The scent of chocolate filled the air when Minori Ginger took the pan of cookies out of the oven. She closed her eyes after she placed them on the counter and smiled. It gave the farmer pleasant memories of her childhood. Baking treats with her mother, while waiting for her father to get home. They would go on picnics and have time as a family. She couldn't help but be envious of her own mom. She wanted a family one day. A husband to wait for and children to help bake desserts for all of them. Eda had been the closest thing she had to family.

She opened her eyes with a frown. It was years since that snowy winter day when she first found out. She had gotten over it with time, but it still saddened her to this day. She missed the old lady dearly and took care of the left side of the farm in her honor. She had heard many stories about Madam Eda's life. She was touched when the older farmer said she was like a daughter to her. She was the first person that Minori had met besides Veronica.

Minori has lived in Oak Tree town for almost three years now. She could not believe that time had gone by so quickly. It seemed like just yesterday when she and Fritz went swimming together in the river. On that day, she ended up meeting her best friend. Fritz was like the energetic brother that she never had. He was very talkative and very open, so she got along with him greatly. Elise was a completely other story.

When Minori first came into town, the wealthy farmer had gotten on her nerves. It was annoying having to have Elise judge her and call her low class. It wasn't her fault her family was like that. Elise herself didn't even do the farm work herself, so it irritated Minori. She had no right to talk. She didn't have to worry about getting dirt on her clothes. But as time went on, Elise had changed. She had learned to become more humble and even watched a cow being born. It was nice to see the change in her characteristics.

Something else that changed was Minori's feelings for Raeger. When they first met, Minori thought that he was cute, but couldn't hold a conversation with him that long. He was a bit intimidating, but not in a harsh way. In the past couple of weeks, she noticed that her heart would beat like crazy when he talked to her. She hoped that he felt the same way as her. So she wanted to confess her him. These cookies would be a part of the plan

"Morning Minori," Raeger smiled at her when she entered the restaurant, "My favorite customer came in on my birthday. I'm not open today, but I can serve you something if you want me to."

"It's fine. I wanted to give you something." She held out the bag of cookies, "I made these and I want to know what you think."

"Alright," he took a bit and chewed slowly. She couldn't help how nervous she was. He was a professional cook and she was just a farmer. Her cooking wouldn't meet his standards, but she hoped he wouldn't mind.

"So how are they?"

"Pretty good. We might make a baker out of you."

"Thank you. They aren't as good as yours, but I tried."

"Don't worry about that," Raeger gave her a smile, "If you make it, I'll be glad to eat it."

Minori felt relief and joy at his words. One day she would have the courage to finally ask him out. Just like baking cookies, it could take some time, but the results can be sweet.