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“Well, I’m glad you’re here. Demi is going to be ecstatic to see you.”

“Speaking off,” Dallas frowned, looking around. “Where is she?”

“She went upstairs to change so she wouldn’t get flour all over her clothes, she’ll be back shortly.”

“Auntie Sev, you want to help me finish my Christmas ornament?”

“Sure, lovebug,” she agreed, before glancing over at Mrs. Wallace. “That is, if you don’t need help with anything.”

“You’re a guest in this house today, gone on,” Mrs. Wallace shooed her off with a smile.

Dallas placed Isis back down on the floor, and she wasted no time in taking Sevyn by the hand and leading her to the dining room. The large, rectangular table built with heavy oak was nearly invisible under the mass of art supplies sitting on top of it.

Isis released her hand, sliding into a chair. “Here.” She pushed a mound of supplies in Sevyn’s direction. “You can make an ornament too.”

“Uhhh, how about I help you with yours first, and then we see where things go? Okay, bossy pants?”

“Okay,” Isis shrugged.

Laughter found its way to her ears, and Sevyn’s head instinctively turned towards the kitchen. Watching Dallas and his mother beaming during their conversation made her heart swell.

As if he felt her staring at him, Dallas looked up, winking at her while chewing on a piece of bacon. Momentarily forgetting that she wasn’t supposed to be allowing herself to fall for him, Sevyn offered him a soft smile in return, thinking that maybe spending a morning with him might not be so bad after all.