Page 99 of Close to Heaven

They’d just finished eating when somebody knocked on the door. Carl started to get up, but Avery said, “I’ll get it.”

She opened the door to Carolyn’s smiling face. “You came,” she whispered.

“Of course.”

Avery took the plate of cookies Carolyn held out and motioned her inside. The two men stood to greet her.

“Carolyn, this is my boyfriend, Jax Sawyer.”

“It’s lovely to meet you, Jax. I’ve heard good things,” Carolyn said sweetly.

“It’s nice to meet you too,” Jax said.

“I didn’t know you were coming today,” Carl said by way of greeting. He looked confused, and Avery rushed to fill in the blanks.

“I invited her, Dad. I wanted it to be a surprise.”

“Oh.”

“I hope you don’t mind. I brought cookies,” Carolyn said with a smile.

“Chocolate chip?” Carl asked.

“And peanut butter.”

“My favorites,” he said.

Avery set the cookies down on the coffee table and peeled off the foil covering. Jax and Carl immediately reached for one, and the women laughed.

“Can I get you something to drink, Carolyn?” Avery said.

“No, dear. I’m fine.”

“These are delicious,” Jax said as he helped himself to another cookie.

Carolyn beamed.

“Do you need a refill on your drink, Dad?” Avery asked.

“Stop fussing over me. Just sit down and eat a cookie!”

Everyone laughed. Avery sat beside Jax and then patted the space on the other side of her for Carolyn.

“I’ve never been to Sawyer’s Ridge. Where is it, exactly?” Carolyn asked.

While Jax answered, Avery plucked a chocolate chip cookie off the tray. She’d just taken her second bite when Jax said, “You’re welcome to join us for Christmas dinner if you’re not busy.”

Avery’s eyes went wide, and she looked from Jax to Carolyn and then to Carl.

“Oh. That’s so sweet of you,” Carolyn said, placing a hand over her heart.

Carl cleared his throat. “Maybe we could drive there together.”

“That would be lovely,” she said.

Jax smiled. “Great. Dinner will be at four o’clock.”

“Can I bring anything?” Carolyn asked.