Southern Sweets (Midnight)

by Cori Williams

  “So you don’t hate me right now, huh?” He smiles tightly, trying to lighten the tension in the air but then his eyes widen when he hears tiny squeals and his whole face lights up when Paisley flies past me, straight into his arms. I watch him squeeze her tight, her tiny arms wrapped in a death grip around his neck. They’ve both missed each other more than words can describe and I feel some of the tension dissipate.

  “Well, you two have fun.” I kiss Paisley on the cheek, her arms still wrapped tight around her daddy. “I have a house to clean and then I think I’m heading into the bakery for a bit.”

  “We will. I’ll have her home in time for bed.” He sets Paisley down and she waves at me quickly before darting towards Tanner’s new truck to check it out.

  “Tanner,” I shift on my feet, feeling nosey but I guess I’ll just stick my nose where it doesn’t belong, “I saw your house was empty.”

  “Uh…yeah. I decided to put it up for sale.”

  “Because of Marissa?”

  His jaw ticks at the mention of her name and I instantly feel guilty for bringing up her name.

  “Yeah, well...” He runs a hand through his hair. “I just couldn’t be there anymore. I’m staying with my mom for right now.”

  “Oh, okay.” Way to be nosey, Amelia but he was taking my daughter. I had a right to know.

  “So, have you seen Dan lately?”

  I squint at him. “No, why?”

  “Never mind. Well, we need to get going. The princess is ready.”

  “Have fun and don’t bring her back hopped up on sugar.”

  “I’ll try. Think I can help tuck her into bed for the night and then we can talk some more about setting up a schedule for Paisley? I want to spend more time with her.”

  “I know. I’m sure we can figure something out.”

  “Thanks for not making this difficult, Amelia. I didn’t want to have to take you to court over visitation.”

  I stiffen slightly but my shoulders relax when he winks and I see a spark of the old Tanner that I had once been in love with. “I don’t think it will come to that. I know she needs her dad and I’m not going to try to keep her from you. We’ll work something out.”

  He blows out a breath. “Well thanks for making it a bit easier on me. God knows I don’t deserve an ounce of your sweetness.”

  “Don’t be so hard on yourself, Tanner. I know there’s a lot of hurt between us but I’m not going to let that affect Paisley. Now go.” I push on his shoulder. “Times a wasting and the princess is gonna start getting pissed that her new chariot is at a standstill.”

  “Alright, I’m going. Try to have a relaxing day. I’m sure you need it.”

  I stand on the porch until they disappear down the road and walk back into the house. It’s the first time I’ve been alone in a while and it feels weird. I’m in need of some loud music so I can shake my ass while I’m cleaning and then to the bakery I go. My to do list is a mile long and I might as well get accomplished while I don’t have little feet following me around everywhere.

  Chapter 30

  Amelia

  Everything has seemed to go back to normal in my life—well, as normal as possible, I guess. Paisley and I have fallen into an easy routine, Tanner and I hammered out a visitation schedule to have him gradually fall back into Paisley’s life, and Monroe and I have made amends. I knew she was stuck in the middle when it came to Tanner and me, so I couldn’t really blame her. I needed to wash the hurt away so we could go forward. I missed having my best friend around.

  Every nook and cranny of our apartment is now decked out in Christmas decorations galore so I figure it’s time to decorate the bakery. Christmas music blares as I pull out box after box of decorations I had used last year. Scents of cinnamon and nutmeg drift through the air as cookies bake away in the oven, making my mouth water and a steaming mug of hot chocolate sits on the café table. See, this was why it’s my favorite time of the year.

  I’m halfway done putting together the Christmas tree when the bell above the door sounds and I swipe a strand of hair from my eyes before pushing to my feet. “Be with you in just a minute.”

  I run around the counter, pulling at a piece of tinsel that hooked itself to my apron before placing my hands on the counter. “And how are you--” I stop when my eyes meet his. “Danny. What are you doing here?”

  His eyebrows pop up, his wide grin faltering for just a split second.

  “I’m sorry, that was rude. You’re always welcome here. You just surprised me.”

  “Good to know.” He laughs. “Well see, I’ve been waiting and waiting for a certain someone to call me for a coffee and the phone just hasn’t rung. My ego’s been crushed a bit.”

  “I’m sorry.” My eyebrows pull down and guilt thuds me in the chest. “I’ve just been busy but I didn’t forget, I swear.”

  “Uh-huh. Well, since you’ve been too busy to call, I figured I’d bring the coffee to you.” He pushes a to-go cup onto the counter, tilting his head at me. “Think you could spare a minute to drink it?”

  “Of course! I’m in need of a break actually. This was so thoughtful of you!” A timer sounds from the back and I hold up one finger. “Give me one second and I’ll bring out some fresh cookies to go with the coffee.”

  His eyes light up. “I guess I showed up in the nick of time, didn’t I?”

  I grin before heading in the back and pulling out the trays of cookies that smell heavenly.

  “So,” he says after taking a bite of his cookie, a low moan rumbling from the back of his throat, “those are delicious. I told you I’ve missed your goodies.”

  I giggle, taking a bite of my own cookie so I don’t have to reply. I have no idea what to say.

  “How have you been? Are you pissed I’m here right now? Were you hoping to never see me again?” His tone is light but his eyes watch me carefully.

  “Of course not! I love that you showed up. I wasn’t lying; I’ve just been super busy. Plus,” I lick my lips, folding my arms on the table, “I’m kind of ashamed of how I ended things between us. I figured you hated me. Honestly, I’m surprised you’re actually here—willingly.”

  “Amelia, I’m not gonna say I liked how you ended things, but I know you weren’t ready to be in a relationship—with me at least—at the time.”

  “So…” I drag out. “You think I’m ready to be now?”

  “Well, I don’t know. That’s not why I’m here. I just…I don’t know why I’m here, really. It kind of makes me look desperate.”

  “Desperate?” I scoff. “If anyone appears desperate, it’s me. Story of my life.”

  “Not true.” He takes a sip of his coffee, leaning back in his chair. “Confused. Yeah, maybe.”

  I roll my eyes and he shrugs. “What? You don’t think that’s the truth?”

  “I’m the first one to admit, I have done a whole lot of growing up and soul searching. I need to do what’s right for myself and Paisley.” My eyes drop down to my fingernails. “And I know being with Tanner isn’t right. I think I was more in love with the idea of us being a complete family than anything. Tanner’s a good man, but he didn’t put everything into our relationship like he should have. I can see that now.”

  He hums before setting down his cup. “You know, when he was in the hospital, he tried to ‘give you away’ to me.”

  “What?” I sputter, choking on a mouthful of coffee. I clear my throat. “Can you please repeat that because I’m pretty sure my ears heard you wrong. He tried to give me away? Like I was a piece of property or something? What is wrong with that man?”

  “I think he was trying to come from a good place,” Danny offers and I purse my lips at him but keep my mouth shut. “He knows how much he hurt you by…by being with who he was when the accident happened. He thought you deserved better and I’d have to agree. He just suggested that you should’ve stayed with me in the first place.”

  “And is that why you’re here?” I ask, avoiding his eyes, my jaw tight
. How dare Tanner ‘suggest’ what I do with my life. “Do you feel like you need to fulfill his request or something?”

  “Amelia,” he starts, shaking his head, “not at all.” He picks up his cup, tipping it towards me. “I’m just a guy bringing a girl coffee in hopes to get some of her goodies.”

  “Oh my—” I roll me eyes, fighting the smile that’s tugging at the corner of my lips but then I decide why not? I deserve to smile again. I’m sitting here in my bakery with a hot guy, some coffee and delicious cookies with Christmas music playing in the background. How could it be any better? “Well I’m glad you came for the goodies then.” I add a wink and his smile spreads, matching mine.

  Chapter 31

  Amelia

  “I’m so nervous,” I admit, smoothing a shaky hand over the hem of my royal blue dress that’s hugging every curve and ending mid-thigh. I’m nervous about the dress. I’m nervous about this date. I’m nervous about everything.

  “Nervous? Why? You’ve gone out with him before.”

  “I know, but this just feels different. And we’re spending New Year’s Eve together. That’s like major, right?”

  Monroe shrugs and I eye her yoga pants and loose t-shirt, now feeling a little jealous that I didn’t just choose to stay in for the night with her and Miller. “I guess so. You’re sure about this date though, right?”

  “Um…yes. Why?”

  “Danny seems like a good guy, I just don’t want either one of you to get hurt. Things didn’t um…end so nicely the last time.”

  I groan, fluffing out my curls. “I know. I can’t believe I broke up with him over a text. Are you trying to tell me I’m a mean girl?”

  “What! No, of course not. You’ve definitely changed since we first met though.”

  “Really?” I squint at her. “You think so?”

  “Oh yeah, definitely. Don’t worry, it’s for the better or else we wouldn’t still be friends,” she teases. “When I met you, I was in awe. You were like the perfect southern belle with the cutest little accent, this golden hair that seemed to touch the sky, and everyone fell at your feet because you had this air about you, but you were still so nice to everyone. Tanner was the first person I ever saw you really butt heads with. But at the same time, it’s when you really started to change. You stopped caring what everyone else thought and you let go. Everything really changed when Paisley came along. The old Amelia wouldn’t have been caught dead in a pair of sweat pants, finger painting and eating popsicles with her hair a mess.”

  I lift a brow. “My hair was a mess? When and why didn’t you tell me?”

  Monroe rolls her eyes in response. “During the whole mess with Tanner—and afterwards—I could see some of that shine slipping but it’s started to come back now. I’m glad you two are getting along now for Paisley’s sake.”

  “We really are.” I nod in agreement. I’ll always love Tanner, but not the kind of love I need in a significant other. We’d both made mistakes in the past but you can only forgive so many times before the forgiveness runs out. I see that now.

  A knock pulls my attention towards the front door. “Speaking of.”

  “Do you want me to get it?” Monroe asks but I shake my head.

  “I don’t have a problem seeing him, Monroe. I can answer the door.”

  I pull the front door open just as he’s knocking again and his hand falls away before he tucks it into his pocket, half a smile on his lips. “Looks like you’re already to go for the night.”

  “Yup.” I place a hand on my hip and wave him in. “You sure you don’t mind staying in with Paisley?”

  “Of course not. I have the whole night planned out. We’re going to grab some movies, pizza, ice cream, and some sparkling grape juice.”

  “She’ll love that. It kind of makes me wish I was staying home now.” I purse my lips, knowing that even though we’re getting a long, doing something like that together is still a pretty long way off, if even at all possible.

  “Nah, you need to get out every once in a while. Is Paisley all set to go?”

  “Actually, she’s napping. I conned her into taking one so she could stay up late with you.”

  “Think she’ll make it till the ball drops?”

  “Doubtful, but I guess you never know.”

  The doorbell sounds and I glance at the clock, wincing when I see that it’s just about the time that Danny is supposed to pick me up. This could be a little awkward.

  “I’ll get it,” Monroe sings out and I shoot her a glare.

  “You can go check on Paisley if you want,” I suggest to Tanner. “She’s probably about ready to wake up anyway. Her bag’s all packed.”

  “Not a problem. Have fun tonight, Amelia.”

  Chapter 32

  Tanner

  I watch Paisley as she waves frantically at Amelia from the backseat with a smile on her face. She’s excited to go with me, but at the same time she’s going to miss her mom and I hate that she can’t have both of her parents together, but it’s for the best. I needed to let Amelia go, no matter how much I love her. Amelia needs to be with someone who treats her like a queen every second of every day. I was given that chance and I fucked it up. My chances have run out.

  The doctor is a good guy, even though I thought he was a prick the first time we met—mainly because I was jealous. He and Amelia are a lot alike; they would give anyone the shirt off their own back. I learned how good of a person he was when I was in that hospital bed. I was told he was the best doctor around and he didn’t even hesitate coming to see me even though we had a bit of a history.

  The way he talked about Amelia when she was brought up in conversation is what hit me. It was the same way I felt about her and I knew he deserved her more. That thought made me laugh out loud. If I told Amelia that she would probably have thought I was trying to give her away or something. Amelia was definitely an independent woman and I knew she would get through our break up easily. Me on the other hand…there was an inner turmoil that I was trying to keep contained between losing her and losing Marissa. I had felt like I was a ticking time bomb. I needed time for myself and I’m just glad that I got the help I needed or who knows what would’ve happened.

  I pull into the driveway of my mom’s and Paisley squeals when I open her door and pull her from the back seat. “Ready to see Grandma, baby girl?”

  “Yup!”

  “All of your dollies are waiting for you inside. They’ve missed you.”

  “I know,” she states matter-of-factly as I set her down to open the front door. How I was away from this little girl for any amount of time is beyond me, but it was needed. For now, all I can do is work on getting over the past and making new memories that she’ll remember for a life time.

  Chapter 33

  Amelia

  “Amelia, you look stunning,” Danny tells me after we’re finally alone.

  A blush burns on my cheeks and my insides melt as Danny hooks his finger around one of mine.

  “Well, thanks, you don’t look too bad yourself.” I grin, pulling at the vest he has on over a dress shirt, the sleeves rolled at his elbows.

  “So, are you as nervous as I am?”

  “Yes,” I answer quickly with a giggle. “And I have no idea why. We’ve done this before—granted, the first time didn’t go so well.”

  He shrugs. “I wouldn’t say that exactly. We had fun, right?” I nod because really, it is the truth. I’ve always liked Danny—ever since when I was dating Franklin. He was always so nice and easy to talk to. He made sure I was taken care of when Franklin was drunk or being an arrogant jerk. Why I dated him in the first place was beyond me. And when we dated we did have fun together; my heart just wasn’t one hundred percent into it. I think I didn’t want us to click because I was still holding out hope for Tanner. This time around I’m going to be completely open and let happen whatever was supposed to happen. Maybe things will work out, maybe they won’t, but I would never know if I didn’t give things a chance.


  “So, let’s have some more fun. What’s better than a first date on New Year’s Eve?”

  “I think we’re pretty crazy for having a first date on New Year’s Eve. Doesn’t that automatically mean there’s expectations?”

  “Expectations?” he asks as he leads me to the car, opening the passenger side door for me.

  “Yeah,” I answer as he slides in behind the steering wheel. “Like, aren’t you expecting a kiss at midnight?” I raise one brow and he chuckles.

  “I don’t know. I guess my motto for the night should be expect the unexpected.” He winks and I smack his leg.

  “Slow down there, doc. I might just make you turn this car around if you get too frisky.”

  “Nope, not happening.” He grabs onto my hand when I start to pull it away, kissing the palm. “I’ve got you right where I want you and I’m not letting you get away this time.”

  “Well this time I’m not running.”

  Chapter 34

  Things with Danny and I this time around are completely different. Sure, the first time wasn’t bad, but it wasn’t good either. I had one eye on Danny and one on Tanner and it wasn’t fair to either one of them. Now, I’m focused solely on a relationship with Danny, although I’m trying to keep things at a slow and steady pace. We go on dates once or twice a week when we can find the time. We talk on the phone late into the night like two love struck teenagers. He sends me lunch every once in a while because he’s convinced I only survive on baked goods.

  I’m happy, plain and simple and it feels so good. No drama, no worry, just happy. Breathing feels so much easier.

  Well, until today.

  “Yes, I remember.” I laugh as Tanner relives the time we took Paisley to Chuck E Cheese and he had to climb in after her because she was scared only to get stuck himself. “I figured you would have to sleep there overnight.”