Chapter Seventy Seven

TESSA

I hummed softly to myself as I layered the custom-order cake with buttercream frosting. The rhythm of my work-the smooth glide of the spatula against the cake-the sweet aroma of vanilla. All of it filled me with a quiet, bubbling joy that I could hardly keep in check.

"You look too cheery today." Martha said with a smile, leaning her elbow against the counter and eyeing me with narrow intere