Page 58 of The Loneliest Dragon at Christmas
“Nonsense,” Grady said. “It will give you a chance to get to know the family.”
Avery froze. “All right. Thank you. That will be nice.”
“Good.” Grady turned away. “Leo, have you started on the fruit loaf yet?”
The first day after a snowstorm and it was back to work as usual in the bakery. Of course, they’d be busy today. Everyone would be out and eager to restock after being snowed in for days. Fresh bread and loaves would be in high demand.
Jack faced Avery. “I need to get back to work.”
“Can I help?” Avery asked.
“Sure. But first…” Jack looked up. Carrie peered down at them from her shelf. “Hi, Carrie. Sorry I left for so long.”
Mild annoyance mixed with concern spread through the connection.
“We’ve been looking after her,” Cas said. “We fed her and made sure she had everything she needed. Although, I know she will be glad you’re home.”
“Thanks.” Jack reached up and picked her up, cradling her to his chest and stroking her. With a start, he realised her scales reminded him of Avery’s. “I’ve missed you.”
Warm affection answered him through their bond.
“And now I have someone I want you to properly meet.” Nervousness crept down Jack’s spine. He really hoped his familiar approved of Avery.
Jack turned to Avery. “This is Avery. He is very special to me. Avery, this is Carrie, my familiar.”
Avery gave a slight bow. “It is a pleasure to meet you, Carrie.”
Carrie turned her head. Her beaded gaze fixed on Avery. She stretched her neck, as if trying to get a better look at him.
Jack could feel her desire to get closer and examine Avery properly. “Would you like to hold her?”
Avery’s eyes widened. “Really? I mean, only if Carrie doesn’t mind.” He looked between Jack and Carrie. “I’ve never held a familiar before.”
“She doesn’t mind.” The emotion radiating from Carrie was pure curiosity.
Smiling, Jack handed Carrie to Avery. It took Avery a few moments to work out how to hold the iguana. Then they stared at each other.
After a second, Avery stroked her. “Hello, Carrie. I believe you and I have a lot in common. I also like to nap by a warm fire.” Avery glanced at Jack. “And I, too, care a great deal for Jack.”
Jack smiled. Carrie settled in Avery’s arms. Jack could feel her approval through the bond. Jack let out a relieved breath.
After settling Carrie back on her shelf, they got to work. Jack began to make meat pies. Avery washed dishes.
“It’s not hard,” Cas explained as he showed Avery because Avery had never washed a dish in his life. But that didn’t deter him. He nodded as Cas spoke, listening eagerly. Then he rolled up his expensive shirtsleeves and got to work.
Jack kept glancing at him. Avery made a bit of a mess, splashing water around. But he seemed to not mind getting hishands or clothes dirty. He smiled when Jack’s siblings spoke to him. He watched the others in the bakery with rapt attention.
After Jack placed the tray of meat pies into the oven, he came over to Avery as he dried a bowl. He had a spot of soap suds on his cheek.
Jack wiped the suds away. “How are you doing?”
“Wonderfully!” Avery beamed. “Your family is wonderful. They’re so welcoming. And so kind for letting me help out.”
Jack almost laughed. He’d never heard anyone call people “kind” for giving them chores to do.
Avery looked around the bakery. “It’s all so lovely,” Avery enthused. Because he clearly didn’t care about the faded wallpaper, the stains on the floorboards, the dented and worn furniture, or that the back area of the bakery was cramped.
It was all in my head.
