𝐒𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐬

𝐒𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐬 𝟑𝟗

Sadira leaned against the counter of her bakery, Sweets, taking in the bustling scene around her. The shop was packed with people, new customers, and regulars alike, all excited to get a taste of her famous cupcakes. Ever since her win on Cupcake Wars, business had exploded. She couldn't remember the last time the shop had been this busy, and even though her body ached from the nonstop work, her heart was full.

"I saw you on TV! Girl, you killed it!" one of her regulars shouted from across the shop, making her way to the counter.

Sadira smiled warmly as she handed over an order of her caramel apple cupcakes. "Thank you! It was crazy being on the show, but I'm so glad people liked it."

The woman beamed at her, clearly excited to be talking to the bakery owner who was now a local celebrity. "Liked it? Girl, you were the best one up there! I've been telling everyone I know that I get my cupcakes from a Cupcake Wars winner!"

Sadira laughed, feeling a bit of warmth creep into her cheeks. "You're too sweet. But thank you. I still can't believe I won."

As the customer left, more people poured in, eager to place their orders, take pictures, and offer their congratulations. The energy in the bakery was contagious, and Sadira found herself riding the wave of excitement, even though she was exhausted.

Between customers, Sadira caught glimpses of her reflection in the shop's glass display. She still wore the simple black apron she always worked in, her natural curls tied back in a bun, but she noticed the way people looked at her now-with pride, admiration, and excitement. It felt surreal.

"Can I get a picture with you?" a woman in her early thirties asked, smiling as she held up her phone.

"Of course!" Sadira agreed, leaning in for a quick selfie with the customer. It wasn't the first request of the day, and she doubted it would be the last.

As the day went on, the bakery only got busier. Her signature cupcakes were flying off the shelves, and the compliments and congratulations kept rolling in. By the time mid-afternoon hit, Sadira was ready for a break. Her feet ached, and she hadn't had a proper meal since breakfast, but the steady flow of customers kept her moving.

Finally, after a particularly hectic rush, she found a moment to breathe. She wiped her hands on her apron and decided to take a short break. With a glance at the clock, she grabbed a bottle of water from the fridge and slipped into the small seating area in the back of the bakery.

Leaning back in her chair, Sadira took a long sip of water, letting her muscles relax. She'd been running her bakery for years, and while it had always been busy, this level of attention was on a whole new level. It was a good problem to have, but still-it was overwhelming.

As she sat there, enjoying the quiet moment, she noticed something outside the front window. A delivery truck pulled up to the curb, and a man in a uniform stepped out, clipboard in hand. She frowned, wondering what it could be. She didn't remember ordering anything.

Curiosity got the better of her, and she stood up, walking out to meet the man at the front door just as he approached the entrance.

"Ms. Kingston?" the delivery man asked, glancing down at his clipboard.

"Yes, that's me," Sadira replied, confusion clear in her voice.

"We have a big package for you," he said, gesturing toward the truck. "Do you mind if we get access to the back entrance to bring it in? It's a little large for the front door."

Sadira blinked, trying to process what he was saying. "I didn't order anything," she said, a little thrown off.

The delivery man smiled politely. "It happens sometimes-surprises, you know? Would you mind signing here?" He handed her the clipboard.

Sadira hesitated for a moment, still unsure, but something told her to go with it. She signed the paper and handed the clipboard back, curiosity gnawing at her.

"Alright, we'll bring it around to the back," the delivery man said, giving a nod before heading toward the side of the building with his partner.

Sadira followed them to the back entrance of the bakery, her mind racing. What could this possibly be? She hadn't placed any orders, and certainly nothing this big. When she saw the delivery men begin to unload the massive package from the truck, her heart stopped.

It was an oven. Not just any oven-it was the oven. The LFR-2 Double Rack Oven. The one she'd been talking about for months, dreaming about, ever since she won Cupcake Wars. The one that would completely transform her bakery.

Her hand flew to her mouth as she watched them roll it into the back of the kitchen. The sleek stainless steel gleamed under the kitchen lights, the size of it taking up more space than she ever imagined.

"This can't be real," she whispered to herself, heart pounding in disbelief.

The delivery man handed her an envelope. "This came with it," he said before giving her a polite nod and heading out.

With trembling fingers, Sadira opened the envelope. Inside was a neatly folded note, written in familiar handwriting.

"You deserve it, boo. With love, your baby."

Sadira's chest tightened with emotion as she stared at the note. It was from Davis. Of course, it was him. He'd known how much she wanted this oven, how it was at the top of her wishlist for the bakery. He listened to every excited rant she had about it, and now, here it was-sitting in her kitchen.

Tears welled up in her eyes, but she wiped them away quickly, a bright smile breaking across her face. Without thinking, she pulled out her phone and FaceTimed Davis. It didn't take long for him to pick up. His face filled the screen, that same familiar grin on his lips.

"Hey, babe," he said casually as if he didn't just blow her entire mind.

Sadira laughed, shaking her head in disbelief. "You really went and did this? The oven's here! My oven!"

Davis chuckled, his grin widening. "I had to. You've been talking about that thing nonstop. Figured I'd save you the wait and get it for you now."

Her heart swelled with so much love she thought it might burst. "You are seriously the best. I don't even know what to say. Thank you."

"You don't need to say anything, babe," he replied softly. "I'm just proud of you. You deserve it. Now you can make even more magic happen in that kitchen."

Sadira's smile didn't fade for a second. "You really didn't have to do this. But I'm so glad you did."

"Anything for you," Davis said, his tone sincere. "I know how hard you've worked to get where you are, and I wanted to show you I'm always here, supporting you."

She wiped away another tear, feeling overwhelmed with gratitude and love. "I don't know how I got so lucky with you."

"Same here," he said, flashing her that warm smile she loved. "But hey, now that you've got the oven, I expect some extra-special cupcakes next time I'm over."

Sadira laughed, shaking her head. "Oh, you'll get more than just cupcakes. Trust me."

Davis raised an eyebrow, playful. "I like the sound of that."

As they ended the call, Sadira stood there in her kitchen, staring at the oven in awe. She couldn't believe this was real. Her dream oven was here, in her bakery, thanks to the love of her life. And with it, she could take her business to the next level.

This wasn't just a gift-it was a symbol of how far she'd come, and how much further she could go. With Davis by her side, supporting her every step of the way, she felt unstoppable.

Smiling to herself, she placed her hand on the oven, letting the cool steel ground her in this beautiful moment.

This was just the beginning.