Damon pushed open the door to the bakery, holding it wide as Svetlana stepped in first, cradling Ava on her hip.
The smell hit them immediately, vanilla, chocolate, and something warm and buttery.
Inside, the shop was bright and welcoming, with small tables, display cakes in glass cases, and a wide counter stacked with samples and ordering books.
Ava squirmed a little, reaching for a plate of mini cupcakes near the front. "Cake! Mama, I want cake!"
Svetlana smiled but gave a firm nod. "After we choose, dorogaya."
Damon stepped beside her, looking over the display with interest. "So, how does this work? We just… point and eat until we pass out?"
The shop assistant behind the counter laughed softly. She was a young woman in a crisp apron, holding a notepad. "Almost. You two must be the Cross couple, wedding tasting today?"
Svetlana nodded. "Yes, that's us."
"Great. You'll get six flavor sets to sample. If you want more, we can go from there. Any allergies?"
