Chapter 3

I finally got the breakfast items out in the display. As I walked over to the door and unlocked it and turned on the open sign, I saw Mr. Walter getting out of his old 67’ Ford pickup to head my way. My little bakery has become a meeting place for all the retired old men and ranchers to come and meet up and grab a cup of coffee and a pastry before they all went about their day. I have come to love this as I get to hear all about what’s happening with the prices of crops and cattle and get updated on the happenings in the town news. I grew up around all these men so now that I can offer them a place to meet up and hang out truly makes my heart happy.

My grandfather walked in right behind Mr. Walter and came over to the counter.

“Good morning, sweetheart, what’s on the menu this morning”?”

“Good morning grandpa, today I have a raspberry turn over and a cup of black coffee calling your name.” I told him as I rounded the counter carrying his pastry and coffee over to the table.

“That sounds amazing Maisie, I can’t wait!” he sat down and took a bite and looked at me, “Don’t tell your grandmother but these are better than hers.” I couldn’t help but laugh and as I walked back with Mr. Walters coffee and scone I said, “Grandpa those are made using her recipe.”

He had a cheesy grin on his face and said, “I know but don’t tell her!”

I leaned down and gave him a kiss on the forehead and asked how his morning was going.

“Good the West side pasture needs fence rebuilt as the neighbors bull decided to come over for a visit last night, so after this I am stopping by to pick up your father to head out and get that done before the bull decides to come back.” He said with a frown on his face. My grandfather took pride in still being able to help manage the ranch and always had the fences fixed and looking nice, so for this to happen I am sure it put a wrench in his day.

“Those darn bulls, don’t know how to stay on their side of fence.” Said Mr. Walter as he took a sip of his coffee. They started to talk about the cattle happenings as a couple more men came in and sat down to join the conversation.

I took over their coffee and pastries and was about to walk away when I heard one of the men say

“Have you heard about the Baker’s daughter getting married to a hot shot CEO out of Chicago?”

My grandfather then pips up, “Yes actually John mentioned something about it the other day.”

Mr. Walter then piped in as well, “ I heard they are having this huge wedding in their summer pasture and are expecting over 300 people. Who in their right mind wants that many people on their property”. All the men started to chuckle and then the bell above the door dinged. I looked over to see Taylor, my right-hand gal coming in for work. I slowly walked away and headed towards her.

“Morning Tay, I am so glad to see you, I am still waiting for the questionnaire to come in from the bride in order to start on the cakes and frosting for the cake testing tomorrow.”

“O I am sure you will get it here soon, since it’s going to be this big, huge grand wedding.” Tay says with a smile on her face.

“I know, but you know how I get, I have no patience” I said as I laughed. This is also going to be my first wedding cake. I haven’t made one before for an actual client and my nerves are shot already and I haven’t even started on it yet. Hearing others gossip about how big the wedding is going to be and how the groom is a well-known business owner puts more weight on my shoulders.

We head back into the kitchen to start getting ready to get the cookies and cupcakes made and out for the afternoon.

“Well I heard Charolette met her groom in College, and they are really excited to tie the knot.” Taylor said as she was mixing up batter.

“I know she called me right away when she heard I opened up the bakery.” I said. Charolette was from the next town over, but Hattie and I knew her well because we did FFA and 4-H for years with each other when we were in school. Charlotte was a sweet girl who always included everyone even though she was very popular. She was 5'6" with long blonde hair, almond-colored eyes, and a model's physique.  She was stunning and I am not surprised she caught the eye of someone like her groom Conrad McCoy. I haven’t met him yet, but he is supposed to be coming with her to the cake tasting tomorrow. Everyone says he is drop dead gorgeous that radiates authority and success.

With his family being from Chicago, I can’t imagine what they and their guests are going to think of our small town in the middle of know where Montana. I just shake my head with a smile and get back to work.