. We can work around your schedule. The beauty of this is you would know months ahead of what is needed and when. It can all be structured.”
My mind was reeling. The thought of not having to waitress. Be on my feet all the time. Deal with difficult customers. I hated all those parts of the job, but it was something I had to do. At least, until now. Still, it was a lot to wrap my head around.
I met his eyes. They were gentle and anxious all at the same time. “Evan,” I began.
He shocked me when he slid to his knees in front of me. “Evan will be fine.” He took in a deep breath. “Because I want you and Evan to move here to Port Albany.” He paused. “With me.”
I stared at him. “What?”
“I want you guys with me. I hate waking up without you. I hate wondering how Evan’s day was and having to wait until I see him to ask. I worry about you all the time. I want you with me. Here.”
I had no words, and he kept talking.
“Jenny is going to be in Port Albany. He can go to the same school as her. He’ll still have his best friend. You’ll be surrounded by family to help. Think how much easier it will be for Evan to get treatment. My dad is here every day. Evan will have access to the pool and the gym every day.” He ran a finger down my cheek. “I’ll get you every day.” He smiled, his voice soft. “Nothing would make me happier than that.”
“I don’t drive,” I objected.
He laughed. “Every day, little bird. There is someone in and out of Toronto every day. Multiple times. You would never be stuck. We’d figure it all out. And you’d have a more manageable schedule. No more working nights, no more Saturdays. Your life would be easier. Evan would be happier here away from that school. You would be happier.”
“And you?” I asked.
“I would be ecstatic. I’d have you and Evan. We’d be together.”
“Paige and Lucy,” I whispered. “I can’t leave them.”
He leaned close. “You won’t be. My brother is all in where they’re concerned. He asked her yesterday to move here with him.”
I blinked in shock. “He did what now?”
He laughed. “Last night.”
“She didn’t say anything!”
“Because, like you, she was concerned what would happen to you. She told Liam she couldn’t leave you alone.”
“So, if I say yes to you, then she’ll say yes to Liam?”
His eyes twinkled. “Maybe?”
Suddenly, I began to laugh. “Incorrigible isn’t the right word for you Callaghan boys.”
He pressed closer, gathering my hands in his. “Say yes, Beth. Come live with me. We’ll work it all out. Join me in this crazy place and make this our home. Together. Please.”
This man.
This amazing, wonderful man had just offered me a new life. One with him but still including the people who were my family. We would all be close. I would have him with me every day. Evan would be happier. I would be happier. My life would be easier. Better. Brighter.
There was only one answer I could give.
“Yes.”
* * *
I looked around the boxes, shocked at how little I actually had to move. Mostly books and clothes. The rest of the stuff was Evan’s. A few pieces of furniture I had from my parents. That was it. Paige was staying behind, and Liam was planning on being here with her until the end of the month. The landlord had someone else wanting to move in and had let us out of our lease. It worked out well for both parties, so he hadn’t objected much.
Liam was busy with the rest of the BAM crew creating a room for Lucy that he wanted ready before they moved in a few weeks. Evan had a fabulous time with Liv Morrison, Van’s wife, who decorated his room in his favorite colors of blue and red. The rest of the house, Ronan and I decided we would work on gradually. Evan was excited to be moving—the thought of a new school, an instant big family, and Jenny still being around all making him happy. He adored Ronan, and I knew he was looking forward to the change.
I had sat and spoken with Addi and Brayden, then all the men of BAM. I looked over their numbers, satisfied this offer wasn’t made up. The numbers Maddox had shown me were accurate and well-thought-out. The one stickler was that ABC had the exclusive rights to the cakes I made. Mike wasn’t overly happy, although he’d known our arrangement wouldn’t last forever. He hadn’t been pleased that I was leaving the diner as a waitress either.