Baked in Promise

A birthday wish, a high school crush, and a love that never faded.

Emilee Duquette’s life is as predictable as her morning coffee—safe, comforting, and just a little too comfortable. But when Westley Roberts, her high school best friend and heartthrob, who also happens to disappear without warning, strolls back into town, her carefully curated calm is turned upside down.

With a camera slung over his shoulder and a grin that makes her pulse race, Westley is determined to make her relive every electric moment they once shared—and leave her questioning if the past really was as simple as she remembers. However, Emilee’s no longer the same carefree girl who once dreamed of love letters and long-distance promises—she’s grounded now, with a business to run, a life she’s proud of, and a heart that’s learned to play it safe.

But then there’s that old pact they made when they were seventeen: If neither of us is married by 35, we’ll marry each other.

Now, with the clock ticking on a promise made in innocence, Emilee must decide: take a chance on the only man she’s ever truly loved—or finally close the chapter that never stopped writing itself.