Lyra

I've officially been babysitting Macie for two weeks now and my life has never been better. My quiet, empty life is now filled with happiness and laughter and business is booming. No one can say no to Macie when she suggests another treat. And her frosting skills have gotten a bit better so she's been selling some of her own cupcakes too.

This is everything I've ever wanted. I own my own bakery and I'm successful at it, but more importantly, I'm not alone anymore. I have Macie now, and even Brandon. He's a busy man, but he always makes the time to stop in and talk for a bit when he drops Macie off.

My phone pinged, pulling me out of my blissful thoughts and I rushed to grab it.

My sister came into town unexpectedly so she's going to watch Macie for the day. -Brandon

I tried not to feel too disappointed, Macie's aunt had a right to see her, but it still made my heart clench a bit. I know I'm not Macie's real family, but I love her and I've gotten used to having her around.

But I still had a business to run, so without my little assistant, I got ready to open up shop. I had just unlocked the door and flipped the sign to open when the door flew open and Macie ran in.

"Macie?" I exclaimed.

"I'm here," she panted. "Don't worry."

A woman, her aunt presumably, came running in shortly after. "I guess I should've believed her when she said she had a job."

I laughed and offered the woman a cup of water. She accepted gratefully and took a seat. By this point, Macie had put on her uniform and was standing on her stool at the counter (we had to get one so she could see over it).

"I told you Aunt Hailey," she sassed with her hands on her hips.

"That you did," she said and then turned to me. "I'm Hailey, Brandon's sister."

I took her outstretched hand and shook it. "I'm Lyra, Macie's babysitter."

"It's nice to meet you Lyra."

"You too Hailey."

"Ahem, are we gonna get to work or not?" Macie asked. She was feeling sassy today.

"You take the day off with your Aunt. Your daddy already texted me," I told her and the little girl pouted.

"Nooooooooo. I want to baaaaaaaaake."

"Macie," I warned. As much as I wanted Macie there with me, I didn't want to overshadow Hailey during her visit, but Hailey didn't seem to mind. "No, it's fine. I'm happy to stay. Put me to work," she said.

"Are you sure?"

"Yeah!"

Macie dragged Hailey into the kitchen and got her an extra apron. Then she started pulling out bowls and spoons and everything she'd need to make cupcakes. At this point, she knew the kitchen better than I did.

The bell up front rang so I left Hailey in Macie's very capable hands to make some cupcakes.

"Good morning, how can I help you?" I asked the woman standing up front.

"Do you have any of Macie's cupcakes? My friend said they were so cute I just had to come and buy some."

"Oh, wow. We don't right now, but if you come back in a few hours there will be plenty."

"Great. Can I place an order for three?"

"Yup!"

I took the woman's order and went to the kitchen to tell Macie about her first real order. I was overcome with excitement and joy, but Macie was seemingly less happy than I was. I was actually a little concerned until she opened her mouth and said, "it's about time."

Hailey and I both burst out in laughter and Macie looked at us like we were stupid. "You're adorable," I got out through my giggles.

"I'm a success!"

That just made me and Hailey laugh even harder and soon Macie shooed us out of the kitchen. She needed to concentrate and apparently we were not allowing her to do so.

Hailey and I chatted as we cleaned up around the shop and took orders. It was actually really nice to have some help around here. My day was a little less hectic and I felt like I could relax a little.

"LYRA!" Macie suddenly called and I ran back into the kitchen. "I need you to put my cupcakes in the oven."

"Good job Macie," I said. She was allowed to do everything except use the oven. I didn't want her to get burned and luckily, she didn't fight me on it.

After getting the cupcakes in the oven, Macie set her timer and came out front to take orders. She had to make sure we were doing it good enough.

I think there might be a new boss around here and I don't totally mind. She must get that from her dad. He is a CEO after all. It's in Macie's blood.

Macie took three orders and convinced each person to buy something extra along the way before her timer went off and I took her cupcakes out of the oven.

"Now remember, they have to cool first. If you don't let them cool all the way, you're frosting will melt and be icky."

"I knooooow Lyra," she groaned and I choked back a laugh. Macie could be so dramatic at times.

I helped Macie with the frosting since she had to use the beater. She still hadn't quite learned how to do it without flinging ingredients everywhere. I'm not sure how she manages it in my stand mixer, but it happens every time.

"What color are we doing today?" I asked Macie.

"Purple and blue."

"Two colors, I'm impressed."

I helped Macie separate the frosting into two bowls and let her mix in the food coloring. I put the drops in so she wouldn't get it all over her hands, but she did the mixing. She insisted on it, even when her arms got tired.

Once Macie was all settled decorating her cupcakes, I went back out front with Hailey. She was expertly taking a phone order while boxing up someone else's. If I didn't know better, I'd think she'd been working here for years.

"How's it going?" I asked once Hailey was off the phone.

"Really good," she said. "I'm having a lot of fun."

"Well, you're doing great."

"Have you ever considered franchising The Sweet Spot?"

"I haven't really thought about it."

"You should."

I told Hailey I'd think about it and she went into the back to check on Macie and see the cupcakes. Macie's customer would be back any minute to pick them up. I still can't believe someone actually pre-ordered a kid's cupcakes. It's one thing to buy one when they are already made, but this is so sweet. And Macie is so happy.

I was wiping down one of the tables when the bell rang and Macie's customer came in.

"Are the cupcakes ready?" She asked me.

"They are. Let me go get Macie. She's so excited."

The woman chuckled and I went into the back to get Macie. Hailey was helping her box up the cupcakes which were by far the best she's made. The frosting isn't very even, but it's getting there. And it's especially good for a four year old.

Macie walked her cupcakes out front and took her place on the stool.

"Here you go Ma'am," she said perfectly and my heart melted.

"Thank you! These look great!"

"Thanks! I made them myself. Except for the oven. Lyra doesn't let me do that part."

"Smart lady," the woman said. She thanked us one last time and left.

"That's it?" Macie asked and I couldn't help but chuckle.

"What were you expecting?" Hailey asked.

Macie tapped her chin for a minute and then shrugged her shoulders. "I don't know."

I laughed and picked Macie up, placing her on my hip. "I'm very proud of you Macie."

"Really?"

I nodded and Macie threw her arms around my neck to hug me. I felt so special in that moment; like I was important to someone. And it felt great.

Macie's nap was coming up and I convinced her to leave early and spend the rest of the afternoon with Hailey. To my slight surprise, she agreed and left without a fuss.

Once the girls were gone, I sighed and pulled out my phone. I'd taken pictures while Macie was giving her cupcakes to the woman earlier and I wanted to send them to Brandon.

She got her first pre-order -Lyra

I texted.

Really? -Brandon

Yup! I'm so proud. -Lyra

That's so great. Thanks for sending these. -Brandon.

I put away my phone and went into the kitchen to make some cookies. The chocolate chip had been especially popular this morning and I was already out.

The whole day, I couldn't stop thinking about what a wonderful baker Macie is becoming. I wonder if she'll keep up with it once she gets a new babysitter.

The thought made my blood run cold.

I'd almost forgotten that this wasn't permanent. It all felt so right, so perfect, I can't imagine my life without her. But I'd have to. She's not my daughter, not even my niece.

Because at the end of the day, I am truly and deeply alone.