Married Before Midnight by Sienna Quinn - Chapter 14

[adminnovelsaudio]

Listen Audiobook Version:



Married Before Midnight


Chapter 14: Sweet Beginnings


The morning sun cast a golden glow over the Carter family’s makeshift bakery stall, Sweet Beginnings, as the sisters bustled around, arranging trays of pastries and tying ribbons around neatly wrapped packages. The air smelled of cinnamon and sugar, laughter mingling with the hum of early customers stopping by. Hannah adjusted the hand-painted sign—her own design—and stepped back to admire it. "We’re officially open for business," she announced, grinning at her sisters. Olivia wiped flour from her apron and handed a warm muffin to a passing neighbor. "First sale!" she cheered, tucking the coins into the small cash box. Charlotte and Lillian worked side by side, folding pastry boxes while Emily scribbled last-minute price tags. Eleanor moved between them, her hands steady despite the nervous flutter in her chest. This was their chance—their real chance—to build something of their own. For the first few hours, everything was perfect.


Customers lingered, complimenting the flaky croissants and buttery shortbread. Mrs. Victoria Langley arrived, her elegant gloved hands accepting a box of lemon tarts with a warm smile. "I knew you’d succeed, Eleanor," she murmured. "Your talent was always meant to be shared." But just as the afternoon rush began, a stern-faced man in a city uniform approached, clipboard in hand. "Mrs. Carter?" His voice was clipped. "I’ve received a complaint about unauthorized commercial activity on public property." The sisters froze. Hannah’s sharp eyes darted across the street—where Brenda Miller stood, arms crossed, smirking. Of course. Eleanor’s hands trembled as she wiped them on her apron. "Sir, we didn’t realize—" "You’re blocking pedestrian access," the official interrupted. "Either pay the fine or shut down immediately." The fine was steep—more than they’d made all day. Olivia’s stomach twisted.


They couldn’t afford this. Not now. But before despair could settle, a voice cut through the tension. "That’s ridiculous!" Mrs. Langley stepped forward, her tone icy. "This family is contributing to the community, not harming it." A murmur of agreement rippled through the growing crowd. A neighbor, Mr. Harris from the print shop, shook his head. "I’ll draft a petition tonight. The city shouldn’t punish small businesses like this." Another customer, a young mother holding a toddler, added, "Your pastries are the only thing my picky son eats. Please don’t close!" Hannah’s chest swelled with gratitude—and defiance. She met Brenda’s gaze across the street, lifting her chin. You won’t break us. Mrs. Langley turned to the official. "Surely there’s a temporary permit they can apply for?" After a tense negotiation—and promises of paperwork—the official relented, giving them a week to comply. Relief washed over the Carters as he walked away, Brenda’s smug expression faltering. That evening, the sisters sat around the kitchen table, counting their earnings and brainstorming solutions. "We’ll apply for the permit first thing tomorrow," Olivia said firmly. "And I’ll design flyers for a weekend fundraiser," Hannah added. "If we show the city how much support we have, they’ll have to listen." Charlotte grinned. "I’ll convince Brandon to spread the word at his father’s country club. Rich people love charity." Lillian nudged Emily, who was scribbling notes. "What about you?" Emily smirked. "I’ll ask Lucas if the police department needs a new donut supplier." Eleanor laughed, wiping her eyes. "My girls… I don’t know what I’d do without you."


As the sisters leaned into a group hug, the weight of the day melted away. They had hurdles ahead, but they also had each other—and a town full of people who believed in them. Sweet Beginnings wasn’t just a bakery. It was their future. And no one—not Brenda, not city fines—would take that away.