Rose didn't answer his attempted affection. She stood very still as the idea still sank in and awoke many uncomfortable thoughts. The intention, she supposed, was sweet, but she did not like it one bit.

Then suddenly, she found the solution. She put her hands on his upper arms, looked up at him, and - did he still feel sad? Had she made him feel guilty over not discussing it in advance? Would he hold that against her? Her attempted smile faltered a little. Yet she pursued. "I could come help you in the bakery, if you'd like us to spend more time together. I can handle customers while you do the baking and refilling!"