Chapter 6

CHAPTER 6

HANNAH

H annah woke to the soft glow of the morning light filtering through her curtains, casting a gentle warmth across her room. She stretched lazily, savoring the rare moment of tranquility before the day truly began. A smile tugged at her lips as she lay there, soaking in the peace. It took her a moment to remember why she felt so unusually content, and when she did, she was surprised by the ease with which her happiness settled over her.

Today was a big day. Huge. Enormous. The Northern Lights Festival was starting, and it also, perhaps more importantly to her, marked the grand opening of her bakery. It was a culmination of months of hard work, late nights, and countless hours spent perfecting recipes and readying the bakery itself. She should be nervous, anxious about everything going according to plan. But instead, she felt an unexpected sense of excitement, anticipation, and calm.

She rolled out of bed, her feet hitting the floor with a renewed sense of purpose. As she padded over to the window, she opened the blinds to reveal a clear sky, the early morning light painting the world in shades of pink and gold. The view of Kodiak from her little studio apartment over Nicole's office and warehouse looked out onto the harbor, filling her with a sense of belonging, and soon her own apartment over the bakery would be ready.

Hannah stepped out of the shower, steam billowing around her as she reached for a towel. She wrapped it around her body, tucking the end securely under her arm. The bathroom mirror was fogged over, so she swiped her hand across it, creating a clear space to see her reflection. Drops of water glistened on her skin, and her damp hair clung to her shoulders. She took a moment to study herself, taking in every curve and contour of her body.

It wasn't often that she allowed herself to linger in front of the mirror, but today felt different. The memory of last night's kiss with Rick was fresh in her mind, a delicious warmth spreading through her as she recalled the way his lips had felt against hers. Could someone as hunky and ruggedly handsome as Rick truly be attracted to a curvy woman like her? She bit her lip, feeling a flutter of doubt.

Hannah turned slightly, examining her profile. Her curves were pronounced, her hips full and her breasts ample. She knew she wasn't the typical standard of beauty often paraded in magazines or on television, but there was a softness and a strength to her body that she had come to appreciate. Still, the question nagged at her. Why would a man like Rick, with his chiseled features and muscular build, be interested in her?

She thought back to the way Rick had looked at her, his eyes filled with a mixture of tenderness and desire. Last night's kiss had been more than just a fleeting moment; it had been intense and passionate. His hands had held her close as if he couldn't bear to let her go. The memory of his touch sent a shiver down her spine, and she couldn't help but smile.

Maybe she was overthinking it. Maybe Rick saw something in her that she often overlooked. She remembered the way he had constantly been there for her, his protective nature, the way he made her feel safe, cherished, and desirable. She couldn't deny the chemistry between them, the spark that ignited whenever they were together.

Hannah hugged herself, feeling a sudden surge of joy. She pressed her hands to her cheeks, suppressing a squeal of delight. She had never felt like this about anyone before. There was something about Rick that made her heart race, made her feel alive in a way she hadn't experienced in years. It wasn't just his looks; it was the way he made her feel seen, truly seen.

She turned back to the mirror, her eyes shining with newfound confidence. Maybe she wasn't the conventional type, but she was beautiful in her own way. And if last night's kiss was any indication, Rick thought so, too. The thought filled her with a warm glow, a sense of happiness that she wanted to hold on to forever.

With a sigh of contentment, Hannah reached for her robe. She slipped it on, tying the belt snugly around her waist. The day ahead was filled with promise, and she couldn't wait to see Rick again, to feel the warmth of his smile and the strength of his embrace.

She took one last look in the mirror, a smile spreading across her face. For the first time in a long while, she felt truly happy, confident in her own skin. The doubts and insecurities that had plagued her for so long seemed to fade away, replaced by a sense of self-assurance.

Hannah left the bathroom, ready to face the day. She truly believed Alaska had always been her home. It had just taken her a while to get here. Today was the start of another chapter in her new life and she was ready to embrace it. The memory of Rick's kiss lingered in her mind, a sensual reminder of the connection they shared. Whatever the future held, she knew that she was ready to embrace it, one joyful moment at a time.

Just thinking of Rick made her smile. His rugged features, his piercing eyes, and the way his presence seemed to fill any room with a quiet strength—everything about him made her inexplicably happy.

Yet, beneath that happiness there was a layer of confusion. The connection she felt with Rick was unlike anything she had ever experienced. It was intense, almost primal, as if they were drawn together by some invisible force. She couldn't explain it, couldn't rationalize it, and that puzzled her.

Why did her heart race whenever he was near? Why did she feel an electric charge in the air whenever their eyes met? It was more than just physical attraction; it was something deeper, something she couldn't quite grasp. It was as if their souls recognized each other, resonating on a level beyond mere familiarity.

She moved into the kitchen, finding the coffee and making herself a cup. She loved coffee first thing in the morning. In fact, it was the only time she drank it. She wandered over to the window to look out on the snowy landscape that lay beyond.

Hannah sighed and took another sip of her coffee, savoring the warmth that spread through her. She wished she could understand this bond, this powerful pull that Rick had on her, and prayed he felt it, too. But for now, she was determined to embrace the joy it brought, even as it left her with questions that lingered like shadows at the edge of her mind.

In the kitchen, she took a breath to savor this moment in time. She set her coffee down and moved to the small kitchen table, where she had laid out her plans for the day. There was a checklist of tasks to complete before the bakery opened, but she felt confident. Her friends had promised to help, and she knew that with their support, everything would come together perfectly.

Her thoughts drifted back to Rick, and she found herself smiling again. She was beginning to dream nightly of him—decidedly erotic dreams. Over the past few months, he had become an integral part of her life. His steady presence and quiet strength had been a source of comfort, especially when the challenges of opening the bakery seemed overwhelming. He had a way of making her feel safe and cared for, something she hadn't realized she needed until he came into her life.

Hannah shook her head, trying to focus on the tasks at hand. She had to stay organized, keep her mind on the job. But even as she moved about the kitchen, double-checking her supplies and making sure everything was in order, thoughts of Rick lingered. There was something about him that drew her in, something she couldn't quite put her finger on.

As she finished her coffee, she glanced at her reflection in the mirror by the door. Her cheeks were flushed with excitement, her eyes bright with anticipation. It was a good look, she decided. A hopeful look. She took a deep breath, feeling a surge of determination.

Today was the beginning of a new chapter for her. The Northern Lights Festival would bring people from all over, and she was ready to share her passion with them. Her bakery was more than just a business; it was a piece of her heart, a dream realized. And as she prepared to step into that dream, she felt a sense of joy that was impossible to ignore.

With one last glance around the apartment, she grabbed her keys and headed out the door. The morning air was crisp and invigorating, filling her with energy as she made her way to the bakery. The streets were already buzzing with activity even at the early hour, the town coming alive in preparation for the festival.

As she approached Hannah's Hearth, she paused for a moment, taking in the sight of her bakery. The sign above the door gleamed in the morning light, a symbol of her hard work and dedication. She unlocked the door and stepped inside, the familiar scents of a bakery greeting her like an old friend. Taking a deep breath, she smiled.

Minutes later, Hannah stood in the heart of her bakery's kitchen, surrounded by the comforting chaos of preparation. The scent of flour and sugar mingled in the air, a fragrant promise of the treats to come. She wore her favorite apron, a flour-dusted relic from her grandmother, and her hair was pulled back in a messy bun, a few loose strands framing her face.

She started with the dough for the breads and cinnamon rolls, her hands moving with practiced ease. She mixed the ingredients in a large bowl, then transferred them to the large, commercial mixer. The dough was soft and pliable, and once it was well mixed, she turned it out in measured quantities onto a flour-dusted board, kneading it with care, folding and pressing until it was just right. She set the loaves and rolls aside to rise, covered them with clean cloths, and turned her attention to the cookies.

The counter was a flurry of activity as she measured out ingredients for the chocolate chip, sugar, oatmeal butterscotch, and snickerdoodle cookies. Butter and sugar creamed together in the mixer, the sound a comforting hum in the background. She added the eggs, vanilla, and dry ingredients, watching as the dough came together in a rich, golden mass. Dividing it into equal portions, she added the various additional ingredients needed to complete the doughs, measuring them onto the cookie sheets and putting them in the prepared ovens.

The bread and roll dough had now risen, and she parceled them out and put them in her prepared pans. As the cookies came out to cool, the bread and rolls went into the oven.

Next, she moved to the cakes. She had three different kinds planned: a classic vanilla, a decadent chocolate, and a zesty lemon. Each batter was a work of art, carefully measured and mixed to perfection. The vanilla batter was smooth and creamy, the chocolate thick and rich, and the lemon bright and fragrant. She poured them into pans, smoothing the tops with a spatula before sliding them into the oven.

As the cakes baked, filling the kitchen with a heavenly aroma, Hannah began decorating the cookies and cinnamon rolls. She piped royal icing onto the cookies, creating intricate designs of flowers, stars, and swirls. Each one was a tiny masterpiece, a labor of love that she knew would bring a smile to her customers' faces.

For the cinnamon rolls, she prepared a thick cream cheese frosting, the tangy sweetness the perfect complement to the spiced dough. She spread it generously over the warm rolls, watching as it melted slightly, creating a luscious, gooey topping.

Finally, the cakes were ready. She let them cool on wire racks before carefully removing them from their pans. She layered and frosted each one with care, the vanilla cake with a light buttercream, the chocolate with a rich ganache, and the lemon with a tart lemon curd. She decorated them with fresh fruit, chocolate shavings, and delicate sugar flowers, each cake a testament to her skill and creativity.

As she stepped back to survey her work, a sense of satisfaction washed over her. The kitchen was filled with a delightful array of treats, each one prepared with love and attention to detail. Melinda joined her and helped her set up the various displays. Hannah wasn't sure she could have done it without her. The bakery was ready, and so was she. The Northern Lights Festival and her bakery's grand opening awaited, and Hannah felt a surge of excitement and pride. This was her dream come to life, and she was ready to share it with the world.

The Northern Lights Festival had officially begun, and Hannah's Hearth was alive with activity. Crowds of enthusiastic festivalgoers streamed into her bakery, drawn by the promise of freshly baked goods and the cheerful, welcoming atmosphere. She was glad of Melinda's help. They worked together in concert and perfect harmony. The scent of cinnamon rolls, pastries, and coffee filled the air, mingling with the sounds of laughter and lively conversations.

Hannah moved behind the counter with practiced ease, her hands deftly packaging treats and pouring coffee. Her heart swelled with pride as she watched the line of customers grow, each one eager to sample her creations. It was the culmination of months of hard work, and the sight of so many happy faces was more rewarding than she had ever imagined.

In the midst of the bustling crowd, she could feel the moment Rick entered the bakery. He donned an apron and joined her and Melinda.

"Don't you need to be at the diner?" she asked, not wanting his business to suffer.

"The diner is fine. I have a great staff, and they'll handle it."

He was ever-present, his tall, rugged figure moving through the bakery with quiet authority. He helped where he could, carrying trays, greeting customers, and making sure everything ran smoothly. His watchful eyes never strayed far from Hannah, and she felt a warm flush of gratitude every time their gazes met.

Their chemistry was undeniable. Every glance, every touch, seemed to spark something between them. Hannah felt it in the way her pulse quickened whenever he was near, in the way her heart seemed to beat in time with his. It was an unspoken connection, powerful and intense, that left her feeling both exhilarated and confused.

As she handed a customer their order, Hannah's thoughts wandered. There was something about Rick that she couldn't quite place. He was more than just a friend, more than just a romantic interest. There was a depth to him, a mystery that intrigued her. She wondered if he felt the same pull, the same inexplicable bond that she did.

Lost in thought, Hannah almost missed the flash of movement outside the window. She glanced up and thought she saw Celeste, Teddy's girlfriend, weaving through the crowd. Her heart skipped a beat, but when she looked again, there was no sign of her. It had only been a glimpse, and she told herself it couldn't have been Celeste. She was thousands of miles away, living her best life with Teddy. Hannah wished them both well.

Hannah shook her head, trying to dispel the uneasy feeling that had settled over her. She turned her attention back to the bakery, to the smiling faces and the hum of activity. But a small part of her couldn't shake the feeling that something was off, that the glimpse of Celeste meant more than she wanted to admit.

"Hey, you okay?" Rick's voice pulled her from her thoughts. He stood beside her, concern etched in his features.

Hannah forced a smile and nodded. "Yeah, just thought I saw someone I know, but it was nothing."

Rick's eyes searched hers for a moment before he nodded, a reassuring smile spreading across his face. "If you need anything, I'm right here."

"Thanks, Rick," she said, feeling a rush of warmth at his words.

As the day wore on, the festival continued to draw crowds to Hannah's Hearth. The bakery buzzed with excitement, and Hannah found herself swept up in the joy of it all. Rick remained a steady presence, his support and encouragement bolstering her spirits.

But as the sun began to set and the festival lights flickered to life, Hannah couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to Rick than met the eye. The way he moved, the way he seemed to always know when she needed help, the way he made her feel safe—it all hinted at something deeper, something she couldn't quite grasp.

She watched him as he helped a customer, his smile genuine and his demeanor calm. There was a strength to him, a quiet power that both comforted and intrigued her. And in that moment, she realized that she wanted to know more. She wanted to uncover the mysteries that surrounded him, to understand the bond that drew them together.

As the festival continued into the night, Hannah's heart swelled with a mixture of joy and anticipation. Whatever secrets Rick held, whatever lay beneath the surface, she was determined to discover it. She was happy and yet there had been something disquieting about having glimpsed Celeste. But there was no way it could have been her, could it?