“I keep…waiting for this newfound family and the love you already have for me to just…” Her eyes shone with her vulnerability as they cut to Nikki. “I’m waiting for it to be too good to be true so that I can go back to the crappy life I’ve always known,” she said plainly.
“Amy, listen to me. There is no way you’re ever getting rid of me or your mother when she wakes up. We…I have loved you all your life. I have wanted you from the moment I found out Trish was pregnant with you,” Nikki spoke with feeling. She raised her hand to rest it on her niece’s cheek lovingly. “Even though we didn’t get to witness you growing up all these years, we are going to spend the rest of our lives loving you and making up for lost time.” Nikki looked at her niece with what she could only hope was convincing enough as she finished. “You better get used to it, sweetie, because you’re stuck with me…and your mother.”
Amy’s face relaxed into a smile, and that was enough for Nikki to pull her fully into her arms. She hugged her tight and whispered against her temple, “I’m so happy we found you.”
“Me too,” Amy replied.
After a few minutes, the two finally separated. “Wanna have some hot chocolate in the kitchen with me?” Nikki offered.
“Yeah. Sure,” Amy accepted, sliding off the bed with her. The two made their way to the kitchen, and Amy sat at the island watching her aunt prepare their hot beverage.
“What are you planning for your future? Where do you see yourself in, say, five or ten years from now?” Nikki brought the steaming liquid to her lips and took a sip, watching her niece contemplate her response across from her. Her hands enveloped the mug as she stared into the dark, opaque liquid.
“Well, for starters, I want to go to culinary school to become a pastry chef like I told you. I’ve been saving all the money and tips that I can from my job to pay for it.”
Nikki bobbed her head in understanding. “And after that?” she prodded.
Amy looked up at her aunt, determination on her face. “I want to own my own pastry shop,” she revealed.
“That is a wonderful idea, Amy. I think you would be an excellent pastry chef. You’re already so talented,” she cheered. “I mean, your key lime pie is already a heavenly treat, and I’m still waiting to taste that strawberry shortcake you promised to make.”
Amy giggled at the face her aunt made talking about her cakes.
“You have a gift, Amy, and any culinary school would be excited to offer you a spot. All you need to do now is send out the applications. I’ll help you.”
Amy smiled gratefully. “Thanks. I really appreciate that.”
Nikki returned her smile. “I know Paul would be very happy to help you, you know. Give you a few pointers while you wait for your acceptance. Who knows? Maybe when you’re finished, he would consider adding a pastry chef to his kitchen rotation…Just until you’re ready to venture out on your own.”
Amy nodded as she listened. A smirk graced her lips, and the mischievous glint in her eyes made Nikki cut what she was about to say.
“What?” she asked.
“I was just thinking it’s cute how much you depend on Paul even though you guys aren’t dating or anything,” Amy replied innocently, then took a sip of her hot chocolate.
“That’s because he’s my friend and a nice person,” Nikki managed to say.
“Are you sure there’s nothing more to it?” Amy pressed, the knowing smile tipping her lips further upward. “Because it sure feels to me that you both are harboring fee—”
“Okay. We’re not having this conversation. It’s late, and I’m going back to sleep,” Nikki interrupted. She was sure her cheeks were red by now and as clear as day to Amy.
“Oh, come on. I know you must have some idea that he likes you,” Amy pressed, making air quotes at the latter part of her statement.
“Nuh-uh. We are not doing this,” Nikki returned, then stood to her feet. “Time for bed, young lady.”
“But…”
“No buts,” she said, raising her hands and shooing Amy toward the door.
“Oh man! You’re no fun.” Amy pouted as she left the kitchen before her.
“Love you!” Nikki called after her with a grin.
ChapterTwenty-One
Nikki woke up feeling more relaxed than she had in days. She pulled herself up until her back rested against the plush but firmly upholstered headboard. Her mind flashed to the conversation she’d had with Amy a few hours ago, and a broad smile lit up her face.
Whatever barrier had remained between them was now completely broken or almost—she had felt it.Amy had willingly confided her fears to her, and Nikki was certain that she had heard her when she promised she’d never leave her no matter what. The smile that had broken out on the young woman’s face and the way the conversation turned out gave Nikki assurance.
