All the Pastor Wants by Rhonda McKnight

Author:Rhonda McKnight
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: African American Christian fiction, Black romance, Black Christian fiction, Christmas novels, Christmas stories, Black Christmas stories
Publisher: Rhonda McKnight
Published: 2021-12-07T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 8

The week flew by. With the help of her oven at home, they got all the cupcakes baked. Tiana bounced back like Aunt Dinah said she would, but Robin was careful not to overwork her. She let her manage the front business on most days while she baked and decorated with the interns. Tiana was disappointed. Decorating was what she loved, but she didn’t need stress.

By Thursday, they had all 150 dozen cupcakes done for an unexpected order from a grocery store chain. The truck was on the way to pick them up. Now she was putting the last of the butter cookies in the oven for the shelter order. Tiana and the interns were putting the ones that were done in cellophane bags. It had been a long time since she’d functioned like a commercial baker. It wasn’t what she wanted to do. Her dream was to make wedding cakes and special occasion cakes. Decorating cakes gave her joy, but there was no question about it—mass-produced baked goods paid the bills right now. She never turned down an order.

The bell rang over the door. Before Tiana could get up, she said, “I’ve got it. I need a break from this kitchen.” She walked through the double doors, surprised to find Vivian standing there.

“Robin, I’m glad you’re here.”

“I’m always here, Vivian.”

“I stopped by Monday and you were closed.”

She started to offer that she had a medical emergency, but she didn’t want questions. “For a few hours. What can I get you?”

Vivian reached into her bag and pulled out an envelope. “It’s what I can get you or rather, give you.”

Robin accepted the envelope, opened it, and read.

“It’s your invitation to the competition. It’s a week from Friday.”

Robin continued to stare at it. “Oh, yes, of course.”

“I wanted to deliver it in person.”

“Thank you, Vivian.”

“I noticed you have a new delivery truck. You must be doing pretty well for that one.”

“Oh, no. It’s a loaner from a friend.”

“Must be a really good friend.”

Robin nodded. “It is.”

“I should go. I’ve got an appointment at the spa. They are picky about you being on time.” She walked toward the door.

I wouldn’t know.

Right before she stepped out, Vivian did a half turn and asked, “Will I see you at Rory’s church this Sunday?”

“Yes.”

“We shouldn’t both feed his sweet tooth. If it’s okay with you, I’ll bring him dessert.”

Robin grinned, and it stuck on her face. She was sure she looked like a doll who couldn’t close her mouth. “Pastor will appreciate one of your decadent creations.”

Vivian’s tight smile indicated she was not appreciative of Robin’s flattery. “I’m sure he will.” She walked out.

Robin was glad she was gone. She was like a collector for the mob, popping in and reminding her she had the power to ruin her business. This was all so petty. The man they’d fought over died seventeen years ago. Vivian had been married for a long time before her husband’s death. They weren’t competing for Rory.

“She would freak if she knew he loaned you his Benz.

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