IN LOVE WITH BAKER

Chapter 1

I placed my hand on the great gnarled oak tree. Right on the spot where we had carved out our initials. He placed his hand on mine as he held me by my waist from behind me. He turned me so that I was looking at him and placed a soft kiss on my forehead.

"I've always dreamed of this day with you. The day I would finally show you how much I really love you."

I watched him as he slowly got down on one knee and fished out a black ring box. My hands immediately moved to cover my mouth in shock. I could already feel the tears forming in my eyes.

"However cringey this might sound,"he started making me chuckle,"I knew you were the one once you made your way into my life. I love you and I'll keep loving you."

He opened the ring box revealing a small diamond ring. "Will you marry me?"he asked. My dams immediately broke. "Does this mean 'yes'?"he asked and I nodded,sniffling. He slid the ring down my finger and got up from the ground.

He held my face gently and our lips moulded together. "I love you,"he said before kissing me again.

The beeping sound of the oven brought me back from the long-forgotten memory. I heaved a deep sigh before getting the cupcakes out of the oven. A strong minty scent wafted to my nose and I smiled. I spurted the minty green icing on the mint chocolate chip cupcakes and took them to the display case where my mother stood.

"Nice work as always,Jade,"she said smiling proudly. "Well I learnt from the best,"I smiled back. "You could have become better if you agreed to go with..." "No mum. We are not starting this topic again,"I immediately cut her off.

"But seriously Jade,why did you choose to stay?"she asked now fully turning to me. At that moment a tall man who looked around my age came into the shop. He looked at the display case in awe before finally deciding on what to get.

He bit into the chocolate cupcake and smiled before saying,"You are a treasure in this town Jade. You know that?" I thanked him,smiling. He paid for the dessert and winked before walking away.

"That's why,"I said now turning to face mother. "Men? Oh trust me honey,France has good looking men. With that accent and..." "No mum," I cut her off rolling my eyes,"I mean I stayed because of Avondale. This town is like family to me. I couldn't just leave my home." "I will never understand you,"she said shaking her head.

She hang her apron on a nail on the wall and took her purse before saying,"Make it to the party on time." "I will," I smiled to her as she walked out.

I wouldn't miss this party for the world. My sister,Ingrid,was finally turning eighteen. And besides I had the cake. What's a birthday without a cake?

Time flew by fast and soon it was time to close up. I put the desserts in the refrigerator and got the red velvet cake out before closing up. I carefully walked to my matte black tesla and put the cake box in the passenger seat before driving to my mum's house.

"Finally!"my mum exclaimed once she saw me. "Do you have any idea that you have the most important element?"she asked taking the cake out of the box. "I've never been this early. You should be congratulating me,"I said. She raised her eyebrow at me and I shrugged my shoulders.

Almost immediately,we heard a car pull up in the driveway. We scurried to the living room and got ready to surprise her. "Surprise!"we all screamed immediately she got in. She squeled in excitement as she engulfed both me and mum in a tight bear hug.

"I love you too Ingrid but I also love my ribs,"I said and she let us go smiling. "Thank you,"she said and went on to socialise with her friends. I went to the kitchen to get more snacks. All the loud music and dancing made me feel a little dizzy so I decided to stay in the less crowded kitchen for a little longer.