Page 65 of Savoring Christmas
“That’s right. That way we can stay in Sugarville Grove,” Mia said. “I’d already decided not to take it if he said no, but he didn’t. He agreed with us—Sugarville Grove needs another restaurant. One that’s open more than two nights a week and has a location that’s easy to get to. I don’t know what I was thinking, even considering moving back to the city. I belong here. I knew after our last class that I don’t want to be any place else in the world, but I thought I’d have to sacrifice my dream so I could stay. But I don’t have to. Thelma, I’m getting both.”
“Glory be to God,” Thelma said.
“This is my home.” Mia cupped Logan’s face with both hands. “You are my home.”
He was about to kiss her again when the alarm sounded. Their cookies were ready to be taken out of the oven.
“Oh dear, and we haven’t made our frosting yet,” Mia said.
“Frosting can wait,” Harold said, wiping his eyes with the sleeve of his sweater. “We’ve got champagne to open.”
Abby stepped forward with a cold bottle of bubbly. “I brought this just in case tonight turned out to be something special.”
“You knew?” Mia asked.
“I had insider information.” Abby popped the cork, causing Cannoli to hide behind Logan. “Max has a big mouth. The whole family knows by now.”
Logan couldn’t help but laugh. “Nothing stays a secret in the Hayes family for more than a few seconds. You’ll have to get used to everyone being in your business, Mia.”
“I honestly can’t wait. As far as drinking champagne goes, the cookiesdohave to cool, so I suppose we could all have a glass before we frost them.”
While Kris and Logan moved the trays of warm, golden cookies to cooling racks, Abby poured the champagne into plastic flutes she’d brought from home.
Mia looked around at each of them, emotion pressing at her throat.
“To friendship,” she said, raising her glass.
“To love,” Thelma added, lifting hers.
“To second chances,” Harold said, with a wink in Thelma’s direction.
“To learning something new for the sake of love,” Kris said.
Reese leaned forward, her eyes misty. “To all of you—because this class and my new friends have helped me to heal.”
“And to Mia and Logan,” Abby said. “May your kitchen always be warm and your stomach and hearts full.”
They all clinked glasses. Mia reached for Logan’s hand under the table and gave it a squeeze.
“When will the wedding be?” Thelma asked. “I can help plan it.”
Mia and Logan exchanged a glance.
“Let’s do it before Christmas,” Logan said, the words out of his mouth before he could stop them. “All of my brothers have married during the holidays. We should too.”
“Oh, you really should,” Abby said. “Then we all match.”
“You mean next week?” Mia asked.
“We can all help,” Reese said.
“We could do it at my house,” Logan said.
“Oh, how about a potluck?” Harold asked. “We can all bring something we learned in class.”
“I am going to be busy after the new year with the restaurant,” Mia said. “So, yes, let’s do it.”
“What about a dress?” Reese asked. “That’s the most important part. I mean, besides being in love and all.”
