He asked Pepper about the remodel, the date of the remodel and a few other questions. And then he said, “And that should be it. I’ll make sure the insurance company gets a copy.”
“Am I free to get into the building?” Pepper asked.
“Yes. But I’ll caution you to be careful. You’re going to want a clean-up crew in there before you try to do anything.”
They thanked the fire marshal for stopping by and completing the report so quickly. As the man exited the penthouse, Pepper felt like the end of this chapter of her life was looming in the near future. Because once the apartment was cleaned up, there would be no need for her to stay with Simon. Was it wrong that the thought of going home no longer thrilled her? Had the short time she’d spent with Simon made that much of a difference?
Because the longer she was here—the longer they were together—the more she wondered what might have been. And she just couldn’t afford to give her heart to someone else that would leave her. She’d been left behind by everyone she’d loved in her life. She couldn’t do it again.
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
AT LAST THE day had come...
A frigid Tuesday morning made even the snowmen dotting the sides of the streets, dressed in colorful scarves and assorted hats, shiver. A fresh layer of snow blanketed all of New York City.
As Pepper stood on the sidewalk outside her bakery, she didn’t notice the cold or the flakes landing on her hair and coat. A gust of wind rushed past them. Pepper stood like a statue staring forward at the place she’d once called home—still called home, even in its total state of devastation.
The outside of the bakery was still stained with soot trailing up the front of the white painted bricks. Plywood covered all the windows.
The back of her eyes stung with unshed tears. Her stomach made a nauseous lurch. She struggled to maintain her composure.
She blinked. The nightmare was still there, playing out in a slow, excruciating sequence. Would the interior be better than she was imagining? Or worse? Her palms grew clammy. She didn’t want to see the inside of the bakery—yet she had to see it.
A hand touched her back. “You don’t have to do this.”
She turned to Simon. “Yes, I do.”
Concern flooded his eyes. “I’m here for you.”
“I know. Thank you.”
She squared her shoulders. She was stronger than this. She’d buried her mother. She’d buried her grandmother. In the grand scheme of things, this was a setback, not the end of the world. So then why did it feel like it?
She forced herself to take one step and then another.
She lifted the caution tape and then stepped beneath it. With shaky hands, she opened the door. Taking a deep, calming breath, she stepped into the darkened room. Even in the shadows, she could make out enough to know that everything she’d worked for—everything she’d loved—was charred and ruined.
She switched on the flashlight app on her phone. The stream of light highlighted one slice of the room at a time. Everything was layered with dark soot. The glass display cases were covered in debris and the fronts were cracked or broken.
This is bad. So very bad.
The light landed on the shelves behind the counter. There was Bugles McBeagle. Her heart ached. She rushed forward, tripping over the debris on the floor.
Simon’s hand reached out, catching her arm. He held on until she’d regained her balance. “Be careful. There’s a lot of mess on the floor.”
She nodded because she didn’t trust her voice. Emotions had clogged her throat. She continued moving toward the stuffed animal that she’d owned most of her life. It had so many memories attached to it, from her mother giving it to her to holding it when she’d packed her bags and moved in with her grandmother. It had seen her through all the tumultuous times in her life—including this one.
She knew it was silly to be so attached to an inanimate object, but she couldn’t help it. Losing Bugles was like losing an important piece of herself. She reached up to the shelf and wrapped her fingers around the stuffed dog, surprised to find it was still in one piece. She pulled it down. It had soot on it, but other than that there didn’t seem to be any other damage. How was that possible when it looked like a war had been waged within these walls?
“Pepper?” Simon’s voice drew her out of her thoughts.
For a moment, she’d forgotten he was here with her. He was being so quiet and letting her walk through the bakery at her own pace.
Holding Bugles close, she said, “I... I’m okay.”
What else was she supposed to say? That she was utterly devastated? That she felt as though her life had been ripped out from under her? That she didn’t know where she would find the strength to start her life over once more?
They moved toward the kitchen. This was where the real devastation had taken place. Things in here were charred. Her beautiful stainless-steel appliances were black now. Her utensils were melted unrecognizable blobs. Her heart cracked a little more.
Simon stepped in front of her. He reached out and gently swiped a tear from her cheek. She didn’t even know she’d been crying.
“Pepper, look at me.” His soft voice coaxed her.
She didn’t want to. Taking her gaze off the devastation took effort. When she did stare into his eyes, she saw sympathy in his eyes.
His hands gripped her shoulders. “You’ll get your bakery back. It’ll be better than ever. And I promise to do whatever I can to help.”
She shook her head. “It’s my problem. Not yours.”
“But I want to help. Please let me.”
She didn’t say a word. Right now, the fight had gone out of her. She just needed a moment to wrap her mind around the fact that the bakery of her dreams was gone. Sure, she could build a new one, maybe even a better one, but it would never be the same.
* * *
He felt terrible.
Simon had some inkling of an idea what Pepper was feeling. And it wasn’t good.
They’d both created their own happiness. His happiness had been in creating toys—toys he’d wanted so much as a kid but couldn’t have because his father lost one job after another. Her happiness had been found in the kitchen creating the most amazing treats—treats that he surmised reminded her of the family she’d lost. In that they had a special bond.
But if his company were to be ripped out from beneath him, he couldn’t even imagine the devastation he would feel. He glanced over at Pepper, who was doing her best to maintain her composure. He admired her strength. He wasn’t sure he would be able to stand tall in similar circumstances.
Now, as they toured her apartment above the bakery, he could see a glimmer of hope in her eyes. It was much better than the downstairs, as the fire hadn’t reached this floor. Still, the heavy odor of smoke clung to everything. When Pepper went to pack some clothes, her nose curled up. Still, she kept grabbing things as though she worried she’d never see any of it again—photos, binders and some kitchen items.
He carried her things out to the car and placed them in the trunk. He’d never seen such a look of utter despair on a person’s face. His heart ached for her. If it was within his power to rectify this nightmare, he would in a heartbeat. But this was a project that was going to take time to make right.
Certain Pepper had had more than enough for one day, he coaxed her out of the building. She walked ahead while he secured the building. He turned to find she’d made her way down the walk. He rushed to catch up to her.
When she passed by his car, he didn’t say anything. After the lingering scent of smoke, the fresh air was a welcome relief. As they continued walking, he noticed the snow had lightened up. Getting through the city would be slow going but it was still doable.
It wasn’t until they were at the end of the next block that Pepper stopped. She turned to him. “Where’s the car?”
He poin
ted over his shoulder.
“Oh. Sorry. I was lost in my thoughts.”
“No problem.”
“But you have to get to the office.”
“The office can wait.”
She arched a fine brow at him as though she was trying to figure out if he was being serious. “We better go.”
When he didn’t move, she made her way past him. Tracking through the inch of new snow, she led the way back to the car. He followed her, knowing he needed to say something encouraging. Yet he struggled to find the right words.
At the car, he opened her door. She paused in front of him. She lifted her wounded gaze to meet his. “Thank you for being so understanding.”
“I wish I could make this all better for you.”
“I know.” Her voice cracked with emotion.
He stepped toward her and pulled her into his embrace. He didn’t have any other words to offer her. He only had his shoulder to offer. Her whole body leaned into him. They fitted together as though they’d been made for each other. Her gentle breath fanned over his neck and warmed his blood.
He turned his head just slightly and inhaled her lavender scent. He would never smell lavender again without thinking of her. He pressed a kiss to her head.
When she pulled back, his gaze moved to her rosy lips. He wanted to kiss her again. He wanted to wash away her worries and sweep her up in a moment of passion.
He hesitated. She’d been through so much, inspecting the damaged bakery. He wasn’t sure she would welcome his advance. And he wouldn’t do anything to make this day more stressful for her. Kissing her would have to wait for another time.
With great reluctance, he stepped back. She climbed in the car and then he closed the door. He crossed in front of the car and then climbed in. Once the engine was started and the heat turned up, he paused.
He hadn’t been planning to have this conversation with Pepper just yet, but after seeing her turmoil today, maybe now was best. It wasn’t like him to rush into anything. He liked to take a slow and cautious approach. But what he was about to propose he knew was the right thing—for both of them.
“Simon, what’s wrong? Is it the snow?” Concern rang out in her voice.
He leaned back in his seat. His gaze caught hers. “It’s not the weather. I want to talk to you.”
“About what?”
“There is something that I’ve given a lot of thought. I wasn’t planning to bring it up just yet, but there’s an urgency to it. I have a proposal for you—”
“No, Simon. We already talked about this. A marriage for the baby’s sake would never work—”
“Whoa. Slow down. My apologies for giving you the wrong impression. My proposal isn’t one of marriage. It’s a business proposal.”
Her perfectly plucked brows drew together. “Business proposal? But I don’t have a business—at least, not right now.”
He drew in a deep breath, figuring out the best way to explain his vision. “Do you remember when I visited you at the shelter?” When she nodded, he continued. “That’s when I got the beginning of an idea. Remember those snacks you baked for the animals?” When she nodded, he continued. “Well, I’d like to buy the rights to the recipes.”
“What?” Her mouth gaped.
“I promise to make it a lucrative deal with you receiving a percent of future sales.” Normally, he wasn’t a generous businessman, but this wasn’t just any business deal. He was dealing with the mother of his child—the woman who’d given Christmas back to him.
“But why?”
He smiled. “I guess I skipped right over that part.” He cleared his throat. “I’ve mentioned the Pet Playground store chain that we’re opening.” When she nodded once again, he continued. “I knew there was something missing from it—something that would take it from being just another pet store to something exceptional. I’d been racking my brain for that special element and then you presented it to me. A gourmet bakery in each store. It will cater to the pet owner that wants something special for the four-legged friend.” When Pepper didn’t immediately respond, he started to worry. “What do you think?”
“I think it’s a wonderful idea.”
“Would you consider being my partner? You know, with the recipes, making sure the bakeries are set up properly and approving the staff?”
She didn’t say anything for a moment. “I’ve never been involved in something like this. It sounds enormous.”
“It would be, but it won’t work without you.”
“I like the idea. Really, I do. But I have my hands full getting the bakery back up and running.”
“I thought you might say that so...” He reached in his coat pocket and pulled out a business card. “I took some liberties and contacted my best contractor. This is his card.” He handed it over to her. “He’s waiting for your call. His men have been on standby, waiting for the building to be given the green light.”
She accepted the card and read it. “You mean these men are being paid to stand around, doing nothing, while waiting for my call?”
He nodded. “I hope you’re not upset, but I wanted to help.”
She didn’t say anything and he worried that perhaps he’d gone too far. He knew waiting times for contractors could be quite long—especially in the city. He’d only wanted to help.
She pulled out her phone.
“What are you doing?” he asked.
“I’m calling your contractor—who is now my contractor. I’m giving them the go-ahead to clear the debris. And those binders you were so nice to carry to the car have my original notes and plans for the bakery. I’d like to make it look as close to the original plan as possible.”
“I like that idea. The bakery was perfect.” And there was one more thing he needed to know. “And the idea for the gourmet pet bakery?”
“I love it. But I have one condition.”
He’d thought that he’d proposed a very generous offer, but it wouldn’t hurt to hear what she had in mind. “Let’s hear it.”
“I’d like a portion of sales to be donated to animal shelters.”
He smiled. “That’s a fabulous idea. It’s a deal.”
They shook on it.
He had a feeling that both of their futures were going to benefit greatly from this union. Now Pepper would be in his personal life as they raised their child, and in his business world too. The thought of her always being around brought him a happiness he’d never known before.
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
“WE HAVE A PROBLEM.”
The next afternoon, Pepper gripped the phone tighter. “What sort of problem?”
Stephanie sighed. “I don’t think we should discuss it on the phone. Can you come to the shelter right away?”
“Actually, I’m on my way to meet with my insurance agent—”
“I wouldn’t ask if it wasn’t urgent.” There was a desperate tone to Stephanie’s voice that Pepper had never heard before.
She’d just been at the shelter yesterday afternoon. Everything had been all right then. What could have gone so wrong so fast?
“You’re worrying me. Please tell me there’s nothing wrong with Daisy.”
Silence was the only response.
Pepper’s heart lurched. Daisy was so sweet and had so much love to give if she would just learn how to trust people again.
And then a worrisome thought came to her. What if someone had seen Daisy, even though she wasn’t ready for adoption yet? What if they’d bonded with Daisy and wanted to take her home?
Pepper’s heart sank. She knew that was the danger of volunteering at the animal shelter. Each and every stray that came through that door just wanted to be loved. And Pepper loved them all. If she could, she’d take them all home. But there was something about Daisy that truly tugged at her heartstrings.
Stephanie kn
ew how she and Daisy were starting to bond. Of course, Pepper would drop everything to be there for the beagle pup. Besides, she doubted that a face-to-face meeting with her insurance agent was going to produce any faster results than her daily phone conversations.
“I’ll be right there.”
After a quick, apologetic phone call to her agent, Pepper rushed to the shelter, not sure what sort of problem she would find. She prayed Daisy was all right.
She stepped inside the shelter and didn’t notice anything amiss. She moved toward Stephanie’s office. “What’s going on?”
“It’s Daisy. She has to go.”
“Go? Go where?”
“Daisy can’t stay here any longer.” She looked as though she had the weight of the world upon her shoulders. “Greta has demanded the dog be gone.”
Pepper immediately frowned. Nothing good could follow the mention of Greta. In fact, she was quite certain that woman lacked a heart. If ever there was a Grinch, it was Greta. And sadly, the woman was in charge of the shelter. Pepper never did understand how that had happened.
Stephanie stood, moved around her desk and stepped to the doorway. She glanced up and down the hall before closing the door ever so gently, as though not to make a sound.
Pepper’s worries increased. She’d never seen her friend act so oddly. She couldn’t imagine what was wrong, but if Greta was involved, she knew it had to be bad. That woman was a menace.
Stephanie spoke in whispered tones. “Greta is claiming that Daisy bit her.”
“What?” Pepper couldn’t believe what she was hearing. “Sweet Daisy wouldn’t hurt a fly. Sure, she growls, but that’s just because she’s scared. She doesn’t mean it.”
“I know that. And you know that. But Greta doesn’t like her.”
“She doesn’t like her because I like Daisy.”
“I don’t know. I just know Greta is claiming the dog is dangerous.”
“Daisy is a puppy.” With every passing moment, Pepper was growing more and more defensive about the puppy. “And she’s not dangerous.”
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