Page 112 of Unwrapping Romance

“I had some time to think, and I kind of understand why you did what you did,” I nervously spoke.

“You do?”

“You were in a bad situation and had no one else. You were afraid for my life. I can’t fault you for that. And honestly, I’m not sure if I wouldn’t have done the same thing if someone threatened my child. I just wished you would have looked harder.”

“I tried, Sierra. I really did,” her voice was pleading.

“Jack and I started a new chapter of our lives this holiday season, and one thing is missing.”

“What’s that?”

“The fact that I don’t know how to bake Christmas cookies or anything at all. I want Ellie to have the memory of us baking cookies during the holidays. It’s a tradition I want to start. Hermother abandoned her before Thanksgiving. She brought her to Jack’s and took off to travel with some guy from Seattle.”

“Oh.” My mother looked down.

“She’s a shit mother for that alone. I was hoping that maybe you could come over and teach Ellie and me how to bake Christmas cookies.”

She cupped her face in her hands as tears emerged in her eyes.

“Yes. Yes. I would love to.”

“I thought maybe it could be the start of, you know, maybe getting to know each other better. I’m not going to lie, Mom. It will take a lot of time to develop a relationship.”

“I know, but it’s a start. I can come over Saturday afternoon, and we can start.”

“Saturday afternoon will be great.” I smiled.

We returned to the front, and Ellie picked out the cupcake she wanted.

“How much?” I reached into my purse.

“Nothing. It’s on me.” My mother smiled.

“Thanks.”

“Thank you,” Ellie said.

“You’re welcome, sweet girl.”

We climbed in the back of the Escalade, and Eric looked at me.

“Well?”

“She’s coming over Saturday to teach Ellie and me how to bake Christmas cookies.”

“Excellent, Sierra.” He grinned.

“Do me a favor, Eric. Don’t tell Jack you drove us here today. I’ll tell him when I’m ready.”

“No worries, Sierra. My lips are sealed.”

Jack arrived home with Chinese food for dinner. I really needed to learn how to cook.

“How was your day?” He kissed my lips.

“It was good. I found a dress for the party.”

“Excellent. How much did it cost me?” A smirk crossed his sexy lips.

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