Mia's Gift by Cindy Flores Martinez

Author:Cindy Flores Martinez [Martinez, Cindy Flores]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Hispanic American Literature, Snowflake, Co., Novella Length-Short Story, Old High School Friends, Secret Angels, Secret & Special Wishes, Contemporary Romance, Women's Fiction, Forever Love, Bachelor, Single Woman, Sensual Story Theme, Hearts Desire, Lifetime Love, Life-Changes, Second Chance Reunion, Honesty & Trust, Home & Family, Romantic Schemes, Small Town & Rural Area, Cowboy & Western Romance, Beautiful & Feisty, Love-Family & Forever, Action & Adventure, Small-Town Christmas Wishes, Christmas Holidays & Celebration, Christmas Time, Holiday Whimsy, Festive Season, Snowy Winter Weather
Publisher: Cindy Flores Martinez
Published: 2019-09-30T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter 10

How long had it been since Mia smiled so much? She couldn’t remember. Standing behind the counter inside Cupcakes on Main, her face beamed like the frosting on a lemon buttercream cupcake.

The bell on the front door chimed.

Jesse entered the shop.

Mia’s face brightened even more.

“Am I too early?” He strolled to the counter.

“Diane is still at lunch. She’ll be back in a few minutes.”

“It smells incredible in here,” he said. “Are you baking more cupcakes?”

“I just finished. Are you in the mood for one?”

“You bet I am.”

“Follow me.” Mia turned toward the kitchen.

Jesse moved behind the counter and followed her. He glanced around the room with his mouth agape. “I’ve always loved this kitchen. I wish I had one like it.” He stepped in front of the baker’s rack and glanced at the baking supplies. “One of these days I’m going to slow down and do more cooking.”

“Maybe I should sell you the shop.”

Jesse turned and brought his dark eyebrows together. “What do you mean? Sell me the shop?”

Mia waved her hand. “Never mind. I didn’t mean anything by it.” Did she? She stepped toward a half a dozen cupcakes on the table and held out her arms. “Tada.”

Jesse’s eyes widened at the sight of the sweet confections. “Those look amazing.”

“Thanks. They’re a new recipe.” Mia picked one up and handed it to him. “Try it. And give me your honest opinion. I’m still experimenting with the ingredients. Any suggestions would help.”

Jesse took the cupcake with a careful grasp and studied the swirly frosting and cookie crumbs that dusted the top. “I almost don’t want to eat it. It’s so perfect. What flavor is it?”

“It’s gingerbread cookie. It’s different from just gingerbread because I used cookies in the mix, and the frosting is a brown sugar cream.”

He peeled away part of the cupcake liner and took a bite of the cupcake. The expression that seized his face spoke louder than words. “This is incredible!”

“Do you really think so?”

“It’s better than incredible. It’s...I can’t even find the words.” He swallowed and took another bite.

“Do you think it needs more molasses? How about more spices?”

He shook his head. “Don’t change a thing. It’s perfect.”

Watching him enjoy what she had baked was sweeter than all the molasses in the world.

“Your customers are going to love these,” he said.

“Actually, they’re not for our customers. They’re for Joy at the homeless shelter. She asked if we could make holiday flavors besides pumpkin spice for a dinner party that she’s attending.”

Jesse stopped. “Do you mean you’re not selling these here at the shop?”

“No.”

“Why not?”

The bells on the front door chimed.

“I’m back.” Diane’s voice echoed from the storefront. Her footsteps grew nearer. “Hi, there, Jesse.”

He mumbled a hello with his mouth full.

Her eyes widened at the sight of the cupcakes. “You finished?” She approached the table. “They turned out beautiful, Mia.”

“Thanks.”

“You should taste them,” said Jesse. “I could eat a dozen of them right here and now.”

Diane set her handbag on a chair, reached for a cupcake, tore away part of the cupcake liner and took a bite.

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