The Baseball Card Boyfriend (Starrycard Creek Bachelors #3)

Chapter 23

Chapter

Twenty-Three

MAGGIE

“Could you say that again?” Maggie asked, her voice tinged with wonder as she stared at the banner stretched across the front of the quaint brick building off Main Street. Bathed in the streetlight’s warm glow, the logo was a replica of the one on the box. The crisp fall air kissed her cheeks, but the intensity of Christian’s love wrapped around her heart and warmed her from within. And then there was something else. For the space of a breath, she felt a calming presence. She glanced up at the night sky. The stars seemed brighter tonight, twinkling like a thousand tiny blessings from above.

“What you’re looking at is your very own bakery,” Christian replied, his tone filled with pride.

“My bakery.” She peered through the window. The pink walls matched the pie box perfectly. Soft lighting made the space feel inviting and peaceful. Her heart fluttered as she took in the lively scene inside. Christian’s family, the Gemstones, the judges, and Nico all laughed and chatted while Lucky weaved happily between them, his tail wagging a mile a minute. She swept her gaze over the group again, then paused, spotting someone she didn’t know. “I recognize everyone except the older woman with bright pink lipstick and an unlit cigarette in her hand. Who is she?”

“That’s Flo, and if my luck continues, I have a feeling we’re going to become quite familiar with her.”

“Okay,” she murmured, her mind reeling from the day’s surprises, trying to make sense of the breathtaking marvels that had suddenly become her life.

She had a bakery.

She was a real baker.

“Are you absolutely certain this is my bakery?” she asked again, her voice tinged with a mix of wonder and disbelief.

“I’m one hundred percent sure.” He opened the door to the shop and held it for her. The moment they stepped inside, the room erupted in cheers, the sound filling every corner of the shop with buzzy bliss.

“Welcome home, Maggie!” Goldie called, her voice ringing out above the cheers.

“It’s so wonderful to have you back, dear. We heard your memories returned,” Maeve cooed, her eyes glistening with emotion.

“We couldn’t be happier to see you both,” Owen added, his smile broad and welcoming.

“Pie for everyone!” Rex bellowed. “Wolcott, Haynes? How are we doing on the dessert front?”

“Pies are cooling and will be ready to be cut in five,” Judge Haynes called from the back of the bakery.

“Was this place recently renovated?” Maggie asked, surveying the cozy space as the scent of pumpkin pie and fresh paint lingered.

“It sure was. And don’t touch the walls. We finished painting ten minutes ago,” Finn replied and motioned to Hailey, Izzy, Eliza, and Jack, each holding a paintbrush. “This used to be a café,” Finn continued, resting his hands on his hips above his tool belt. “Converting it into a bakery was easier than expected, especially with everyone pitching in. There’s still work left to do, but Chris wanted you to see what this space could become—for you.”

“When did you start working?” Maggie asked.

Finn glanced at the group. “About four hours ago—right after Chris called to tell us he was heading up to Rocky Mountain City to get his dream girl.”

“And he asked me to print up a few of these,” Owen said, handing her a business card.

“Maggie TBD, The Blushing Baker and Certified Pie Freak,” she said, reading the words embossed onto the rectangle.

“I couldn’t help myself,” Christian said.

She peered up at the man. “I can’t believe you did this for me.”

“Don’t you get it?” he said, drinking her in. “I would do anything and everything for you.”

She stroked his cheek, then turned to the group. “Thank you. I’m overwhelmed by your kindness,” she said, her voice barely a rasp.

“So…you like it?” Christian asked, a boyish sweetness to the question.

“I love it. There aren’t even words to describe how much I love it—how much I love you,” she answered, her eyes shining with unshed tears.

“Now, pie!” McKenzie called, then frowned. “Or is this the kissing part? Maggie, maybe you should kiss your baseball card boyfriend.”

Maggie cocked her head to the side. “My what?”

“After you left, I decided to call mean old Bobby, Doctor Bad News, and call Uncle Chris your baseball card boyfriend. But now I can just call Bobby a turd burger,” McKenzie replied with a cheeky grin.

“McKenzie Fiona Starrycard-Dunleavy!” The voices of over a half dozen Starrycards echoed in the room while Rex and Goldie giggled at the child’s words.

“Okay, no kissing part, just pie,” the child chimed, then hightailed it to the back of the shop.

Kieran cleared his throat, maintaining a composed expression as the people in the room fell silent. “Cool your heels, McKenzie. There will be no pie—or kissing—until Maggie addresses a pressing legal issue.”

“Legal issue?” Maggie stammered as everyone’s gaze fell on her.

Kieran leaned in toward her. “I’m currently in attorney mode, as you can observe from my muted demeanor. However, I felt it important to express that while my behavior may not convey my enthusiasm for your presence, I’m delighted to see you and Christian together. Please, have a seat,” he said and gestured to a chair at a small table in the center of the space.

She set the pie plate beside a folder on the table, her fingers lightly tracing a faint, familiar line in the wood, then gasped. “I know this table. This is my table. It’s from my grandparents’ kitchen.” Her gaze swept across the shop, soaking in every detail. She peered into the back and concentrated on the baking equipment. “That’s my grandmother’s mixer. And those are her pie plates.” She froze as a familiar tick, tick, tick caught her attention. She found the source of the noise and gasped again. “And that’s my clock.” She turned, her heart swelling as she recognized every piece of décor—her décor. The vase that once sat on her bedside table now held lavender beside the cash register. The little dish her grandparents used for their car keys was beside it. Her knickknacks and keepsakes adorned the room. Even the lace curtains from her bedroom were there.

“Everything here is from my home. How did I miss that?” she said softly, her voice tinged with disbelief.

“I was wondering how long it would take you to notice,” Christian said, offering her a maddeningly sexy, slightly cocky, and completely Christian Starrycard grin.

This man.

Maggie turned to him, a thousand questions swirling in her head. “How did you get it?” she asked, touching the vase, needing to make sure it was real.

“I bought it.”

“You’re the buyer?”

His grin widened. “I know someone related to the estate seller you worked with.”

“Who?”

“That would be me,” Jade Jowls announced. “You sold your house and everything in it, save for a few personal items, to my nephew’s company,” the drag queen explained. “And you were one smart cookie to hold on to that pink stardust pie plate. It’s worth over one hundred thousand dollars.”

One hundred thousand dollars?

Maggie’s knees nearly buckled as she clutched Christian’s arm. “I hope I’m not hurting you because I don’t think I can let go. Did Jade say one hundred thousand dollars?”

Christian quickly set the box on the table and wrapped his arm around her, drawing her close. “She did. And I’ve got you.”

“Are you serious, Jade?” she pressed, her gaze ping-ponging between the ceramic pie plate and the drag queen. “My pink starry pie plate—the one my grandfather bought for eleven dollars—is worth that much money?”

“It sure is. My friend came down from Denver to authenticate it. You know that little EB scratched on the side?”

“Yes, I showed it to you when you asked for a closer look when we were on the bus,” Maggie replied, her voice barely above a whisper as she worked to process the information.

“Eleanora Brighton was the artisan behind that pie plate. She created it in this part of Colorado in the late eighteen hundreds. Her distinct crockery is considered works of art by collectors, and this rare piece is part of the Stardust Collection, one of her earliest works,” Jade explained as she removed her phone from the pocket of her sparkling green gown. She tapped the screen and held it for Maggie to see. “Check this out. My friend found it. It’s a photo of Eleanora holding your plate.”

“And she’s standing next to my ancestor, Fiona Donnelly-Starrycard,” Christian added.

Maggie could barely believe her eyes. “That’s incredible.”

“Your pie plate was inspired by this region, and I’d be willing to bet, thanks to that old photograph, it was made with water and clay from the creek in this very town,” Jade continued, her voice softening with the weight of the history she was revealing.

“The stars aligned and brought us together,” Christian said. “Starrycard Creek was always meant to be your home. And I was meant to love and care for you the way your grandparents would have wanted.” He picked up the pie plate, kneeled, and reached into his pocket. He placed the ring—the pink diamond engagement ring—into the center of the pie plate. “I promised that there would be a right time to do this. And that time is now, surrounded by our friends and family and with this pie plate, the same one your grandfather used to propose to your grandmother.” He grinned up at her. “With that said, Margaret Kathleen Michaels, will you?—”

Kieran cleared his throat, halting the proposal. “I’m sorry, but before Maggie agrees to enter into a legally binding union, it is imperative that she fully understands the implications of such an agreement.”

Maggie looked up, her brows furrowing in confusion. “Oh, I’m good with legally binding unions.”

“I insist you review these documents. You need to understand your situation,” Kieran pressed.

“Is this about the bakery space? Do I need to sign a lease?” she asked, trying to make sense of the unexpected turn in events.

“No, there’s no lease,” Kieran replied as he retrieved the papers from the folder, his tone measured. “Once your signature is on these forms, you’ll own this building outright, as well as another piece of property.”

“I’ll own this building and something else?” she repeated as she looked to Christian for answers.

What was happening?

Christian pointed to the ring. “Keir, I was in the middle of proposing.”

“I understand, however, Maggie’s situation is about to change, and she must be made aware of such alterations before committing to any legal obligations that may affect her rights, responsibilities, and interests.”

“Um…okay?” Maggie said, sharing a perplexed look with Christian.

“Just go with it, guys,” Izzy remarked, beaming at her husband. “This is Kieran’s love language. He’s showing you both he wants what’s best for you.”

“All right, Kier, it appears that we’re doing paperwork now,” Christian said, but the man didn’t look put out by the disruption. No, he appeared giddy.

“You know about this?” she asked, watching Christian closely.

Without uttering a word, he gifted her with that smile—the one that always made her heart skip a beat, just like the one on his baseball card.

“Christian asked me to prepare the documents,” Kieran answered.

“More Starrycard stuff, Number Eleven?” she asked, eyeing the man.

“Something like that, TBD.”

“Maggie,” Kieran continued, “pursuant to the terms and conditions set forth in these agreements, the title and ownership of this building and Donnelly Ranch shall henceforth be vested to you.”

Her jaw dropped. “You’re giving me the ranch and this building?” she asked, staring up at Christian, who was now grinning ear to ear.

“He is,” Kieran replied, answering for his brother. “And these assets are yours, even if you choose to decline my brother’s offer of engaging in a marital union.”

“Enough with the legalese,” Izzy called. “English, babe.”

Kieran nodded. “Everything Christian has will be yours, Maggie.”

What?

She rested her hands on Christian’s chest and studied the man. “You don’t have to do this. I love you. All I want is to be with you, to be part of your family, and to belong to this community. You gave me back my memories. You’ve already done so much for me.” She glanced around the room. “You all have given me so much.”

Christian gently placed his hands over hers. “You know what I’ve got tattooed on my chest above my heart, right?”

“Give what you love everything you’ve got,” she replied, the words echoing through her soul. A soul that deep down had known it was entwined with his from the moment she’d woken up in the hospital.

Christian nodded, his gaze unwavering. “Maggie Michaels, you are what I love. My heart, my life, what’s mine, and every part of me belongs to you.” He released her hands and removed a pink pen from his pocket.

Shaking her head, she couldn’t help but feel stunned for what felt like the hundredth time in the last hour. “Pink? You’ve really committed to this.”

He shrugged as that sweet half-grin lit up his face. “It’s my new favorite color. But FYI, the ink is black.”

“Maggie, this ink requirement is per my instructions. While there are no laws against signing in colored ink, black and blue are preferred on legal documents,” Kieran interjected.

“I think that’s dumb. I think you should be able to pick any color of the rainbow. I bet some turd burger made up the only black or blue rule,” McKenzie mused.

“Language, Kenz,” the Starrycards chimed in unison.

Maggie chuckled, loving everything about this place and the people. “Am I dreaming?” she asked Christian, her voice barely a whisper.

“This is real, TBD. We’re real. Our love is the real thing.”

She focused on the pen, not ready to take it. “I have to ask one more time. Are you sure about giving me the ranch? I know how much it means to your family.”

“And that’s why it’s such an honor to entrust it with you,” Rex said as the other family members nodded and murmured in agreement.

Christian’s expression softened. “Yes, I’m sure. I’ve never been more certain in my life, and as you can see, everyone here agrees with my decision. We love you. We’re your family. Sign the papers, TBD.” He pressed the pen to her palm and curled her fingers around it.

She grinned up at him with tears in her eyes. The love in this space was palpable. It filled the room, warm and familiar, much like the love she felt from her grandparents when she’d stand in their little kitchen, surrounded by the scent of freshly baked pie. Starrycard Creek was where she was meant to be, where her grandparents would have wanted her, and where she was home.

Steady and sure, she signed on the line.

She looked up and caught Ruby’s eye. “Looks like Little Miss Cry-In-Her-Pie found her path,” she said, so grateful the Gemstones could be a part of their moment.

Ruby nodded, tears shining in her eyes. “I agree wholeheartedly. And your journey led you to where you belong.”

“All right, all right, let the man propose,” Diamond Dentures wailed, her voice thick with emotion as a river of tears streamed down her face, smearing her mascara.

“Diamond might be sassy, but she’s a real sucker for love,” Jade said, patting the drag queen’s back.

“And we love you, but you’re no longer Little Miss Cry-In-Her-Pie. You, dear Maggie, are our blushing baker,” Ruby declared with a broad smile.

Christian carefully set the engagement ring on the pie plate’s center star, his movements deliberate and full of purpose. “I want to do this right. I know your grandfather proposed with this pie plate. I want to make them a part of my proposal. Am I missing anything?” he asked, his gaze flicking up to meet hers.

There was one more thing—something she hadn’t shared with the queens. “My grandmother didn’t answer with words after my grandfather proposed. She didn’t have to. My grandfather knew her answer because…”

“She blushed,” Christian finished as the realization settled over him.

“That’s right.”

“So, this is a challenge,” he purred, his tone taking on that teasing edge she loved so much.

She couldn’t help but play along, her lips curling into a coy smile. “Looks like it is. Luckily, I know you like a challenge.”

The air crackled with anticipation.

He glanced at the clock. “It’s straight up eleven minutes past the hour. That’s my number. I do love a challenge, and you know how I enjoy breaking records.”

She bit back a grin. “I do.”

“What do you think, everyone?” He checked the time again. “Do you think I can make Maggie blush in under forty seconds?”

The crowd erupted into cheers, and Christian stood there, radiating that unmistakable self-assurance she loved so much.

“Better get going. You’ve only got thirty seconds now,” Owen called.

Christian smirked, the corners of his mouth lifting in that way that sent her pulse racing. “I’m good. I’ve got my lucky rock,” he said coolly, placing it on the pie plate with the ring.

“I’ve got mine, too,” she added, her voice soft but steady as she placed her rock beside his.

“And for a little extra luck, we’ll add some Starrycard Creek paper,” he said, placing his college baseball card in with the treasured items. He settled his sage-green gaze on her. “Here we go, TBD. Blush or bust.”

Heaven help her! She loved this man.

“Blush or bust,” she repeated, her breath catching in her throat.

The room buzzed with electric silence. Excitement thrummed beneath the ticking clock, every second dragging out the sweet tension.

“Margaret Kathleen Michaels,” he began slowly, speaking deliberately in that commanding purr of a voice that made her toes curl.

“Uh-huh,” she exhaled, barely managing to get the sound out as every nerve in her body lit up. The anticipation was maddening, and her self-assured man was savoring every second.

“Let’s add something to that string of pretty names.”

“What are you thinking?”

“Ten seconds to go,” someone called, but Christian didn’t break their connection.

“How do you like the sound of Margaret…Kathleen…Michaels…Starrycard?” he asked, his voice low and intimate. The heat from his gaze sent a flush spreading from her heart through her veins, igniting that telltale warmth.

She didn’t move a muscle.

She didn’t say a word.

She didn’t have to.

“That’s a yes! Maggie’s blushing. That’s a yes with five seconds to go,” McKenzie announced, her sweet voice cutting through the charged atmosphere.

Christian’s lips curved into a satisfied smile. “Still got it.”

And heaven help her. This man.

He tipped up her chin gently. “Look at that,” he murmured.

“What?” she breathed, her voice barely more than a whisper.

“My favorite shade of pink coloring the cheeks of my future… wife ,” he said softly, his words wrapping around her heart.

Surrounded by the warmth of family, friendship, and the comforting scent of pumpkin pie, he slid the ring onto her finger with a tenderness that brought tears to her eyes. “This is our path. This is our forever,” he whispered against her lips, his breath mingling with hers as he sealed their love with a kiss.