Page 125 of The Holiday Makeover

Christmas Eve morning.

This had been such a different holiday season. But it reminded me what the season was truly about—love, forgiveness, and seeing the best in others. It really brought home the whole peace on earth and goodwill toward men thing.

Even though I was still mourning, I did feel peace.

And I definitely felt goodwill toward the beautiful people in my life who had come together to make Coco’s final wishes and celebration of life possible, despite blizzards, power outages, and unresolved feelings.

Tate led me back to the kitchen first.

Wow.

That was all I could think when I saw it finished and clean. The new black stainless-steel appliances gleamed, practically begging to be put to work. The white oak cabinets were modern, but still warm and homey. And the most personal touch I had added was displayed above the sink.

Hand-lettered in black script against the neutral wall were Coco’s words. The ones Tate had suggested belonged there.

Grandmas are moms with lots of frosting.

“I miss the frosting,” I whispered, my voice hitching.

Tate squeezed my hand. “Me too. But her granddaughter is just as sweet.”

I nudged him with my hip. That was super cheesy. But I loved it so much. I loved him.

So much.

You know what else I loved?

“Tate, the table looks amazing. When did you have time to refinish it?” I rushed over to the old table and chairs, pulling Tate along with me. They had been painted a smooth black, and somehow the set looked both classic and fresh. Perfect for the updated space.

“My dad helped,” he said, almost like he was embarrassed to admit it.

“That’s what you’ve been doing in the garage together.”

“Yeah. That and talking.”

“About what?”

“Mostly women. Some sports. The weather.”

I giggled. “Well, at least you’re talking.”

“You could say we’re a work in progress.”

“Aren’t we all?” I quipped.

Tate nodded, then glanced in the direction of the living room, barely containing his excitement. “Let’s go see the living room.”

“Lead the way.”

I was more than eager to see how the built-ins had turned out and how well they played against the updated walls, curtains, and the two new chairs I’d been lucky enough to find online and have delivered in time.

I’d imagined exactly how that room was supposed to look for weeks. Like the room itself had whispered what it wanted to be.

But imagining and seeing were two very different things.

Especially when Tate Ryder was the one grinning like he’d pulled off the impossible. I knew then it was going to be amazing.

Tate stepped behind me and covered my eyes before we rounded the corner. “No peeking. I want you to get the full effect.”