Page 39 of A Gingerbread Romance

“Oh, that’s right.” He smiled. “Do you think the plan brought in more customers this year, like you’d hoped?”

She gave a firm nod. “I honestly do. Even Judy agrees. We’re going to start doing this every year.”

“Really? That’s great.” He was so glad the whole plan with Berg had worked out. He still hadn’t told her about his part in it, but it could wait. Why chance upsetting her on their firstrealdate? “Oh, and yeah, so your Christmas Day plans sound like fun. Would you mind some company?”

Her head jerked back with a broad smile. “Would you want to join me? Because I would love some company.”

He nodded, relaxing. “I’d love to join you. So, it’s a plan, then? I’ll come over and help you make breakfast at your house.”

She smiled. “Perfect. And I’ll bake you some cookies while you watch the game, or whatever you want to do, unless you want to help?”

“I’ll be glad to help. I could probably stand to learn a bit more about baking, anyway.” He scrunched up one side of his mouth. “But maybe with the game on in the background?”

“Sounds like a plan.” She smiled, and he loved seeing how happy she looked.

And now for the question he’d first intended to ask. “But hey, would you want to join me at Wade and Jocelyn’s house on Christmas Eve, too? It’s going to be a big family gathering, but casual. Nothing major. Food, drinks, carols, people, kids, grandparents—the works.”

An extremely grateful expression crossed Greta’s face, but she seemed cautious. “Are you sure? I mean—I’m not family. And we’re just—starting out…”

He was glad she’d said what was on her mind. “That doesn’t matter. Wade mentioned it the other night at the bar. They’d love to have you, and so would I.”

She smiled, still cautious as she thought it over. “Okay, then. Thanks. Yeah, I’d love to come.”

Jonathan let out a breath, gave her a hug, and returned to the stove, his heart smiling.

TWELVE

“You just talked all night, huh?” Abby said, repeating what Greta had told her, and Greta could almost hear her friend grinning into the phone, eyebrows to the roof. Abby wouldn’t have believed her, even if it had been true.

Greta kept a swift pace across the sidewalk, bundled up in coat, scarf, hat, and gloves. The sun hadn’t yet come up, but she could see her breath fogging in the cold as she spoke, even in the low light.

Abby was also an early riser and liked to chat as she got ready for work over a cup of coffee. Greta had just explained in detail how Jonathan had made her a delicious dinner last night, how she’d sipped a glass of wine with him in front of an exceedingly romantic fire, and how the conversation hadn’t once slowed.

Greta smiled into the phone, remembering the kisses they’d exchanged. Long and slow, at times. Fast and urgent, at others. And wow, was he a good kisser. Her lips tingled just thinking about it.

“Okay, so yeah, there was a little more than just talking,” Greta admitted. “And he invited me to spend Christmas Eve with his family.”

“Wow, that’s huge,” said Abby.

“Well, he knows you won’t be here and that Jean won’t be back,” said Greta, nervous already and trying not to make a big deal of it.

“Yes, but how sweet of him. He didn’t have to invite you even if he did feel like sweeping in and becoming your plans-for-Christmas hero.”

Greta laughed. Abby was right. He could’ve just agreed to see her on Christmas Day, but he’d welcomed her into his family as well. She’d always wanted a big family. Sisters, brothers…parents. She sighed. She was looking forward to it more than she’d admit. Besides, she’d love to get to know Chloe and the rest of the group better.

A nervous tingle rippled through her stomach, however. The relationship was so new. Could she even call it a relationship yet? Maybe it was too soon? It had been a total of twoactualdates, spread out over the course of three weeks. Maybe she shouldn’t count her chickens before they hatched.

Still, it was exciting. She’d have to just let it play out and see. She took a deep breath and exhaled.

“Well, whatever the case,” said Abby. “I’m so happy for you, sweetie.”

“Thanks, Abby.” Greta heard a beep on the phone and lifted it for a look. “Oh, hey, I have to go. That’s my grandmother on the other line.”

They said goodbye, and Greta clicked over. “Grandma Jean! How are you doing?”

“I’m doing great, honey!” Her voice came through clearly. “How are things there?”

“Great!” It would take a while to explain just how and why things were great, but that would probably have to be another time.

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