Chapter 36

**Bella-Rose POV**

What's worse than getting fired? What's worse than your Nana stealing your one and only admirer on the same day? Let me tell you...it's getting abducted. It happened with all the props too. The black van...people wearing black masks that looked like a Halloween costume ...white handkerchief, though my kidnappers were on a tight budget (I think) and couldn't afford the chloroform.

No joke.

Wait!! I'm going way ahead. Let's play rewind.

**Four days ago**

After that disastrous reinforcement I brought to the bakery, I returned home leaving the nauseous awestruck love birds behind. That was my first mistake. Going to Nana's home when she invited me with some cryptic message...that's my second one. Why? You may ask.

**Three days ago**

After getting no reply from either Nana and Mathew, I gave up my hope of getting my job back. I started contemplating my next step. This is not a bad thing. In fact, it might allow me to follow my dream. And Nana can't say anything about it as she was the one who fired me in the first place.

I started making a business plan by browsing the internet on "how to do startup business?". I was jotting down the notes when Nana called and said, "come home for the dinner".

No hello, no how are you coping? Or have you found any job yet? Nothing. What are you up to, Nana? Maybe, she finally decided my worth and thought about giving my job back with a raise.

I pictured my Nana, heartbroken, looking forlorn and destitute, her hair messed up, her face free of any makeup, clad in patched-up clothes and scratching the itch on her arm. She started crying and begging me to come back by saying-

"Please come back, Bella!! I can't hold the fort without you. You are the life of Sweet-Gum Tree. Customers are demanding they want the cupcakes made only by you. They are planning a revolt, Bella. The protesters are in hundreds! Come, home sweetheart. We need you. Sweet-Gum Tree needs you. Without you, there is no bakery at all. If you reject it, I may have to close the bakery forever! Do you want a raise? Take it. Take all the money you want. But please come back. Save me...save us".

Ok, that scratching is a bit far. And I agree with you on the patched-up clothes too. But the remaining part...a girl can dream, right?

I quickly had my shower and dressed in one of my best casual dresses. I have to look the part of cool, calm, and collected. And when Nana finally apologises to me I shall be docile and forgiving. I started to prepare the speech while driving to her home. "You are forgiven, Nana. Mistakes happen. Just don't repeat it"... no. I shouldn't hint that she can get away with this the second time.

I parked the car, still in the dilemma about choosing my closing line, when my parents and Scott parked their car behind mine. Did she call everyone? Oh, Nana, you love me so much. I promise I won't make you grovel...much.

Dad and Scott are in their usual attire, jeans, and a tee. But mom... "Mom! What are you wearing? Are they your pajamas?"

I blinked to clear the picture of my mom clad in pajamas that are filled with cute duck prints. At least she didn't choose to come wearing some sexy one. I would have to use bleach for my eyes if she did that.

"What! It's only Georgia. What's the big deal? She will make fun no matter what I wear! Why shall I have to go to the trouble of getting ready?", mom scrunched her nose displaying what she thought about Nana's opinion.

"A normal pair of jeans and a blouse would have sufficed, mom", I tried to placate her.

"Last time she said I stuffed melons in my jeans. Forgot about it? Anyways, leave that. Where were you? I'm still waiting for that explanation you fed me the other day. You, young lady, are in deep trouble. When are you going to explain?”, mom asked with a blazing speed. I dived into that trap with my eyes open. Way to go.

If I had my way, never. "Soon mom. Not here. First, let's go inside the house. Normally she won't bother to call us here. I'm thinking she must have finally realised what a mistake she has made and called to return to my job. Why do you think she called you guys if that's the case?"

"She fired you? William, your mother fired our daughter!", mom said, pulling dad's arm who is busy watching the match on his phone. Dad's reply is to grunt.

"You are no use. At least she got her sense back and asked you here. She must have realised she is getting old and finally decided to pass down the bakery. Just like Georgia to make a show out of it", Scott snickered behind us at mom's dialogue.

We entered the foyer and turned towards the dining area where Nana sat at the head of the table. Scott and I went and kissed her on the cheek.

"You are looking good, Nana", I said as my way of offering peace. Mom snorted behind me. She is really good looking, wearing an off-white suit with a pearl necklace and a small hat that was fashionable in the '70s.

"Georgia, I'm really glad that you FINALLY decided you are getting old and thought of passing the bakery to my daughter. I must say, it's way past high time. However, it's all water under the bridge now. The bakery will be well-looked after. Under my care of course", mom bombarded the topic as her way of greeting.

"Mom!", I closed my eyes at her "subtlety".

"Honey, try to be more subtle", dad opened his mouth at last.

"Your wife will never learn that art, son. And Olivia, what made you decide I'm resigning my post? For your information, I'm not", Nana said as she started sipping her tea in a regal fashion.

"You are not? Then why call us here?", mom asked deflated as she selected an eclair and started munching on it. Scott has started cleaning out the dishes from the other side of the table and he is halfway there. At this rate, when this discussion ends, I fear we all might have to starve.

"I got married", Nana said as if it's a daily occurrence.

The announcement caused the most widespread consternation. Three people choked at that news. I haven't started eating yet so I was spared. For once, even mom was speechless after she heard the news.

"Who?", I asked fearing she might say the name of my solo cheerleader.

"Mathew, of course". Of course, after meeting once, they got married. What's there to get surprised about!

"Who is Mathew? Why did I never get to meet him?", dad asked now fully focused on the discussion.

"That's because they met just yesterday", I added my two cents. There! Nana stew on it.

"You married after meeting once!", dad went hulk on Nana.

"William! Remember your manners. No shouting at my table", Nana chastised dad, making him feel like a 2-year-old kid.

"Where is he now?", dad asked undeterred.

"Mathew, darling. Come down. The kids want to meet you", Nana called sweetly.

Kids? Who? Scott and I rolled our eyes at that statement.

Mathew came down wearing a tux, looking dashing. Nana swooned at his entry. Gag me now.

Dad stood at the foot of the stairs, folded his arms, and glared at him. Once they both are at eye level, a staring match takes place.

"Stop it, William. He is your stepdad now. You can call him pops if you want or maybe Mathew", Nana said.

"Not in this lifetime", dad grunted.

What felt like hours, but in actuality 3 seconds later dad asked Mathew, "do you like football?"

"Is there anyone who doesn't like it?", Mathew said tactically.

"Good. Welcome to the family", dad said and extended his hand.

What!! I gave a disgusting look at dad for his antics. I want to blurt out that he used to flirt with me. But restrained with great effort. It's my fault I let them meet. As it happens, they connected so thoroughly that the very next day, my Nana married Mathew in the court. No preamble...no family, nothing. They just went up and get hitched. At least I got to save face as no one knows about it.

In all this drama taking place, mom stood still like a statue. I called her before she could transfix into one.

"You are not passing down the bakery?", mom asked, totally ignoring the elephant.

"Why would I?", Nana snorted.

"I guess I should call to cancel that banner then. Also, decorations. And photographer", mom ticked off.

My mouth hung open at her fast thinking. "She called this afternoon mom. How did you do this in one afternoon?"

"I want to be prepared when it happens"

"If", Nana pointed.

"At least half of your dream came true. Finally, a marriage in the family, mom", I said to diffuse the tension. To which my mom glared at me. Well, wrong thing to say, I guess.