“It’s a bummer that you’ll miss the announcement ceremony,” Wells said. “If Abby wins, I’ll be sure to take pictures for you.”
“Thanks. I’d appreciate that.”
“You mean when she wins.” Deirdra looked around and said, “This place looks amazing. Cait, the mural is gorgeous. It’s so lifelike. You must have used a picture of our mom from ages ago—she looks like I’d like to remember her—and I love that you’re in the picture, too.”
Cait’s expression turned bashful. “Abby insisted.”
“Of course she did,” Deirdra said. “That’s exactly how it should be.”
“You painted that?” Wells asked.
Cait nodded.
“That’s one hell of a talent you’ve got there, Cait,” Wells said.
“Thanks.”
“Where on earth did you find the lights of love?” Deirdra asked as she wove around the tables. “It’s like I’ve been thrown back in time but not quite all the way back. The restaurant has never looked this good. I swear, Abby remembered every little thing.”
“Aren’t the lights great?” Abby yelled from the kitchen. “We found all those lights in Chaffee. I got a steal from this woman who had no idea what they were worth. I felt guilty, actually. Hey, Wells! What are you doing here?”
“Just came to wish you luck,” Wells said loudly.
Deirdra ran her hand over the granite countertop. “Abby, the counter, the pass-through, the ordering window on the side of the building. It’s all perfect. I never should have doubted you.”
“Thank you, but Cait and Aiden were a huge help. Let me turn this down and I’ll be right out.”
“The girls deserve all the credit,” Aiden said. “We hung up some of your dad’s paintings, too.” He pointed to the other side of the restaurant, where they were hanging.
“Where did you find them? I forgot how artistic he was.”
“In the junk room closet,” Aiden said as Abby came through the kitchen doors.
Abby hugged Deirdra. “I’m so glad you came for the tasting.”
“Me too. Malcolm was getting on my last nerve. I needed the break.”
Abby smiled at Wells and said, “I’m so glad you stopped by, too. Good luck next week.”
“Good luck to you, too, Abby. You’ve done a hell of a job here. It looks, and smells, fantastic.”
“Thank you. We’re having a tasting. You’re welcome to stay.”
Wells cocked a grin. “Inviting a wolf into the henhouse? That’s awfully brave of you, but I have to get over to the restaurant.”
“Thanks for the ride, Wells,” Deirdra said.
“Anytime, doll.”
“I’ll walk you out.” Aiden touched Abby’s back and said, “Why don’t I put Deirdra’s suitcase in the office before everyone else arrives?”
“Thanks, Aid,” Abby said.
As he and Wells made their way to the front, Wells said, “Listen, I know Abby has friends all over the island, but I’ll keep an eye out for her, too.”
“Thanks. I appreciate that.” When they reached the door, Aiden shook his hand and said, “Good luck in the competition.”
Wells nodded; then he eyed Cait and blew her a kiss. “Hit me up sometime, Cait. I’ll buy you a drink.”
Cait rolled her eyes. Wells chuckled on his way out the door.
Aiden brought Deirdra’s suitcase into the office. When he came out, Abby was arguing with a portly man who looked annoyed. Deirdra stood beside her studying a piece of paper, and Cait’s eyes were volleying between Abby and the guy as they argued.
Aiden strode over to them. “What’s going on?”
“This guy says he has an oven delivery, but I didn’t order an oven,” she snapped.
“Oh shit,” Aiden said at the same time Deirdra said, “But Aiden did.”
“What?” Abby fumed. “You ordered an oven? Take it back,” she said to the delivery guy.
“Come on, lady. It’s paid for. My truck broke down on the way to the ferry, and I’ve got a kid’s birthday party to get to . . .”
Aiden was too focused on the smoke coming out of Abby’s ears to hear the rest of what the guy was saying. “Babe, I’m sorry, but you can’t open a restaurant with only two oven units. Not for the number of customers you’re likely to have. You’re using every burner for a tasting.”
“Aiden! It’s my kitchen,” she fumed. “I know what I can and can’t do.”
“What is going on? Why are you fighting?” Deirdra asked.
Abby glowered at her. “One of the oven-range combos is broken.”
“The biggest one,” Cait explained.
“And I am not letting him buy it,” Abby snapped.
“Holy crap. Abby, take the gift. You’ll need it,” Deirdra said. “Don’t you remember how busy the kitchen used to be?”
“I’m not accepting it. You can’t walk in here and take over, Aiden. The competition was one thing, but an oven? No.” She spun around to the delivery guy and said, “Take it back. I refuse the delivery.”
“Babe, don’t do this,” Aiden pleaded.
“Don’t do this? I didn’t do anything. You did. A commercial oven-range unit is thousands of dollars that I can’t afford right now.”
“But I can.” And a better one than you’d probably buy. He knew her well enough to realize she’d purchase a more reasonably priced unit that she’d have to replace sooner and in the long run would cost her more. He wanted her to have the best, which was exactly why he’d purchased the Viking sixty-inch Professional 5 series with grill, griddle, and two full-size ovens.
She crossed her arms, glowering at him.
“Please just hear me out.” He took her by the elbow, guiding her away from the others. “Abby, I watched you trying to make do, and you didn’t let it stop you when you ran out of space this week as you tried recipes. But you can’t work at maximum efficiency without that unit. I know it’s not easy for you to accept this kind of help from others, but I’m not just anyone. I’m yours, and I love you. I want to see you succeed. Please let me do this for you.”
“Oh my God,” Deirdra said. “How can you say no to that?”
“Aiden.” Abby sighed, her brows knitting. “You don’t listen,” she said softly.
“I do listen. I listen to you saying and doing all the right things to prove you can do this on your own. But, baby, you mean the world to me, and I had to listen to my heart, too.”
“By buying me an oven unit?”
“Yes.” He put his arms around her and said, “I told you my biggest flaw was doing too much for the people I care about. I ordered it and honestly didn’t think about it again until now. I’m sorry for not telling you. But when you love someone, don’t you love their flaws, too? I love your stubborn streak as much as I love your determination.” That earned a small smile.
“But I don’t want you to spend all of your money on me. I love you for you, not for what you can do for me.”