CHAPTER 2

"Not really.Can I go for a swim.Please mommy."Innocent eyes stared up at Abby.

"Another day my angel I promise."

"Blake stop by the other day,he asked about you."Her mother said during the meal.Blake is Eric's friend he's been repeatedly asking her out on a date and she's declined every time,Abby knows he likes her and he's told the family that he wants to marry her.Jack and her mother has no problem but men is the last thing on her mind,she's let one man in before and that's brought nothing but pain."He's a good guy Abby,he'll take good care of you and Ally.He's well of too."

"Money isn't everything mom.I don't love Blake and I doubt he loves me."

"You'll grow to love each other.Don't tell me you not planning on ever getting married."

"I've never thought about marriage mother,I like my life just the way it is I don't need a man to come and complicate it for me."

"Abigail-..."Her mother began.

"If he's so well off why doesn't he help Jack out."

"He doesn't have that kind of money."Kate said."We need a miracle."

"It will work out mom,don't lose hope.I'm sure Jack will figure it out he's a smart business man."

"I know.Imagine what people will say if our house will get repossessed I won't be able to survive the humiliation."

"This lifestyle isn't everything,we manage back then when dad had been alive and as far as I can remember you never complained."

"There's nothing wrong in wanting to live comfortably Abigail."Kate said."You should also make sure you find a man who'll provide for you and Ally."

"A man like Blake I guess."Abby told her mom.

"Exactly.He likes you,he is even prepared to raise Ally as his own and give her his name not many man will do something like that."

"Have you ever ask what I want mother?"

"There's no need if it's up to you'll never marry.Ally needs to have a home a father figure,you cannot deny her all the things you had growing up.The least you can do is consider Blake's proposal."Abby lost her appetite,she knows her mother's right Ally needs a father just because she didn't have her happily ever after with Alejandro doesn't mean she should reject every guy that crosses her path.

"I'll think about it."She said.

"Will you stay for dinner."Kate asked.

Abby shook her head."I have to stop by the bakery on my way home and help Ally with her school project."

"Why don't you open another one."

"Things are only beginning to pick up now mother,maybe in future."

"I'm proud of you Abby,I know I haven't said it much but I am.You raised Ally all on your own not once asking for my help,you finished school and right now you doing what you love most baking.I really am proud of you."

Abby went to give her mom a hug."Thanks mom it means a lot."

"I only want you to be happy,when I saw you so broken and lost during your pregnancy with Ally I was so afraid that I was gonna lose you both."Abby knows her mother was referring to that time when she had almost had a miscarriage because she was still pining over Alejandro.

"I know you do mom and I appreciate it,when the time comes I'll marry."

"Are you getting married mommy?"Ally asked.

"Not yet sweetie but if I do decide to get married how would that make you feel."Abby asked her.

"I don't know.Will I get a brother or sister most of my friends have siblings."

"Do you want a brother or sister."

Ally nodded."Then I won't feel so alone."

"Oh sweetie."She kissed her on top of her head,Abby's eyes clashed with her mother's she can only imagine what her mother must be thinking,luckily she didn't say anything.They spend another hour with her mother before heading home but not before stopping by the cafe,it was quiet when she got there only a few customers were inside.She told Ally to sit down she'll be right back.

"Abby."Amanda said when she saw her."What are you doing here."Amanda runs the place when Abby wasn't here,she's been working for Abby for two years now the two are really close.

"I left some documents here,the landlord will need them soon."

"How far are you with buying the place."

"Mr Adams is asking a ridiculous price compared to all the other places around here,but if I want to buy this shop then what choice will I have he's given me a few months after that he'll sell."

"What are you gonna do?"Amanda asked.

"Right now I don't know but I'll think off something."Abby took the papers."See you on Monday morning,I'll open up don't worry."

"Before you go,a very sophisticated woman came by earlier on asking for you."

"Who was it?Anyone I might know."

"From her attire and the way she carries herself,I'd say she's rich even the car she was driving spoke volumes."Abby doesn't know any high profile people her mother might not her,she prefers to keep her life simple and out of the media that's why she doesn't have much friends.

"I hardly know anyone that's rich Amanda,I barely have friends a part from you.Are you sure she asked for me?"

"Abigail Young that's you right,the sign outside the cafe does say 'Abby's cake and pastries' doesn't it."

"Yeah,yeah I get your point.What did she want and what's her name?"

"Mrs Àlvarez.Ring a bell."Abby shook her head."Apparently your cake and delicious treats have caused quite a stir amongst the wealthy.She wanted some cakes,pastries,muffins and tarts there's a whole list."

"We already have everything here."

"She wants you to personally bake it for her.Here's the list."Amanda handed it over to her."It should be ready by Wednesday."

"What!"Abby gasped."So soon,we won't be able to make such a huge order before then."

"Oh did I mention she looks like a woman who doesn't take no for an answer."

"Gee..thanks Amanda,I'll make sure not to forget that bit of information."

"This is our biggest order ever,I know you can do this besides you've got me to help you.She said she'll be back on Monday to see you to give you more details about everything."

"Okay.Next time call me before taking such big orders,we short staffed as it is and right now I cannot afford to hire any more people."

"Promise.Can I get you something."

"No,I have to go,I just came to get this."Abby waved the file at her."See you."At home she cooked dinner and helped Ally with her homework,this small two bedroom house was really cosy for the two of them.A living room a bathroom then came the kitchen with a small island in the middle where they can eat.

Abby loved her life,her mother was right about one thing if it was up to her she'll never get married.The one man she thought she'll spend the rest of her life with wasn't here and never will be,no man can ever take his place regardless if he loves someone else or not.He must be married by now and have kids with his wife Abby has never bothered to read the papers or watch the news to get information about him,she has cut him out of her life and it will stay that way.

"Come on sweetie it's time for bed."Abby said picking up Ally's drawing books from the table.