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“Let me try one,” I say, eagerly reaching into the box.
“Nope,” Kai says, slapping my hand away. “These are all mine.”
Winter giggles and wraps her arms around my waist. “It’s okay. I can always make more of them at home.”
Leaning down, I capture her lips in a kiss. “Nothing tastes as good as you, love,” I tell her.
Her cheeks flush crimson as she buries her face in my chest.
She’s so damn cute, I want to eat her up on the spot.Good thing we’re proposing to her soon, I think, remembering the decorative orbs we bought this morning. I can’t wait to make her ours forever.
16
Winter
The days leading up to Christmas Eve fly by in the blink of an eye. Determined to make the best of the holiday season, I’ve been spending most of my time at the bakery.
Kat and Esther seem to have a permanent smile on their faces as they labor to bake our patrons’ favorite holiday treats. Their enthusiasm fires me up, enabling me to create lovely Gingerbread houses that some of our clients specially ordered.
Since we’re staying open for longer hours, our business has tripled! The cakes and pastries have been flying off the shelves, making us feel humble and grateful for our patrons’ support. Nothing feels nicer than being appreciated for all our hard work.
I’m slowly starting to understand why my parents loved the bakery so much. Deep within, I’m grateful to Jacob and his brothers for helping me save On the Rise. Without their support, I’d have never been able to see it flourish like it did during my parent’s time.
“Merry Christmas, everyone!” Kat’s voice startles me from my thoughts.
Turning around, I see her hugging Esther and Johnson. It’s late in the evening and almost time to close up the shop. We’ll be reopening after three days to roll out our special menu for New Year, so we’re saying longer goodbyes tonight.
“Have a good long rest,” I tell Kat as she comes over to me.
“You too, kiddo,” she says, giving me a one-arm hug. “You’ve been working very hard lately. It’s time you relaxed and let those handsome, hunky alphas take care of you.”
A laugh escapes me as she winks.
“Come on, you guys,” Johnson says, stepping toward us. “It’s time you all went home already.”
“Are you sure you want to stay back to close up?” I ask.
He nods. “Absolutely. Just get your asses home before the snowfall gets heavier.”
Looking out of the window, I catch a glimpse of the light flurry that has started. A smile lifts the corners of my lips as I realize we’re going to have a white Christmas morning tomorrow.
Taking a deep breath, I smile at Johnson, Esther, and Kat. “I love you guys so much,” I say, my voice catching because of the sudden emotions surging through me. “Merry Christmas!”
My vision goes blurry as they wave at me and shout back their wishes. Turning around quickly, I wipe my eyes before opening the door and walking out.
A blast of chilly air hits my face. An intense emotion comes over me as I take in the bakery that my parents built. Flashing red, gold, and green lights illuminate the shop front. It’s one of the very few shops that are still open at this hour on Christmas Eve.
“We’ve done well this year,” I say, smiling to myself.
Taking a deep breath, I turn away and make my way toward the parking lot at the end of the street. Without Laura’s overbearing presence in my life, I’ve been able to fully focus on a holiday menu that has been popular among both our older and newer patrons.
With the profits we’re making, I’d soon be able to hire extra workers to help us as our business expands. The chilly wind continues to blow all around me but it doesn’t dim the excitement I feel.
Reaching my car, I unlock the door and slide in. As the warm air circulates through the interior, I relax and look forward to meeting Jacob, Cole, and Kai.
The Drake brothers have been busy taking care of their business as well. Since the upcoming weeks will be filled with parties and celebrations, they’re taking extra security measures for all their clients.
Stepping on the gas, I drive through the nearly deserted streets.
