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She chuckled. “Life has been nothing but surprises lately.”
I nodded, pulling her into my arms. “These surprises almost make me not want to go outside any longer.”
“Is that what we should call them?”
I laughed, watching Brielle make her way to the other side of the street, and breathed a sigh of relief.
Daisy wrapped her arms around me, too, and nestled in. “One thing’s for sure. I wouldn’t want to navigate them with anyone but you.”
Chapter Twenty-Five
Daisy
I’d finished the book for the Sunshine Breakfast Club, and tonight was the last official meeting before Christmas. Tonight was also the night I’d get to meet Tate. I walked into the lobby of the community center filled with the familiar Christmas decorations and laughter from down the hall. I shuddered as I walked by the room with the Santa debacle and stayed course for the Sunshine Breakfast Club.
The room hummed with holiday cheer. Twinkling lights festooned every pole, window, and archway, and tables of food were spread as far as the eye could see. I’d brought more of my famous fudge to add to the pile. Ornaments twirled merrily from the ceiling, basking in the cozy glow of Christmas lights, and I didn’t think the place could get any cuter.
A majestic Christmas tree stood in the corner, its branches laden with handmade decorations and silver tinsel. Everything was perfect, and for once, I didn’t want to run in the other direction from the festivities.
The aromas of spiced cider and freshly baked treats circulated through the air, and it felt so good to be on this side of the Sunshine Breakfast Club’s plans. Hunter and I had made it over the hurdle, even if no one else knew it.
Although, I suppose if things went horribly tonight, Hunter could think twice about things.
But I loved kids. I wanted a gaggle of kids. Might as well start now.
I glanced at the dessert table, which was adorned with an array of festive delights, and my stomach growled. A glorious Yule log, dusted with powdered sugar and inlaid with vibrant red berries and holly leaves, added a pop of color to the center of the table.
Next to the holiday cake were tiny pecan and cherry pies with their flaky, buttery crusts. Sprinkle cookies and rugelach lined each side of the table. It became clear that I’d have to be rolled out of here. I spotted a tray of gingerbread cookies, artfully decorated with red icing to resemble tiny Santas, and snagged one.
"So, tell us everything! How's it going with Hunter?" Maya asked, sneaking up behind me.
I nearly dropped my Santa cookie when Millie came up on the other side of me. “And that Brielle? What’s going on there?”
I laughed as a blush crept up my cheeks. "Well, it's been wonderful, actually. I knew I was right about him.”
Millie’s eyes twinkled. “About what?”
“Keeping the faith, having hope.”
She smiled and nodded. “You were right, but for the record, I’m rarely wrong.”
“You weren’t wrong this time, either. Hunter is the one for me.”
"But I can’t believe the ex moved in across from you. She hates it here. She hates us. Drama… she is full of drama!" chimed in Abby, her tone laced with a playful note as she popped a sprinkle cookie in her mouth.
The truth was that nobody here knew about little Tate, but Hunter told me that tonight, I should tell them. His mom would be here in a little bit and would support me however was needed.
"Yeah, that was quite a surprise," I admitted, recounting the evening when Brielle came over for coffee after her box of Dior slingbacks spilled onto her snowy driveway. "But it turned out to be a sweet visit. I mean, there were a couple of glimpses of the old Brielle, but I think she’s been through a lot. She’s…” What was the word Hunter used? “Softened. Who knows? Maybe we’ll even become friends.”
I looked at the ladies in front of me, and I couldn’t tell whether they wanted to laugh or cry.
Maya squeezed my hand. "Only you could turn a potentially awkward situation into a budding friendship.”
“Not awkward,” Millie muttered. “That’s more like World War Three in my book.”
Hunter’s mom walked into the room, and the moment her eyes met mine, it felt like the weight of the world had lifted.
I respected her now more than ever. Once Hunter told me his mom was the only person who knew, and she refused to tell a soul, I knew we’d be close.
