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“It might be Vicki. She was going to come over and make sure we have everything we need for the party.” Molly skipped to the kitchen door.
“What party?” Bridget frowned. “What are you two up to?”
“We were planning a Come As Your Secret Self party at her house. She invited Kathy too. I have to bring dress-ups. Can I raid your closet?”
“No, you can’t—”
“I already did,” Molly informed her as she opened the back door. “Jonas!” she cried in delight.
Bridget pivoted sharply as he walked in. He looked rugged and sexy, like he’d finally gotten out of the office and up to the mountains for several hours of much-needed R&R. He was wearing a dark suede parka lined with fleece. Bridget wanted nothing more than to burrow into it and get a huge hug from him.
Her stomach somersaulted and she felt weak at the knees. Then she became conscious of Molly eyeing her curiously. It wouldn’t do to let Molly catch on about Jonas coming over. Bridget nibbled uncertainly at her lower lip.
“It’s going to snow again,” Jonas declared, shutting the door behind him.
Bridget’s gaze flickered to the gray sky outdoors. She tried to respond calmly. “We’re going to have a white Christmas. Global warming or not.”
“I think we’re going to be up to our ears in snow. Is that okay with you, Molly?” His gaze moved to her.
“I can’t wait! But I better get going! Mom, I’m going to pack, okay?”
“Okay. I can handle the gingerbread gang. Thanks for helping.”
Molly ran out of the kitchen.
“I didn’t expect you so soon.” Bridget became conscious of her appearance.
She had wanted to change and put on fresh makeup before he arrived. She brushed the hair away from her forehead with the back of her hand, forgetting about the icing-coated knife she held and smearing some on her cheek.
“You were expecting Jonas?” Molly breathed in surprise, poking her head around the frame of the kitchen door.
“Hey, I thought you went upstairs.”
“I came back,” Molly said innocently.
“So I see. Didn’t I mention to you that he was coming over?” Bridget set the knife down, knowing very well she hadn’t said anything to Molly because she hadn’t wanted to make a lot of explanations yet. Taking a damp towel, she wiped the icing from her cheek, which was slightly tinged with embarrassed pink. “Although I had thought it would be later tonight.” Oh geez. Molly and Vicki would have a field day with that snippet of information. “Sorry, Jonas. I haven’t had a chance to clean up.”
“You look fine,” Jonas assured her.
“You always look great, Mom,” Molly added her endorsement, but it didn’t carry the same weight as his.
“I suppose I should apologize for coming early, but what with the snow and all, I wanted to make sure that Molly got this particular Christmas present. Do you mind if she opens one in advance?”
“Not at all. She might decide to stop driving me crazy,” Bridget said wryly.
His arm moved to reveal a large, ribbon-wrapped box he had been holding behind his back.
“For me!” Molly shrieked.
“Do you know anybody else in this house named Molly?” Jonas teased and handed it to her.
“Can I really open it now?” Molly asked Bridget, clutching the package excitedly.
“Go ahead,” Jonas said, and Bridget nodded her agreement with his answer.
With painstaking care, Molly slid the bright ribbons from around the gift-wrapped box, her hazel eyes sparkling. The paper was removed with equal care before Molly lifted the lid of the box to see what was inside.
“A saddle blanket!’” she cried with delight.
