Page 110 of When in December

“Wonderful. I expected no less,” she said. “Be aware that I’m hoping to call a meeting to discuss some important things, as you know, before the new year.”

Of course, she was talking about the promotion.

“I can’t wait.”

We said goodbye and ended the call.

Taking a deep breath, I walked back toward the house, feeling the weight of uncertainty settle on my shoulders. As I opened the door, Aaron was nowhere to be seen.

It was all going to work out.

I shook my head in disbelief, taking in the sight of all that I had accomplished. It was nothing short of a miracle that everything had come together within the tight deadline I’d been given. Despite the constant rush and physical strain, I hadn’t collapsed from exhaustion even once.

Every muscle in my body ached—a reminder of all the work I’d put in. As I took another step forward, Oz came bounding toward me, excited to see me after being cooped up while the photographer was there. His wagging tail and playful barks echoed through the room, adding to the sense of chaos and accomplishment that filled the air.

It’s all going to work out.

It was as if I was striking a deal with the universe.

Please let this happen.

Let the affirmations be true.

Let me be happy.

Let me be healthy.

Let me be strong.

Let me get through this. Let me have good things…

My heart clanged in my chest.

I was staring at Aaron. He smiled back.

I didn’t ask for anything more.

twenty-six

. . .

Poppy

“Is this full homemaker mode?”

I didn’t bother to answer Aaron. I bustled through the cabin, adjusting pillows and placing throw blankets over the back of the couch. I twisted holiday figurines on the bookshelves and double-checked that the oven wasn’t too hot to warm the cinnamon rolls that I’d bought premade from the bakery.

The warm scents of cinnamon sugar and orange were supposed to be inviting. I didn’t need Sarah and her family to walk into another gingerbread disaster.

“What? Not making anything this time?” Aaron leaned against the doorway to the kitchen, the picture of ease as he continued his relentless teasing.

Nothing he said was going to stop me from continuing to make sure that everything was perfect for his sister and her family when they arrived though. I should’ve been done a while ago so that I could make a quiet exit after going over everything with her, but I wanted to wipe down the counters one more time.

He chuckled, watching.

I playfully swatted him with a towel, shooing him out of the kitchen. “They’re going to be here at any minute.”

“I’m dressed, aren’t I?”

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