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It carried on going well after the call about Pumpkin Smoochie, thanks. He was very sweet.

Actually it was Pumpkin Snuggles Poochie Woochie. Who is fully recovered, you’ll be pleased to hear.

Mia giggled.

Obviously my greatest concern. Thanks for the check-ins last night.

More than welcome. So, do you think he had Triple D potential?

I’m hoping so. Seeing him again soon.

Sounds like you’re in there, Princess.

She sent him an eye roll emoji – it really was the only appropriate response – before changing the subject.

How’s you?

Pretty good, thanks. Playing with turning my new biscuit recipe into cakes for a job Cheryl’s arranged. It’ll be a busy weekend because it’s a massive job!

You’re a big boy. I’m sure you can handle it. But if you need a hand, I think it’s my turn on the favours front.

Princess sous chef – brilliant!

Another message pinged a minute or so later.

Actually, now you’re dating a Triple D potential, I should probably stop calling you that. Sorry.

It’s fine. But my offer stands if you need help. Even if you did just demote me from tiaras to chef hats.

I think I’m OK, but thanks, Miabella.

Not even close.

Mia giggled.

Damn.

‘He’s got a lot to say for himself,’ Katie commented. ‘Everything OK?’

‘Yeah, he’s just talking baking and winding me up about my Prince Charming hunt.’

‘He’s hardly one to comment. Don’t get me wrong, I adore Aiden – I don’t think there’s anything he wouldn’t do for a friend’ – she shook her head, smiling – ‘but he must be the worst person to date I’ve ever known. And from me, that’s saying a lot!’

‘Hmm.’ Mia looked at her phone again.

Aiden pulled out another batch of cakes from the oven and swore. This was the third tray that had flopped, their golden high points sinking into stodgy lumps of misery.

Getting angry, he turned up his music and dumped the ruined cakes straight into the bin and threw the bowls and trays into the industrial dishwasher to start over. He was frustrated and flagging badly, and Ophelia’s words about how his energy could – in theory – impact his recipes was a handy excuse to sit down for a few minutes.

But it was a huge mistake. What little motivation he had drained out of him, even though he knew he still had dozens more wedding cupcakes to make.

His phone beeping was a welcome distraction – especially when he saw who it was.

Knock knock.

Not the message he expected from Mia, but he still smiled.

Who’s there?