Page 33 of A Sudden Romance

“What did you guys get?” he asked, then kissed Mom’s cheek before she stepped out of the embrace.

“A bit of this and that.” Mom’s golden eyes sparkled. The reflection of the main light and Christmas lights strung in the house gave them an extra glow—or maybe that was because she was basking in Dad’s attention.

“And there’s my princess.” Dad stretched his arms, his chin tilting to the side as he gazed at Iris with tender blue eyes so full of fatherly affection.

She set her bags down and embraced him. His soothing eucalyptus and sandalwood scent conjured pleasant childhood memories. She patted his shirt. “I’m too old to be a princess.”

“Ha!” He kissed her forehead. “You’ll never be too old to be my princess.”

The smell of garlic and grilled meat permeated the hall from the kitchen, and she couldn’t help peeking when they passed. Sabastian wasn’t there, but pots covered with lids evidenced he was nearby.

They carried the shopping bags up the winding staircase to the second floor and sat in the lounge’s cream-upholstery seats just beyond the balcony. Mom and Dad claimed the sofa while Iris settled in the curved armchair beside the love seat. The button tufting pressed against her back when she leaned further into her seat, savoring the festive feel. With the soft illumination from glittery golden lights strung along the holly trimming the white mantel, wainscoting, and window sashing, the mint-green walls glowed a festive color, and they didn’t need to turn on the main light.

Dad tucked an arm around Mom’s shoulders. Already in his joggers and a T-shirt, he must’ve been home long enough to get comfortable. “I’m excited to binge-watch those home improvement shows I’ve recorded for us, Princess.”

Her chest warmed. “How about tomorrow after church?”

After all, Dad and Mom would need to catch up tonight after being away from each other for an entire week.

“Your mom told me about your sudden interest in cooking.”

Mom leaned her head on Dad’s shoulder. “Sabastian says she’s a fast learner too.” She smiled at Iris. “I’m sure she’ll be making our breakfast tomorrow.”

Just the mention of Sabastian sent a rush of warmth coursing through her body. As her skin heated, no doubt her cheeks glowed, but Mom and Dad didn’t seem to notice the color transformation. Even if they did, they had no idea why she was blushing.

“I’ll still need Sabastian’s supervision to cook.”

“Hmm.” Dad touched his flat stomach. “I’m already looking forward to breakfast.”

Then he asked Mom about her week, and her shoulders slumped a bit. “Nothing new really. I do have some more kids for you guys to add to your prayer chains—two kids need a home and family, and another little fella is dealing with intense trauma.”

Iris rooted herself to the cushioned chair to keep from scooting over and hugging Mom. If Mom and Dad could adopt an entire school, they would. She was blessed by the brothers and sisters they’d adopted. Otherwise, she’d be an only child. How boring would that be?

“And you, Princess?”

“We’ve got the reunion nailed down. I’ll email you the list of events and themes Sabastian and I have planned—I think the ugly sweater will be the funnest one.” Her chest warmed as if she’d cuddled into one of those fuzzy sweaters. She tried to keep her tone neutral as she talked about Sabastian so her parents wouldn’t sense her sudden interest. “And we’re working through lists of our favorite Christmas songs.”

“If Sabastian’s name is drawn next time, I hope he can count on your help.” Dad crossed his legs.

“I intend to.” If she could survive the flames of attraction sparking with him in the kitchen this Christmas.

After they chatted for two hours, Iris and Mom left to take their showers before they sat down for dinner in the dining room. Sabastian joined them. His broad shoulders stretched out his navy Henley shirt, and his hair shone under the pendant lights. It seemed as if he’d just taken a shower too.

While there was a small table for three closer to the door, they sat at the wide table for fourteen.

Mom and Dad sat next to each other, so it would be logical for Iris and Sabastian to sit across from her parents. Still, she sat at one end of the table, and he sat on the other end, putting a safe distance between them. But soon, it became a struggle to keep her attention on her filet mignon. Instead, she snuck glances at Sabastian. Now and then, she felt the heat of his stare and she looked up, catching him in action. But then he’d look down and stab a fork into his food the moment she caught him.

Forks and knives clinked against porcelain as they sliced their meats while Mom talked about last year’s Christmas giving at the recreation center.

Iris had no idea what Mom said afterward that had Dad cackling. Iris and Sabastian seemed to be in a different world. He was gulping his water way too fast. She was eyeing him as if waiting for him to look at her. What was wrong with her?

She refocused on her plate, put the knife to use, and sliced through the tender meat.

“You’re quiet today, sweetheart.” At Mom’s voice, Iris’s eyes snapped up. “You’re okay?”

Iris stabbed at a piece of her sliced meat. “It’s the steak....” She lost her train of thought. “It’s good.”

The flavors and tenderness made the meat so tasty. Beef wasn’t her favorite meat, but Sabastian knew how to make everything taste good.

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