His heart crashed into his rib cage as if he’d slammed on the brake pedal to stop from rear-ending someone on the 405. Garrett’s mouth went dry. She captivated him.
Taryn stood and extended her arm. “You owe me a dance.”
He laced his fingers with hers, leading her toward the dance floor, where a DJ played music.
As if on cue, the song changed.
She inhaled sharply.
No worries, it was another slow dance, which is what he wanted—any excuse to hold Taryn in his arms.
“Listen.” She tilted her head. “They’re playing our song.”
Wait. What? The music sounded familiar, but… “We have a song?”
Taryn nodded. “This will be the second time we’ve danced to ‘All of Me’ by John Legend in twenty-four hours. I believe that counts as a song.”
“Good point.” Garrett took her in his arms and moved with the music the way they had last night. “I’ve never had a song with someone before.”
“Me, either.”
Garrett brushed his lips over her hair. He could get used to this.
Who was he kidding? Garrett wanted to get used to this.
He enjoyed dancing with her, but the dance floor was crowded. Garrett preferred being at the bakery where it was more romantic with just the two of them.
He twirled her around, and that was when it hit him.
Garrett wasn’t ready to say goodbye. He’d felt twinges of this in December, but he’d brushed them aside. He didn’t want to do the same this time. He wanted…more.
Things had gotten serious fast. It should scare him, but he was okay with that.
With her.
She sighed. “This is nice.”
“It is.” But how would a long-distance relationship work? His job was all-consuming when a case went to trial. She gave her all to the bakery.
Saying goodbye would be the smartest thing for their careers, but Taryn brought something into his life he hadn’t known was missing. Something he hadn’t known he needed. Seeing Callie get married, declaring her love and fidelity to Brandt, struck a chord inside Garrett. He wanted that with Taryn, and if he let her go again, said goodbye when he left on Sunday, it would never happen.
Besides, who knew what her dad intended to do?
Now might be the perfect time for Taryn to try something new, someplace new.
Like L.A.
With him.
She had the skills and would be in high demand. They could make this work.
All he had to do was ask her to come with him.
Chapter Nineteen
Wedding guests formed two lines, standing shoulder to shoulder, ten feet apart. Taryn stood next to Garrett, his arm touching hers. From the ceremony to the end of the reception, today had been magical, not only for Callie and Brandt but everyone attending their wedding.
In the line across from them, Margot wiggled her shoulders. “This is so fun.”
And it was.
Not only fun but also romantic.
The event—well, minus the rush earlier to set up the reception—made Taryn wistful for more nights like this. Her feet ached from all the dancing, but she didn’t mind at all. A part of her wished tonight would never end.
Anna and Raine passed out three-feet-long sparklers to each person. Flynn and Keaton followed with lighters.
“How did you get out of helping with the farewell?” Taryn whispered in Garrett’s ear.
“I told them I needed to be with my unofficial plus-one.”
She loved how his warm breath caressed her skin, giving her the best possible kind of chills. “Unofficial plus-one? Never heard of that term before.”
He kissed her neck. “I made it up.”
Tingles shot through her. “Be careful, or we might burn ourselves with the sparklers.”
His gaze, reflecting the bright sparks, met hers. “I’ll take my chances.”
Garrett brushed his lips across hers.
“Hold the sparklers in the air,” the photographer who stood at the far end shouted, breaking the spell.
Everyone raised theirs, and the result was a stunning tunnel of sparks for the bride and groom to exit the reception.
Smiling big, Callie and Brandt held hands and made their way through the tunnel as the photographer took photos. People cheered them on.
“Congrats.”
“Best wishes.”
“Bon voyage.”
“Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.”
“Congratulations.”
Callie and Brandt stopped near the end of the tunnel and kissed.
A roar went up from the crowd.
So sweet. Taryn sighed.
Garrett sighed. “They’re perfect together.”
Something inside Taryn’s heart shifted. She wanted that. Not perfection. That didn’t exist. Nor did she want a huge wedding that must have cost Mr. and Mrs. Andrews a small fortune. No, Taryn wanted to find the forever kind of love Callie had found with her new husband.
Unless…
Taryn glanced at Garrett, who focused on the couple. Maybe she would find it with him. Given everything he helped her through, they were off to a good start. And what she felt for him was more than friendship. He’d wanted to make amends, but he hadn’t stopped when he’d done that. He’d stepped up, continuing to help her. His concern over her business, the fair, and Brecken showed what kind of man Garrett Andrews was.
Not perfect, but kindhearted.
A man who loved his family.
Could he love her someday?
Taryn shook her head.
That was a silly question with him in California and her in Washington, especially when she’d known from the start he wasn’t here to stay. He was leaving tomorrow night.
What else could she do but say goodbye?
Again.
She half laughed, not a joyful sound, but a bittersweet one.
Despite her issues with her parents and the bakery, her life was in Silver Falls. Could she start over elsewhere? Yes, but California—especially Los Angeles—was larger than Portland, where she’d gone to culinary school and done her internship. If she hadn’t enjoyed living there, how would she like somewhere more urban?
As the newlyweds laughed at something the photographer said, they glanced over their shoulders and waved.
Callie blew a kiss. “Thanks, everyone.”
Brandt helped her into an idling limousine before facing the crowd. “Thanks for making this the best wedding ever.”
He climbed into the back seat. The driver closed the door, and less than a minute later, the vehicle pulled away from the curb.
Taryn, Garrett, his family, and guests waved until the limousine’s taillights disappeared.
“I can’t believe they’re taking a six-week-long honeymoon,” Mrs. Jones said to her husband, who waved his sparkler as if he were seven, not seventy. “I had no idea that was possible.”
“If I sell the hardware store, we’ll go on a long second honeymoon.”
The older woman kissed his wrinkled cheek. “When not if.”
The man laughed. “Now, you’ll hold me to it.”
Mrs. Jones shook her head. “You’re not getting any younger.”
As the two kissed, a longing grew inside Taryn.
I want that.
But did Garrett?
Too soon.
It was way too soon.
Logically, she knew that. They’d spent four weeks in the same town, and not all that time had been at once. But tell those facts to her heart, which was in a mood for another wedding. One where she wore the gown, carried the bouquet, and had a wedding band slid on her ring finger.
She gulped.
“Do you have to do any of the cleanup?” Garrett asked.
“No.” And she was thankful for that. “Once we set up the cake, we’re done. The caterer took care of slicing and serving the pieces. That’s why I could enjoy the reception.”
With you.
“Come
with me.” He entwined his fingers with hers and led her to the courtyard where a three-tiered fountain spewed water thirty feet in the air while multicolored lights flashed on and off in a choreographed dance. It had proved a perfect photo op for the newlyweds and guests. The spot was as lovely now.
He raised her hand to his mouth and kissed the top of it. “Tonight was fun.”
“It was.” The best part was being with him. Garrett looked like a model in his tuxedo, but his appearance was only a tiny part of his appeal. Not just anyone would work nonstop in ninety-degree heat to help her redo the booth at the eleventh hour. “Your sister is a beautiful bride.”
“The cake was delicious.”
“Which one?”
His grin spread. “All of them. Obviously the guests agreed because not much is left.”
“I hope the bride and groom enjoyed them.” That was what made an event successful. Sure, Taryn wanted all the guests to enjoy them, but she wanted the bride and groom, Callie and Brandt, to be happy with their choice of hiring Lawson’s Bakery.
“Callie and Brandt loved them.” Garrett tucked strands of Taryn’s hair behind her ear. “You’re an incredible baker.”
“I am, aren’t I?” she teased before curtseying. “Thanks.”
“I’ve enjoyed these two weeks with you.”
Uh-oh. That sounded like goodbye. Her pulse kicked up.
“Me, too.” She wasn’t sure what was coming, but she wanted to prepare herself mentally. “Even more so than December.”
“This has been different.” He stared into her eyes. “I go home tomorrow.”
“I know.” This must be goodbye. She kept a smile on her face, even though she’d wanted to spend more time with him. But his family was still here, and Callie and Brandt were having brunch with their immediate families tomorrow. Garrett needed to be with them. “I can’t thank you enough for all you did for me.”
“I enjoyed myself.”
“Same.”
“Which is why I won’t ghost you again.”
Hope blossomed inside her. Maybe this wasn’t goodbye after all. “I’m so happy to hear that because I don’t want to be ghosted again.”
“I’ve been thinking about us.”
She wiggled her toes. “I like the sound of us.”
“Me, too.”
The lights from the fountain made her think of them standing under the northern lights. If only they could do that someday.
“That’s why I want you to come to L.A.,” he said.
Yes. She forced herself not to bounce on her tiptoes. “I’ll plan a visit.”
“No.”
Taryn flinched. “You don’t want me to visit?”
“I want you in L.A.” He tugged at his bow tie. “I’m doing this all wrong. What I mean is, I want you to move to L.A.”
Her brain tried to comprehend what he was saying. Tried and failed. “Move to L.A.?”
Excitement flashed on his face. “It’s a perfect solution. With your skills, you could find a job at any bakery or restaurant. Even a hotel.”
“I have a job.”
“In Silver Falls, but I’m in L.A. I want you with me.”
Wow. This wasn’t what Taryn expected to hear. Not that she expected him to give up everything for her and move to Washington state. Maybe she thought they’d decide to date long-distance and go from there, but he wasn’t declaring his love or offering any sort of commitment other than wanting her there.
A part of her wanted to throw her arms around Garrett and never let go. The other part wanted to back away and put as much distance as she could between them. He was deciding her future without asking for her input. The same way her parents were doing with the bakery. “I want to be with you, but…”
His intense gaze locked on hers. “What?”
“The bakery is my family legacy.”
“You don’t know what your dad has planned.”
“I didn’t, but we spoke on Monday. He and my mom plan to sell the bakery. They think I shouldn’t run it so I can get married and have kids.”
“Old-fashioned.”
“Yes, that…surprised me.”
“So if he won’t turn over the bakery—”
“I asked him to sell the bakery to me. He hasn’t given me an answer, but I applied for a small business loan.”
“You want to stay in Silver Falls?”
She hated seeing the disappointment in his eyes. “It’s home.”
“L.A. is my home.”
“Yes, but you’re asking me to give up everything. The same as my parents.”
“It’s not the same. I care about you.”
Care, not love. It didn’t surprise her because they hadn’t known each other that long. “My mom and dad do, too, even if they have a funny way of showing it.”
His lips thinned. “Where does that leave us?”
Good question. Taryn wished she had an answer. “Aren’t you licensed to practice in other states besides California?”
“Yes, but I’m a partner in the firm. I need to be in L.A.”
“And I need to be here in Silver Falls. If my parents don’t sell Lawson’s to me, then I’ll start my own bakery. That’s the dream, and I want to pursue it.”
“Does it matter where you open your bakery? Does it have to be here?”
“I don’t know.” But she wouldn’t rush the choice. Not when there were so many uncertainties with her parents. She took a step away from him. “Whether or not the Lawson’s Bakery is ever mine, I need to be here and see this through.”
“Don’t you want to see where this goes between us?”
“More than anything, but at what cost?”
“What do you suggest?”
Relief flowed through her. At least Garrett was asking her opinion about this. A good thing she had one. “What if we see how things go with you in L.A. and me here?”
“You heard how Raine talked about long-distance relationships.”
“I did.” But Taryn was the one being asked to give up everything. That was too much at this point. She stared at the cement.
“What are you thinking?” he asked.
That they’d shared their hopes, dreams, failures. Hadn’t he listened to hers? Or maybe he didn’t care.
No, she didn’t want to believe that was it. “Look, I get that Lawson’s Bakery isn’t like the fancy ones in L.A. or as successful as your firm. But it’s been in my family for three generations. I can’t pack up and leave without fighting for what’s mine.”
“Neither can I. I’m a rainmaker. Clients hire the firm because of me. Our employees rely on us to keep bringing in business.”
“So does everyone who works at the bakery. I don’t have a company worth of employees, but Jayden, Carl, Finley, Brecken, and Mandy matter.”
“My reputation is tied with the firm.”
“I understand that, and I’m not asking you to move to Silver Falls. But I want you to understand the bakery means everything to me and why I need to be here.”
“I know that, but I can imagine something long-term with you. The possibility of a future together.”
“Same. So what if we give the long-distance thing a try?”
“Being in the same city would be easier.”
“Yes, but we’ve spent what? Four weeks together total, separated by nearly six months. It’s too soon for one of us to uproot our lives.”
He said nothing.
“Garrett?” she asked.
“You’re right.” He didn’t sound that certain. “But I’m not sure how it’ll work.”
“Neither am I, but if this really means something to us, we’ll make it work somehow.”
At least, she hoped so.
*
Sunday morning, Garrett checked the availability of flights. He wanted to move his flight from tonight to tomorrow or Tuesday, but everything was full.
A knock sounded, and the door opened. Flynn walked in.
Garrett glared at his brother. “I didn
’t tell you it was okay to come in.”
Flynn raised an eyebrow as if someone would dare complain about him. Typical of his big brother, who acted as if the world revolved around him. It did at the hospital where he performed surgery and was treated like a rock star by residents and staff. “If we were at home, I wouldn’t knock.”
“But we’re not.”
He rolled his eyes before tilting his head. His trademark move annoyed Garrett and Keaton, but Callie thought Flynn had the bored, entitled pretty-boy look down, so if being a surgeon didn’t work out, he would make a fortune as a lifestyle influencer.
“You were supposed to be downstairs ten minutes ago.” Flynn sounded put out and exhausted, as if he’d climbed Mount Rainier instead of a flight of stairs. The same as he did when he’d been young.
Even though they were in their thirties—except for Callie—some things never changed. “Why is it when we all get together, it’s like we’re kids again?”
“Because no matter how old we get, Mom and Dad still see us as teens, tweens, kids, and toddlers who never do as they’re told.”
Sounded about right. “What’s going on downstairs?”
“Mom has a surprise for us. She said it would be fun.”
Their mom was loving and kind, but being a brainy doctor was at the core of her identity. Growing up, “fun” meant something educational unless it were a game she would be assured of winning. Most assumed they inherited their competitive streak from their dad, but he wasn’t nearly as bad as their mom. “Tell me she doesn’t want us to play a game of Operation.”
Flynn laughed. “I don’t think so, but I might beat her now.”
Garrett stood. He would pack later.
Downstairs, he learned Margot had planned the activity. She was making Callie and Brandt a quilt. Mr. and Mrs. Winslow had made their parts when they’d been in town for the Fourth of July. Now it was the Andrews’ turn. And it went over as well as it would have if they’d been kids.
Flynn played the dutiful, oldest son. Garrett did his best while trying to keep from laughing the entire time. And Keaton complained and somehow injured his index finger.
Their mom took pictures. “We’re making memories.”
“She needs grandkids,” Keaton muttered.
“I heard that.” But Mom didn’t appear deterred. “It looks like Callie has a head start on giving us grands. Unless Garrett has something to tell us about how cozy he’s gotten with a certain baker in town.”
A Slice of Summer Page 18