Page 55 of Baking it Merry

Turning her head, she kissed his cheek.“Don’t worry so much.I’ve got it all under control.I’m going to grab the cupcakes.Would you like some coffee or something to drink?”

Forcing a smile, he said, “Whatever you’re having.”

She stood and looked down at him.“Don’t freak out about this.Please.I’m fine and can get it all done.I’m used to the holidays being like this.”

Tristan didn’t doubt that for a moment, but it still bothered him that his mother would make more work for Daphne when she knew how hard she was already working.

Note to self, call Mom tomorrow…

Not that it was going to change anything, but it would make him feel better to gently reprimand her for changing the menu like that—especially when there was nothing wrong with the original menu.

Letting his head fall back against the cushions, he sighed.It was nice to focus on something other than work—even if it was just cake.Actually, this whole scenario was nice.He’d been so consumed with work and all that was going wrong that he hadn’t had any time to simply let himself relax and enjoy…well…anything.

Several minutes passed and Daphne hadn’t come back, so he stood and went to the kitchen, but she wasn’t there.“Daphne?”

“In here,” she called out.It was obvious she had gone to the bedroom and he wondered if she was changing into something other than her leggings and holiday sweatshirt.

Glancing around the kitchen, he didn’t see the cupcake box she had placed there earlier.“Um…did you want me to put the cupcakes out?”

A small laugh was her first response.“Can you come back here, please?”

Walking down the short hallway, he stepped into her bedroom and froze.She was on the bed wearing the sexiest, skimpiest red lace underwear he had ever seen.

And she was holding up two cupcakes.“I thought we’d have dessert in here.”Her voice was soft and sultry, and he was already kicking off his shoes.

“Put the cupcakes on the bedside table,” he gruffly commanded.“We’ll enjoy them after I enjoy you.”

And they did.

Naked, sweaty, and with a definite sugar buzz, Tristan placed a soft kiss on top of Daphne’s head.She was practically asleep, her head was on his chest and their legs were tangled together, and he almost felt bad for keeping her up late.

Then he realized it was barely ten, so…technically she was going to bed on time.

Reaching over, he carefully turned off the light and got comfortable even as he tried not to disturb her.It was a bit early for him to go to sleep, but he wanted to be here with her.

“If you could build your dream project tomorrow,” she whispered, “what would it be?”

“I want to build a home for a family that has these amazing spaces for the kids, but also these great spaces for the adults.Something with indoor and outdoor living, but I think about the kids' spaces with these amazing nooks for forts and built-in bunk beds.The kind of spaces that can grow with the family.”Shifting slightly, he held her closer.“I want to build a house that thinks of everything.”

“Mmm…that sounds amazing.And expensive,” she said around a yawn.“But mostly amazing.Like those coastal houses where families gather for their summer vacations with all the kids and grandkids, and there’s always a giant bunk room for the grandkids.Typically, there’s a nautical theme—lots of navy blue and white—and it looks so inviting that you can easily imagine yourself there.”

“Exactly.On the flip side, I would love to tinker with the idea of a tiny home—something that has everything you need and the space is utilized perfectly.Something that proves you can have luxury even in a small space.”

“That’s what I need in the gingerbread house.Not the luxury part, but to have the space utilized better.It was built for practicality, but I’m outgrowing it.”Another yawn.“Plus, if it gets too big, it will be that much harder to transport when I need it for an event.”And yet another yawn.“Still…that’s the dream.”

She snuggled closer and Tristan knew she was just about asleep.“Goodnight,” he whispered.

Humming softly, she whispered back, “Goodnight.”

Ten

“You have fondant on your face.”

Groaning, Daphne ran into the restroom and confirmed said fondant.After washing up, she walked back out to the kitchen.“Thanks, Mom.”Glancing around, she asked, “How are we doing on time?”

“You have an hour to run home to shower and change.Marcus, Jackie, Dot, and Lisa are all going to be here in the next few minutes.We’ll get the van loaded and secure everything before you get back.”

“Sounds good.”She quickly grabbed her purse and keys and looked around for whatever else she needed to take with her.

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