Page 28 of Christmas Promises

“Well, it’s true, isn’t it?” Lily lifted her shoulders in a nonchalant shrug.

“It is true,” Abby said, kissing the top of the child’s head. “But we must remember to be modest.”

“I don’t want to,” Lily said.

Abby shook her head, catching Laney’s gaze. “We don’t have problems with self-esteem, apparently.”

“That’s a good thing,” Laney said. “The world tries to tear us down whenever it can.”

Just then, a pretty woman with silver hair entered the kitchen from the patio. She wore an apron dusted with flour over a red sweater.

“Mom, you remember Laney,” Nolan said.

“Yes, of course I do,” Grace said. “Although we were both considerably younger.” She pulled Laney into a quick hug. “I’m so happy to see you again. Your aunt’s delighted to have you in town for the holidays, and so are we.”

Laney returned the hug and the smile, feeling a twinge of nervousness. “Thank you. Your kitchen smells amazing. I love Christmas, especially the scents.”

“I couldn’t agree more,” Grace said. “Should we open some prosecco to start this season off, right?”

“I’ll do it,” Max said, raising his frosting-covered hand.

“Wash your hands first, dear,” Grace said. “You’re worse than the kids.”

“Yes, but I’m going to win this year, so it’s all worth it,” Max said, heading toward the large white sink.

“You’ve never won,” Grace said in a mocking, overly indulgent tone. “But good for you for continuing to try.”

At the sink now, Max looked over his shoulder. “I don’t feel like you’re being sincere, Mother.” He emphasized the wordmother, as if to remind her of her role. “But I’m still going to do my best, even without my dear mother’s support.”

“Oh, brother.” Grace laughed and handed Max a hand towel.

Grace indicated the empty stool. “Do you want to try one, Laney?”

“Sure.” She couldn’t wait, actually. Settling at the counter, she watched as Grace set several bare cookies in front of her. “Are there any rules?”

Max laughed. “Other than Mother being the only judge and jury, no.”

“I’m the matriarch, thus I get to decide who wins.” Grace rubbed her hands together as if she were planning something evil. “That’s what I get for squeezing these big-headed goofballs out of my you-know-where.”

Laney laughed. “I’d say you deserve more.”

“You and me both,” Grace said.

“How can she say such things about us?” Max asked Nolan. “We’re the greatest sons anyone could ever have.”

“She knows it too,” Nolan said. “I mean, how could she not.”

“You two should zip it before I kick you outside,” Grace said.

Abby slid a star-shaped cookie in front of Laney. “Let’s see what you’ve got, newbie.”

Laney reached for a piping bag filled with golden icing and a small bowl of shimmering silver sugar. “This is such fun, Grace. Thanks again for inviting me.”

“Your aunt never participates,” Grace said, gesturing outside. “She prefers to drink beer with the boys.”

“Good. I’ll take her cookies too.” Laney picked up the piping bag, giving it a quick test squeeze.

The hum of activity around her faded slightly as she focused on the cookie. Her artistic instincts kicked in, and her hands moved with careful precision as she outlined the star’s edges in a delicate line of golden icing. The piping was smooth and even, the edges sharp and clean. She leaned in, her brow furrowing slightly as she added small, intricate details—a swirl in one corner, a tiny filigree at the tips of the star’s points.

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