Page 29 of Christmas Promises

“Wow,” Sophie said, pausing in her own decorating to watch. “That’s really pretty.”

Jack leaned closer to get a better look. “It’s like the ones I saw at the bakery.”

“Laney’s a really good artist,” Nolan said, sounding proud.

A pool of warm caramel seemed to coat Laney’s stomach. “I knew all those art classes were worth it.”

Abby leaned over her shoulder, eyebrows raised. “That’s gorgeous. Okay, well, that lets me off the hook. I’m officially retiring.”

“Mama, you can’t retire from cookies,” Jack said. “That would hurt Gigi’s feelings.”

“I’ll survive, honey, but thank you.” Grace kissed the top of his head.

Laney dipped a small spoon into the silver sugar, sprinkling just enough to add a soft shimmer without overwhelming the design. She sat back, surveying her work with a satisfied smile. “This is quite soothing to the soul.”

“Isn’t it though?” Sophie asked, looking about forty rather than ten.

Nolan’s voice came from behind her, warm with amusement. “I’m not even going to try to beat that.”

“Uncle Nolan is more the Cookie Monster than the cookie maker,” Sophie said.

“Someone has to do it,” Nolan said.

“My son has a terrible sweet tooth,” Grace said, with a loving glance in Nolan’s direction.

Laney glanced over her shoulder at Nolan, her smile widening. “Is that what makes him so sweet?”

Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Grace and Abby exchange a glance.

“Maybe you should open a cookie store instead of working at the bookshop.” Grace peered at the star, nodding approvingly. “You’ve got a real knack for this.”

Laney felt a flush creep up her cheeks, though the praise pleased her. “Thank you. I love crafts and cooking. I almost went to culinary school but my…well, never mind. Anyway, baking’s a great hobby.”

Max popped the cork out of a bottle of prosecco and poured the adults small glasses. “I love the holidays. And bubbles.” Max peered into a champagne flute before handing it to his mother.

“Will you show us how to do that?” Jack asked, indicating Laney’s piping. “Because mine always goes wonky.”

“Of course I will,” Laney said. “But you better not beat me.”

Jack giggled. “I probably won’t, but I can’t make any promises.”

As Laney reached for another blank cookie, Nolan slid onto the stool next to her, leaning in close enough for his shoulder to brush hers. He set a glass of prosecco next to her. “That’s too pretty to eat.” He leaned closer, whispering in her ear. “You’re pretty too.”

Laney’s cheeks flushed again as she looked into his eyes. “Thank you.”

Sophie leaned over her gingerbread man, carefully adding buttons down its front, while Jack enthusiastically squeezed green icing onto a tree-shaped cookie, his tongue sticking out slightly in focus. Lily giggled as she accidentally dropped a handful of rainbow sprinkles on the counter.

“Oops! It’s snowing sprinkles,” Abby teased, brushing the colorful mess into her hand and back into the bowl.

Max stood at the other end of the island, pretending to inspect Jack’s work with a critical eye. “Yours looks a little like you left it out in the sun too long.”

Jack burst into laughter, his hands sticky with icing. “You’re going to stifle my creativity, Uncle Max.”

Max threw back his head in laughter. “I think your creativity is just fine, Jack.”

Abby placed her hands on Jack’s small shoulders. “Don’t listen to him, honey. I think it looks perfect.”

“She doesn’t really mean that,” Max said to Jack. “She’s just being nice.”

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