he’d been feeling this past week was patient, but however he’d gotten to this moment, it had been worth the struggle. “Eight o’clock?”
“That works.”
He reluctantly let her go, then went over and gave the old-fashioned louvered window handle a good yank and cranked it fully open. “I’ll get the other ones in the storage room on my way out.”
“My hero. Thank you.”
He shot her a wink. “My pleasure, sugar.”
He was back in the garage, head under the hood before he realized he was whistling again. He just grinned and put a little more effort into it.
Chapter 14
“I can’t thank you enough.” Honey pushed her glasses up and shifted her satchel higher onto her shoulder. “The plumber is scheduled for Friday, and then I’ll be out of your hair.”
Kit stopped folding the little individual cupcake boxes and smiled at her. “It’s really absolutely no problem. Lani and I feel like we’ve kicked you out of your own home. The least we can do is let you use the bathroom and shower in the building you own. You’ve got a key to the separate second floor entrance, so anytime you want. Truly. I just wish there was enough room up there for you to camp out. You could have kept the trunk and boxes up there longer. They weren’t in the way.”
“It’s okay. I’ve been going through them little by little, so it’s easier to have them with me at the bookstore. And no more apologies. It’s all going to work out for the best. Once I get a handle on what needs to be done, things should move a little faster.”
Kit laughed. “Don’t count on it, sister. Lani and I thought we’d have this place ready to go a lot sooner than it’s taken us.”
“But you only started the actual renovation last fall, right? That’s actually not too bad considering how much you had to change the function of the place.”
“Maybe it’s just felt like five years,” Kit said with a smile. She looked around at the cheerful, kitschy vintage baking décor that matched the feeling of Cakes by the Cup interior, the bright sunshiny colors, and the charming, storybook feel of the Dre-designed signage. “Even if it had taken that long, it would have been worth it. It’s not mine, but it sure feels like it.”
Honey studied Kit as she looked around at her little shop. She was about the same height and build as Honey, but with short red hair that provided a lively frame for captivating blue eyes. She had a quick smile and always seemed animated. Honey imagined Kit and Morgan together. With his dark good looks and easygoing demeanor, they would make quite the striking couple. “I can’t even believe this was once Bea’s shop. It looks like you’re all set to open your doors.”
“One more week. Next Sunday,” Kit said, all but humming with excitement. “You have to drop in. We’re giving away little mini cupcake treats.” She pointed at rows of smaller boxes she’d already folded, perched on the shelves behind her. “Cutest things ever. And discount cards for our Cater Your Cupcake and Cupcakes Gone Postal services. I know you won’t need the latter, but hey, you have to open your shop at some point and what better way to celebrate than with a catered cupcake party? We do custom cakes, so we could do some fun toppers to go with your adorable creations. I looked at your catalog online and I have some ideas if you’re interested. I’m picturing little gnome tops, and Dre does the most amazing sugar work. She makes these stunning spun fairy wings.”
Honey laughed. “Oh, you’re good.”
Kit beamed and curtsied. “I sold a lot of pie in my day.”
“So I heard. I’m sorry, about what happened with your family’s business. Alva mentioned it to me,” Honey said by way of explanation. “That’s brutal.”
“It was,” Kit replied readily. “In some ways, I can’t believe it’s been less than a year ago since I came here and took Lani’s job offer. I feel like Atlanta was a lifetime ago. A very different lifetime.” She smiled, clearly happy and content. “If you’d told me I’d come here and find not only a new career path, but a family, a community, a home—I wouldn’t have believed it possible. Part of me feels like I’ve been here forever, but Sugarberry is like that.” She gave Honey a reassuring look. “You’ll understand. You’ll be so glad you came here, Honey.”
“I already am. At first