Chapter 34
When the last tier was in place, I stepped back to admire it. The cake stood tall and elegant, the sugar roses curling delicately around the edges. It was perfect. Relief washed over me, but it was quickly followed by another wave of dizziness. I gripped the edge of the table, hoping no one noticed.
“Maisie!” a familiar voice called. I turned to see Hattie walking in, camera slung around her neck, her hair pulled into a messy bun. She looked radiant, as always, her smile wide. “There’s my favorite baker! That cake is stunning.”
“Thanks,” I said, trying to sound steady. “You’re here early.”
“Photographer’s life,” she said with a shrug. “Gotta get those pre-ceremony shots. And maybe sneak a cupcake if you brought extras.”
Taylor laughed. “You know Maisie always brings extras.”
Hattie grinned, but her smile faltered when she looked at me more closely. “Maisie, are you okay? You look like you’re about to pass out.”
I sighed, exasperated. “Why is everyone saying that today? I’m fine. Just tired.”
Hattie raised an eyebrow. “You’ve been saying that all week.”
“I mean it this time,” I said, though even I could hear the weakness in my voice.
Preston stepped closer, concern etched across his face. “Maisie, maybe you should sit down for a bit. You’ve done enough.”
I shook my head. “I just need to finish setting up the table. Then I’ll rest.”
“Sit,” she said firmly, guiding me to a nearby chair. “Now.”
I didn’t argue this time. My head was spinning, and my stomach churned. I took a few deep breaths, focusing on the sound of laughter and music drifting in from outside. The world slowly steadied again.
Preston crouched in front of me, his brow furrowed. “Maisie, you don’t look fine. You’re white as a sheet.”
I managed a weak smile. “Guess I should’ve eaten more than a granola bar today.”
He shook his head, half amused, half worried. “You’re something else.”
Hattie handed me a bottle of water. “Drink. Slowly.”
I took a sip, the cool liquid helping a little. “Thanks,” I murmured.
Taylor came over, wiping her hands on her apron. “Cake’s perfect, Mais. You did it.”
I looked up at the towering confection, pride and relief mingling in my chest. “Good. That’s all that matters.”
Hattie crouched beside me, her tone softening. “You’ve been pushing yourself too hard. After this wedding, you’re taking a break. Doctor’s orders—well, Hattie’s orders, but still.”
I laughed weakly. “We’ll see.”
Preston stood, offering me his hand. “Come on. Let’s get you some fresh air.”
I hesitated, then took it. His hand was warm and steady, grounding me as he led me outside. The cool breeze hit my face, and I felt a little better. The fields stretched out before us, golden in the afternoon light, and for a moment, everything felt still.
“You really should take it easy,” he said quietly.
I looked up at him, meeting his concerned gaze. “I know. I just… wanted it to be perfect.”
He smiled softly. “It is. You did an amazing job.”
Something in his voice made my chest tighten. I wanted to say more, to tell him how much it meant to hear that, but before I could, Hattie called from the barn.
“Preston! Group photos in ten minutes!”
I turned back toward the venue, the sound of laughter and music spilling out into the sunlight. Preston squeezed my hand gently before letting go. “Just promise me you’ll take care of yourself after this.”
“I promise,” I said, though I wasn’t sure I believed it.
As I walked back toward the barn, the dizziness returned, faint but persistent. I pushed it aside, focusing on the laughter, the joy, the celebration around me. The cake stood tall and perfect, the centerpiece of the day, and for now, that was enough.
But deep down, a quiet unease lingered—a whisper that something wasn’t right, that my body was trying to tell me something I wasn’t ready to hear.
The pounding on the door came again, sharp and insistent. I groaned, burying my face deeper into the pillow. My body felt like it had been run over by a truck—every muscle sore, my head heavy. The wedding had been beautiful, but it had drained me completely. The bakery was closed for three days, and I had sworn to spend every second of that time horizontal.
The knocking didn’t stop.
“Maisie! I know you’re in there!”
Hattie. Of course.
I sighed, dragging myself out of bed. “Coming!” I croaked, my voice rough from sleep. I shuffled through the apartment, hair a tangled mess, wearing an oversized T-shirt that had seen better days.
When I opened the door, Hattie stood there, bright-eyed and grinning, holding a paper bag in one hand and two steaming cups of coffee in the other.