As the days melted into weeks, their bond deepened. Their shared laughter, the gentle touches, the unspoken understanding that passed between them – all woven into a tapestry of blossoming love. The bakery thrived under their combined talents, the aroma of their creations drawing a steady stream of customers. And Alexander, ever ambitious, began to dream bigger.
One evening, after the last customer had left and the moon cast long shadows across the cobblestone street, Alexander sat opposite Iris at a small wooden table, sketching in his notebook. "I want to expand," he declared, his voice filled with a determined energy. "This place is wonderful, but it's too small. We need a larger space, a place where we can experiment, where we can attract a wider clientele, and finally, have your beautiful artwork displayed."
The bakery was located in a small town, but there was a wonderful building, a old abandoned manor house at the edge of town. Whispers of its history had always intrigued Alexander.
Iris's eyes lit up. "That sounds incredible! But how do we even begin?"
"We need a loan," Alexander replied, his smile faltering slightly. "And for that, we need a business plan."
The next few weeks were a blur of late nights, fueled by coffee and shared dreams. Iris, using her organizational skills, took the lead in crafting the business plan while Alexander handled the finances and sourcing. Together, they mapped out their vision: a larger bakery with a dedicated art gallery, a cozy seating area, and a wider range of innovative pastries and breads. The plan was meticulous, detailed, and filled with the passion that fueled their shared dream.