Page 36 of The Oath Operation
Fish didn’t let go of Jules’ hand the entire drive. He held it firmly, feeling the warmth of her skin against his. Inwardly, he chastised himself for staying away from her for the past two days. He had thought he was doing the right thing, giving her space to recover. Now he realized how much he had missed her, how much she needed him—and how much he needed her.
As they drove, his thumb brushed over her wedding band. She had been wearing it on a chain necklace whenever she was baking, wanting to keep it out of the dough. She wore it proudly on her finger, where it belonged. The feel of the band sent a shot of warmth through his palm that arrowed straight to his heart, grounding him in the reality of their connection.
Because they had a connection. He was really and truly bound to Jules, the woman of his dreams. The only person ever to get past the barriers of his wounded heart.
That ring wasn’t just a piece of jewelry; it was a promise, a vow that he had made to her, and that she had made to him. This marriage might have started as a convenience, but today it was necessary as the air he breathed.
He glanced over at her, taking in the way her hair framed her face, the way her eyes softened when she looked at him. There was a calmness in her now, a peace that told him she was glad he was there, holding her hand, sharing this moment with her. His heart swelled with an emotion that was becoming more familiar with each passing day—love.
It was a love that had crept up on him, unexpected but undeniable. Fish knew that he would do whatever it took to keep her safe, to make her happy. Because she was his wife, and he was her husband. And that meant everything to him.
As they neared the bakery, Fish felt a renewed sense of purpose. Now that they had the distribution deal, he could spend even more time with her, taking care of her, seeing to her needs, and making sure an event like the hike never happened again.
He had to let go of her hand when he put the car in park. He got out and quickly moved to help Jules out of the passenger side. He recaptured her hand when he did. He unlocked the door to the bakery with his left hand and gently pushed it open, stepping aside to let her in first.
"Welcome back," he said softly, watching her closely, eager to see her reaction to all the work he'd done.
Jules stepped inside, her eyes widening with delight. The bakery was transformed. The walls were painted a warm, inviting shade of cream, with soft pastel accents that gave the space a cozy, welcoming feel. The new counters gleamed, their surfaces polished to perfection. The display cases sparkled, ready to showcase her delectable creations. The ovens stood proudly in the back, waiting to be fired up for the first batch of pastries.
"Fish, this is amazing," she whispered, her voice filled with awe. She walked around the room, her fingers trailing lightly over the smooth surfaces. "You did all this?"
He smiled, his heart swelling with pride and love. "I wanted everything to be done for you."
"That's my snow plow." She turned to him, her eyes shining with gratitude and affection.
Fish walked over to her and took her hand in his once more. "I wanted to make sure you had everything you needed to make your dreams come true."
Jules looked around again, her face lighting up with each new detail she noticed. The new shelves stocked with baking supplies, the charming display of jars filled with colorful sprinkles and toppings, the cheerful curtains framing the windows. "It’s perfect, Fish. Absolutely perfect."
He pulled her into his arms, holding her close. He gazed down into her eyes. Jules didn't meet his gaze. Hers dipped to his lips. Who was he to deny his wife anything she wanted?
Fish kissed her deeply, passionately. His feelings for Jules were all-consuming. Jules was just as hungry for him as he was for her. Fish sipped where she took gulps of him. He nibbled, where she literally took a bite out of his lower lip. He grinned at the short-lived pang. He was ready to get them back to her place—no, their place because he had no intention of leaving her tonight.
Fish broke the kiss and tugged his wife to the exit, but Jules stopped him.
"What's this?"
Fish had nearly forgotten the other reason he'd brought her to the bakery first before going home. "I have a surprise for you."
Jules' gaze had found the envelope sitting on the counter. Fish slid the documents out and handed her the contract, watching as she began to read.
"It’s a deal from a food distribution company. They want to buy your baking recipes. This could get your name out across the state, maybe even the nation. And with the money we’ll make, we won’t have to touch your inheritance."
Jules’s expression shifted as she read further, her smile fading. When she looked up, her eyes were filled with something he hadn’t expected: anger.
"You signed this?" She pointed to his signature at the bottom of the last page.
"Yes," he said, confusion creeping in. "I thought it was a great opportunity for you. All that’s left is for you to sign."
Jules’s hands shook as she set the contract down. "Fish, this goes against everything I stand for. I’m a small-town baker. I serve my community. You had no right to sell my business."
"I didn't sell your business. Just your recipes."
"They're my whole business."
Fish pressed his lips together. Clearly he was missing something, but he couldn't determine what. "I was trying to take some of the burden off your plate."
Jules shook her head, tears welling in her eyes. "You weren’t taking things off my plate. You were trying to take my plate from me."
