Page 47 of Christmas Treasures

“I’m Lily. I’m the baby. Until Aunt Laney has her baby, and then I’ll be a big girl.”

Jack followed right behind, his shirt and face carrying evidence of his overuse of frosting. “I’m Jack.” He held out a sugar cookie shaped like a star. “I made this for you. You can sit by me. I saved a spot.”

Sophie stepped down last, brushing her hands on one of her grandmother’s aprons, and smoothed her ponytail with the authority of an eleven-year-old big sister. “Hi, Bianca. I’m Sophie. If you need help with the frosting bags, just ask. It’s not hard once you get the hang of it.”

Bianca nodded, clearly enamored with her older cousin already.

Max’s mother stepped toward them, wiping her hands on a red-and-white apron with “Head Elf”embroidered across the front.

“Hello, Bianca. I’m Gigi. Max is my son. We’re so glad you’re here.”

Bianca hesitated only a second before stepping forward into Grace’s hug, nearly disappearing in the folds of the flour-dusted apron. A lump formed in Max’s throat as his mother’s arms encircled the little girl. His little girl. He still couldn’t quite wrap his head around the idea.

His father was right behind her, kneeling as well to say hello to the newest member of the family. “Hey there. I’m Pop.” He didn’t pull her into a hug, but he did place a hand on her shoulder for a second or two. He gestured toward the counter behind him where dozens of cookies waited on cooling racks. “Do you want to try one?”

Bianca looked up at Max, uncertainty and eagerness battling in her expression. “Posso davvero aiutare?”Can I really help?

Max grinned. “Absolutely.”

Max realized he hadn’t introduced anyone to Charlie. “Also, this is Charlie.”

“We know Charlie. She’s the pizza lady,” Jack said. “The Maple Islander is my favorite.”

Charlie’s face lit up. “I’m so glad to hear that.”

“I like the barbecue chicken one,” Lily said. “But Sophielikes the Veggie Delight best. Because she’s a naturally healthy eater.”

Sophie rolled her eyes. “That’s what our mom says about me.”

“Where are your parents?” Max asked.

“They went on a date,” Jack said, making a face. “Probably to kiss and stuff.”

Lily made kissing noises, which caused Jack to giggle. Bianca giggled too, although Max doubted she understood much of what was being said. But apparently, kissing noises were funny in any language.

Max guided Bianca to the island where an assortment of sugar cookies, icing bags, and sprinkles covered nearly every inch of space. Sophie handed Bianca a frosting bag and a blank snowflake cookie, its edges perfectly golden.

Sophie took Bianca under her wing, showing her how to decorate with icing and sprinkles. Max and Charlie migrated to the other end of the kitchen with his parents. Mom was already asking Charlie questions about herself, drawing her out as only his mother could do. How was she liking Sugarville Grove? Was business good this time of year? Somehow, the discussion migrated to gardening, with his parents and Charlie sharing tips about how to grow the sweetest tomatoes.

Max only half listened, keeping a close watch on Bianca. But he shouldn’t have worried. His nieces and nephew treated Bianca like one of the crew. Sophie even had her learning the English words for whatever tool or shape of cookie they used.

She repeated after Sophie. “Star. Sled. Santa. Gingerbread boy. Bell.”

This kid would know English soon, especially once she went to school.

School. He hadn’t really thought about that. But withholiday break, he wouldn’t have to get her enrolled until the first of the year. How was he going to handle all of that? Lunches and bus times and science projects? The thought of school made him feel anxious, but that was because of how hard it had been for him. She would do fine.

Sophie leaned over, her blonde head close to Bianca’s dark one, and whispered something that made Bianca laugh. Their shoulders touched as they bent over their creations, two little artists at work.

He always felt grateful for his family, but no more so than now.

Bianca giggled again, the sound mingling with Christmas music and the clatter of cookie sheets.

That was surely the best sound in the world.

12

CHARLIE

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