The Perfect Dessert

Finding the perfect cake for a wedding in one of the most trying things Daniel has ever had to do. He knew his fiance's tastes, knew what he liked, what they both preferred, and yet, here he was, having no idea what to do.

His fiance, Rick, couldn't make it because his flight home was cancelled by a large storm that rolled in suddenly. Rick was supposed to arrive late yesterday evening, but instead the flight was pushed back to tonight. With the wedding only days away, and having already scheduled the Tasting, Rick had told Daniel to just go ahead and do it without him.

Daniel had, ignorant to how hard a Tasting really was, agreed.

He'd soon come to regret that decision.

The first cake brought out was a delicate looking banana coconut mocha one, with one tier and a soft cream frosting.

However delicious it looked and sounded to Daniel, he knew that that cake would not be one Rick would enjoy. The other man just did not like banana flavored anything. Didn't matter what it was. If it tasted like banana, Rick wouldn't eat it. A shame, really. Daniel loved banana.

Even thought the first cake was immediately rejected, Daniel still snuck in a bite or two. It was delicious. It almost made him want to be a professional cake tester. Was that a thing? Daniel hoped it was. He'd enjoy that job immensely.

The second choice was an Earl Grey olive oil cake with fresh figs. It... was an interesting taste. Daniel did not care for it.

The third cake was one that would go down in history as so beautifully perfect, and would have been chosen, if allergies weren't a thing. Unfortunately, allergies did very much exist, and the pistachio cake with honey buttercream and caramelized pistachios would have to be denied.

The fourth cake the shop brought out was one Daniel knew immediately would be vetoed. As delicious as a spiced pear cake with salted caramel and chai tea icing sounded, neither Daniel nor Rick would like it. Chai was just not a flavor they enjoyed.

He was starting to feel bad for his server. The young woman was obviously trying her best despite how overworked she must be currently. He was trying to speed this along, he really was, but the cake had to be perfect, and so far, those expectations had not been met.

And then the fifth cake arrived. Upon sight, it looked like a normal chocolate cake. However, when Daniel took a bite, it melted in his mouth and caused a sigh of delight to escape him. The chocolate cake with a hazelnut buttercream icing was definitely the winner.

Daniel just couldn't wait to see Rick's face when he bit into it on the wedding night.

...

A few weeks later, Daniel was putting on his finest suit and nervously fidgeting with his tie, glancing over at his best man, Greg, as he did so.

"Stop messing with it, man." Greg chastised, fixing the tie. "You'll do great. You and Rick are the best couple around these parts. Nothing can get in the way of that.

The ceremony was amazing. Daniel didn't know how he made it through without weeping. Rick was so handsome in his purple suit, and when they kissed Daniel felt his heart fill up with completeness.

Later that night, watching Rick's face lit up as he licked the hazelnut icing off his fingers, he couldn't help but agree with his friend. He and Rick were meant to be. Nothing could get in the way of that. Ever.