Chapter Eighteen

MARIGOLD

Cakeology didn't burn completely to the ground but there is a shit ton of damage. The entire kitchen will need to be rebuilt and a portion of the front room needs heavy repairs. The heat caused the windows to blow and of course all the wiring will need to be corrected.

I refused the hospital that night, much to the dismay of Maddox. I just wanted to be in my own bed, hiding under the covers, away from the world. Logan insisted on coming home with me and I allowed it knowing he wouldn't stop calling or texting every ten minutes so might as well have him hover in person.

Poppy: WTF! Logan text me. What happened?

I scrunch my brows at her text. How does she know Logan?

Me: How did Logan get your number?

Poppy: I'm sure he went through your phone when you weren't looking. It's what I would have done. Do I need to come there? And fuck this fireman yelling at you!

Shaking my head, all the thoughts and feelings come swirling back.

Me: Yes you need to come here, but not because of the fire. Come because I miss you.

Poppy: I'm working on it. Love you.

Me: Love you more

There's a soft knock on the bedroom door and I hear Logan's voice. "Good morning sleepy head." He walks in carrying two cups of coffee and starts whistling. I push myself to a sitting position in the bed and narrow my eyes once I realize the song he's whistling.

"Really?" I ask dryly.

He shrugs, handing me one of the mugs. "I have no idea why but Alicia Keys has been running through my head all morning."

Raising a brow. "I am not a girl on fire."

"Thanks to your boyfriend."

"He's not my boyfriend," I grumble, taking a sip of my coffee before placing it on the bedside table.

He begins to whistle the opening notes from ‘Burning Down The House'. I ignore him until he breaks out into, "The roof, the roof, the roof is on fire!"

"Logan!" I snap at him. Then I begin to cry. "I've made such a mess of everything. And did you hear how he yelled at me? The last thing I need is another controlling asshole dictating my business."

"Okay, it's time for some tough love. Your tears won't get you out of this. Now listen." He places his mug next to mine and climbs in beside me on the bed. "I know, because of your past, you saw a man trying to tell you what to do. And though his alpha attitude was hot as fuck, I understand why you didn't see anything other than what you did." He turns to me, leaning on his elbow against the headboard, while his other hand touches my cheek and turns me to look at him. "But let me tell you what I saw. I saw a man in fear of losing the woman he loves."

"Log–"

"Uh, uh. Let me speak. You think he was telling you to get rid of that shop when he was actually saying ‘I love you'."

"No, he specifically said I have ‘to sell that fucking hazard'."

He rolls his eyes. "It is a hazard. But you're not selling. We're going to work on getting it up and running better than ever. But I digress. I hate to be the one to break it to you, if he hasn't already said it, but Maddox Baylor is in love with you. And what I saw and what I heard last night is that he would have moved heaven and earth to save you and if he couldn't, he would have burned right alongside with you."

I close my eyes. I don't want to hear this. I feel at a complete loss all around right now. Cakeology is gone. Maddox is gone.

"Hello?"

"In here, Reece!"

Groaning, I throw the covers over my head and sink further into the bed. Logan chuckles. "I didn't call her. She's your bestie, here to check on you. Like I am. Stop fighting all the people who love you, Goldie."

I hear the smirk in his tone. And I think once again, how lucky I am to have found people who love me, for me.

"Damn, my brother goes all caveman one time and you're in bed with another man the next day?" Reece's voice carries into the room as she enters.

"Mm, and I brought her coffee."

"Three creamers–"

Logan cuts her off. "And no sugar, doll. I know what my woman likes." I giggle at their interaction and pull my head from the blankets but Logan just keeps carrying on. "Oh, this is embarrassing. My best friend coming up for air in front of my other best friend." I smack Logan's chest and he tosses the blankets aside. "Get in, girlfriend!" Reece jumps into the bed with us, snuggling in between us.

"How are you feeling, Marigold?"

"Stunned. Angry. Sad."

She wraps her arms around me. "You're allowed to feel all that. But what I need you to feel the most is loved. You have no idea how the town is already rallying for you. The probie from the FD already grabbed some of the other firemen, got a dumpster and is there cleaning it out."

Tears prick my eyes once again. "Jace? Really? This town is amazing."

"What can I say? They love their baker. But listen. There's no time for wallowing. I know my brother was being overbearing last night. It's what he does when he's losing control. It's what made him give Isaac and me an ultimatum. And losing you? Would have been the worst thing for him. I'm telling you, I have never seen him like this. You've come in and turned his world upside down. And I couldn't be happier. I needed something to happen for him to see there's more to life than just being a fireman." She takes my hand. "And you've done it."

"I cut him down though. I didn't see he was expressing fear and love. I saw control and anger. I know he thinks I saw him just like my ex. How do I fix it?"

"He's going to see he can't live without you. His truck hasn't moved since last night. But in the meantime, you've got a cake to make and the hall is letting you use their kitchen for it. They're also letting you bake whatever you can in their kitchen and sell from the front room of the building."

"What do you mean?"

"I mean, I spoke with the owner, who happens to be Jace's parents, and they want to do anything they can to help you stay on your feet. And stay here in Love Beach. They know they don't have a bakers kitchen but whatever you can bring in or do from their place, do it. They want to continue getting their sweets, as does the town."

The tears come once again but I let them fall while I say, "I've found my home. I love you guys."

"We love you, too. But, you stink. So shower. Then baking. And Jace? I'm going with you, he's hot."

Reece and I chuckle at Logan. "I hate to be the bearer of bad news…"

"I know, I know. But a guy can look, right?"