Reed gently intercepted her hand, his fingers brushing against the delicate strands of her hair. “You're still as beautiful as the first day I saw you,” he said, his voice filled with affection.

  Trish's breath caught in her throat. She stared into Reed's eyes, seeing the sincerity and love that radiated from him.

  “Can we go somewhere to talk?” she asked.

  “Yeah. We can go out back.” He led her to the back of the building and toward the bench just under the oak tree.

  They sat in silence for more than a minute as Trish tried to collect her thoughts. She took a deep breath, her voice quivering slightly as she began to open up about her past. “Reed, there's something I need to tell you,” she started, her eyes fixed on a distant point as memories flooded back. “Remember I told you my parents made me give up Amy for adoption because they thought it would ruin my life?”

  “Yes, I remember,” he replied.

  “There’s more to it. My parents... they were so controlling, especially my father, Stuart. He wanted me to be his replacement, to carry on the family legacy as a renowned journalist. He did everything to make sure that happened.”

  Reed's brow furrowed with concern. “I’m not liking the sound of this, Trish. What did they do?”

  A hint of bitterness crept into Trish's voice as she continued, her gaze now focused on her tightly clasped hands. “My father considered Nikki a failure because she didn't follow in his footsteps. He had this vision of our family's name living on through me, and he would stop at nothing to make it happen.”

  Reed swallowed, his Adam’s apple moving up and down as his hand resting on the bench between them folded into a tight fist.

  Trish sighed, her voice tinged with a mix of frustration and sadness. “I tried to resist, to forge my own path, but it seemed futile. My father always found a way to manipulate me. He used every opportunity to remind me of my sister's perceived failure, making me believe I was the only hope for our family's reputation. After my pregnancy and having to give up Amy, I fell into a state of depression.” Trish's eyes glistened with unshed tears as she recalled the painful memory.

  The feel of Reed’s hand closing around hers warmed her heart and pushed her to continue.

  “I thought therapy was supposed to be a safe space, a sanctuary where I could share my pain, fears, and doubts. But somehow, everything I confided in my therapist found its way back to my father. He used my vulnerability against me, twisting my own words to pressure me into fulfilling his wishes.”

  Reed's hand gently applied pressure. “I can't imagine how betrayed you must have felt, Trish. I understand why you were so touchy about the therapy thing. That person broke your trust.”

  Trish nodded, grateful for Reed's understanding. “Exactly. It became increasingly hard to trust anyone, to believe there were professionals who genuinely cared about my well-being. I built walls around myself, shielding my deepest thoughts and desires, afraid they would be used as ammunition against me.”

  Silence enveloped them for a moment, the weight of Trish's revelations hanging heavy in the air. Reed squeezed her hand gently, his voice filled with unwavering support. “Trish, I want you to know that I'm here for you. I may not be a therapist, but I promise you that your secrets are safe with me. Whatever you face this time, I am willing to face it with you.”

  A flicker of hope danced in Trish's eyes as she looked at Reed, her voice filled with gratitude. “Hearing you say that means so much to me,” she smiled appreciatively.

  “There’s more to the story,” she spoke softly.

  “I’m here. I’m not going anywhere. No matter what,” he spoke encouragingly.

  “I had an abusive ex-husband—Derek.” She felt Reed stiffen beside her. “It wasn't physical. But the words he spoke to me felt like wounds, and they cut deep.” A flicker of pain crossed her face. “Derek knew exactly how to chip away at my self-esteem, like a sculptor shaping a piece of clay. He made me feel small, inadequate, and unworthy of love.”

  “How long were you two married?” Reed’s voice sounded unnaturally deep, and she could feel the anger radiating from him.

  “Five years,” she replied softly.

  Reed's brow furrowed. “But why did you stay with him for so long? Why didn't you leave sooner?”

  Trish looked down at her hands, her voice barely above a whisper. “I stayed because I believed his words. I thought I deserved the treatment he dished out. It took me a long time to realize I deserved so much more.”

  Reed’s eyes shut as he took in deep breaths. When he finally rested his eyes on her, they were filled with conviction. “Trish, you are incredible. You deserve all the love and happiness in the world.”

  A small smile tugged at the corners of Trish's lips, appreciating Reed's words of encouragement. “Thank you. When I finally found the strength to divorce Derek, it was like a dam burst inside me. It opened up a whole new world of self-love and self-discovery. I discovered hobbies that brought me joy, like painting and hiking. I decided to move from the place that held so many painful memories, and that’s when I came here and fell in love with the inn and bought it. Slowly but surely, I began to believe in myself again.”

  Reed's eyes gleamed with admiration. “That's remarkable, Trish. You are incredibly strong.”

  Trish blushed, grateful for Reed's support. “It hasn't been easy, but it was worth it. I was happy.” Her voice wavered, a hint of sadness seeping into her words. “And then came the accident. It took away so much from me, Reed. It stole my independence, my mobility, and shattered the newfound confidence I had built.”

  Trish swallowed hard; her gaze fixed on her lap. “I'm...I'm afraid of losing our friendship," she admitted, her words barely a whisper. “I've been feeling so confused lately, and I don't want to ruin what we have.”

  Reed reached out and gently lifted her chin, forcing her to meet his gaze. “Trish, I care about you more than you know,” he said softly. “Our friendship means the world to me. I love you, but I cherish what we have even more. I want to be there for you, to support you, and to help you heal. Losing you as a friend is not an option.”

  Trish's eyes welled up with tears, grateful for his honesty and understanding. “I care for you too, Reed—a lot,” she smiled. “And I do want to see where this thing between us goes.”

  A glimmer of hope flickered in his gray eyes.

  “But can we take it slow?”

  Reed nodded, a small smile playing at the corners of his lips. “Of course, Trish. We'll take it as slowly as you need. I'm here for you, no matter what.”

  A surge of relief washed over Trish as she realized she didn't have to face her struggles alone. She took a deep breath and mustered the courage to share her next step.

  Her lips lifted into a broad smile as her eyes filled with affection.

  “I've... I've booked my first therapy session,” she revealed, her voice trembling with a mix of vulnerability and determination. “I want to start healing, and I thought... maybe you could drive me?”

  Reed's eyes softened, his hand still holding hers, giving it a squeeze. “Absolutely,” he replied without hesitation.

  Chapter Twenty-One

  “Good morning, everyone. I hope you all had a productive week.”

  The door swung open, and a rush of cool autumn air swept into the room, causing a few stray strands of Amy's blond hair that hadn’t been secured under her chef’s hat to dance around her face. Her heart skipped a beat as Gabriel walked in, his presence commanding attention. The room seemed to brighten as he smiled and greeted the students. When his emerald eyes landed on her and lingered a bit longer, her heart picked up speed. It amazed her at how affected she was by just a stare, but she had missed him. It had been nearly two weeks since he’d gone to California. She guessed absence did make the heart grow fonder.

  “Next week will be my last week as your guest lecturer. But I am proud of all the work we have accomplished. You have been exceptional students who have performed remarkably well under pressure and duress,” Gabriel announced, his gaze finding Amy once more. “Before we begin, I wanted to remind you all about the practical exam coming up at the end of next week. The theme is to showcase what you do best as an aspiring pastry chef. I want you to wow me with your creations.”

  A buzz of excitement filled the room as the students started discussing among themselves what they would be making for their final piece.

  “So, what’s the deal between you and Gabriel?” Jill's voice interrupted Amy’s thoughts.

  Amy’s heart slammed against her chest. Taking in a few calming breaths, she turned and looked at her friend, her brows furrowed. “What do you mean?”

  “Oh, come on, Amy,” Jill exclaimed in a frustrated whisper, ensuring their other classmates weren’t hearing their conversation.

  “I’ve seen the way he looks at you when he thinks no one’s watching and the way you look at him too. You’re in love with him, aren’t you?” she asked seriously.

  “We’re just friends,” Amy deflected.

  Jill’s eyes became saucers, and her mouth hung open. “I knew there was something going on between you two. When did this happen?” she asked when she’d recovered from the initial shock.

  Amy released a nervous breath. “A month ago, he came by the restaurant while I was waitressing, and we spoke. He confessed he only pushed me the way he did because he saw my potential. We’ve been friends ever since.”

  Jill nodded contemplatively. “It all makes sense now.”

  “What does that mean?” Amy asked, feeling defensive.

  “I mean, he was such an ogre to you, and I couldn’t understand it because you’re better than most of us in this class, and yet you were the one publicly singled out for criticism. I noticed when he stopped being mean to you and started praising your work, you became less stressed,” Jill expressed.

  “Please don’t tell anyone. I don’t need anyone thinking I’m getting special favors just because we’re friends now,” Amy pleaded.

  “Amy, come on. We’re friends. I would never do that to you,” Jill defended.

  Amy gave her friend a grateful smile, and the two women returned to working on their practical pieces.

  “I still think he likes you though,” Jill sidled up to her ten minutes later and whispered.

  “Jill, come on. I’m trying to concentrate,” Amy playfully huffed while her heart beat rapidly against her chest.

  “I think you like him too,” her friend continued, undeterred with a knowing expression.

  “Maybe I do,” she finally confessed with a small smile of her own.

  Jill’s eyes widened before a triumphant grin lifted her lips. “You go, girl,” she cheered and returned to her station.

  Amy chuckled while shaking her head. She returned to her work undeterred for the next forty-five minutes.

  After the class had ended, Amy’s classmates bustled through the door and made their way to their other classes.

  “Amy, could you stay back for a moment? I'd like to talk to you.” Gabriel stopped her before she could exit the class.

  Jill looked back at her with a knowing grin before she left.

  When they were finally alone, Gabriel walked over to her station, where Amy stood rigid, her heart pounding. “Congratulations on your award,” she said, breaking the awkward silence.

  “Thank you.” Gabriel smiled, his eyes shining like jewels.

  “How was California?”

  “California was great. I had a wonderful time. I only wish my parents could have been there to see me collect my award, but they live all the way in London.”

  “Gabriel, I'm sure your parents are proud of you, no matter where they are,” Amy said.

  “I still wished I could have shared that moment with someone special.” Gabriel's eyes locked with hers, and for a moment, the world around them faded away. Amy's heart raced, and her mind filled with a whirlwind of emotions. She couldn't deny the connection that had blossomed between them, the unspoken chemistry that lingered in the air.

  “Amy, I wanted to talk to you about something important,” he began after their charged stare-off, his voice low and tinged with vulnerability. He ran a hand through his brown locks, a nervous habit she had come to find endearing.

  “I’m leaving in two weeks—after Thanksgiving,” he revealed.

  Amy's eyes widened, a mixture of surprise and disappointment washing over her. “Oh, okay.”

  Gabriel’s lips folded and lifted slightly. “I have to head back to New York,” he further explained, “I’ve been away from my restaurant for too long now.”

  “Well, I hope you don’t forget me. You can shoot me a text now and again,” Amy spoke, inflecting as much cheeriness as she could muster, even though his words felt like a punch in the gut.

  Gabriel’s expression became serious. “There’s something I’ve been meaning to talk to you about, Amy. I’ve been meaning to do so for some time now.” He threaded a hand through his hair.

  Amy held her breath, her body tensing as she waited for him to continue.

  “I want to be honest with you, Amy. I've grown fond of you, more than I can put into words. I enjoy spending time with you.”

  “I enjoy spending time with you too.” The words rushed from her lips.

  His eyes abruptly fell to the floor, and an audible gulp filled the silence before his gaze drifted up to her face. A myriad of emotions flashed in their emerald depths—nervousness, determination, and one that caused her to take in a sharp breath.

  “I like you, Amy—a lot. I’ve been interested in you from the first day, but I didn’t want to cross a line, being that I was your instructor. I tried to stay away, to keep you at a distance—maybe that’s part of the reason I was so hard on you.” He chuckled.

  Amy stared at him bug-eyed, a hand pressed against her throat as she listened to him confess his feelings for her.

  “But no matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t stay away or keep you out of my mind. Spending time with you, even just as friends, has been the highlight of my time here. Back in California, all I thought about was how much I missed you—your smile, your kindness, and your courage.”

  “So, what are you saying?” she asked in a whisper.

  “Amy, I would like to have a relationship with you—that’s if you’re interested in me too,” he answered, his tone hopeful.

  A smile split her face at her uncontained joy as her heart swelled. The realization that Gabriel felt the same way sent a jolt of warmth through her veins. She took a step closer to him. “I like you too, Gabriel,” she confessed, her voice barely above a whisper. “A lot,” she added, which garnered a chuckle from him. The sound felt like music to her ears and brought a warmth she didn’t realize she needed until that moment.

  “How does this work?”

  A soft smile played on Gabriel's lips, and he reached out to gently brush her cheek. “Would you be willing to give a long-distance relationship a chance? I can't promise it'll be easy, but I believe in us, in what we have.”

  Amy's eyes searched his, her heart fluttering with a mix of hope and uncertainty. She took a deep breath, her voice steady. “Yes. I want to give this a chance. We'll make it work, won't we?"

  Gabriel's smile widened, his eyes sparkling with affection. He pulled her into an embrace, his warmth enveloping her. “We will,” he spoke with conviction.

  “There’s one more thing I need to tell you,” he said when they separated.

  “More earth-shattering than you confessing your feelings?” Amy quirked a brow as a smirk played on her lips.

  “Not quite, but it is something,” he replied with an easy grin. “A friend of mine reached out about us partnering and opening a restaurant in Oak Harbor.”

  Amy's blue eyes widened in surprise. “Oak Harbor? That's incredible!”

  Gabriel nodded in agreement. “If we get the green light, I would be motivated to maybe spend half my time in New York and the next half here.”

  “That would be awesome.” Amy smiled.

  “I’m going out there tomorrow to check out the site. You have the day free; want to come with me?” he offered.

  “Are you asking me on a date?” Amy asked, a glint in her eyes.

  Gabriel’s gaze softened as a smile tugged at the corners of his mouth. “I suppose I am. So will you accompany me, my fair lady?”

  Amy giggled. “I shall, kind sir,” she responded, placing her hand in his extended one. Gabriel brought her hand up to his lips and placed a delicate kiss there. Warmth spread from the pit of her stomach all over her body.

  “You know,” Gabriel’s voice broke the silence. He and Amy had been traveling for the past half hour as they made their way to Oak Harbor. “Oak Harbor is a lot like Camano. It’s got some fantastic hiking trails, and the scenery”—he gestured out the window with a sweeping motion—“is something to marvel at.”

  Amy had to agree with him. The highlight of the trip so far was the majestic Deception Pass, where emerald waters churned beneath a grand bridge, and landforms jutted out of the water like the back of some ancient, submerged beast. “It’s like a beautiful painting come to life,” she replied, drinking in the magnificence.

  Soon, they were greeted by the welcome sign of the town—a rustic wooden placard adorned with intricate carvings of the local flora and fauna. The sign stood like a sentinel amidst a backdrop of verdant fields, a picturesque skyline, and distant mountains that stood like stoic guardians.

  “I love it already,” Amy confessed, her eyes sparkling brighter than the morning star. "There's something so… welcoming about this place.”

  “I agree,” Gabriel nodded, keeping his eyes on the road as they drove through the town.

  The car finally rolled to a halt in front of a grand old building that stood proudly near the waterfront. Gabriel led Amy toward it, his steps purposeful, a gleam of excitement in his eyes. The view of the Cascade Mountains from the building was breathtaking, with their towering peaks dusted with snow, standing sentinel over the town and the tranquil waters.

 

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