Page 39 of Just for the Holidays

“A wedding cake?”

“I’m kidding.” Nichol chuffs, passing Teddy the orders. “Just the cookies and pies.’’

“I better get to work.” He averts his eyes.

“You okay today?” Nichol asks, gripping the slips tightly until Teddy meets his eyes.

“I’m good.” Teddy smiles, making enough effort that Nichol seems to believe it.

“Okay.” Nichol releases the slips, raises a brow, and sits down on his stool.

The door jingles.

“There he is.” Carl cheers.

“Hi dad.” Nichol’s voice drops disapprovingly, adding, “Mom…”

Chapter 23

Nichol

Meddlesome Mama

“Itold you I’d get your order to Teddy.” Nichol chews his lip nervously and knots his arms to cut oxygen off from the wildfire rising through his chest and spreading up his neck.

“I know, but I forgot to write down butter rolls. We need two dozen.” Rebecca beams, ignoring Nichol’s glaring discomfort, and turning her attention to the baker.

Carl stuffs his hands in his pockets and acknowledges Nichol’s concern with a defeated but sympathetic shrug.

“Hi, Teddy.” Rebecca lights up with a mischievous gleam in her scheming eyes.

“Hi, Mrs. Anderson.” Teddy briefly looks up from the jumble of order slips and starts gathering ingredients.

Katie and her big mouth.Nichol hadn’t expected his sister to spill the gossip so soon, but he’d brought this upon himself.He’ll deal with her later.

“How have you been? I haven’t seen you in ages… I need to pop in here more often. I do miss your delicious doughnuts.” Rebecca rambles, dropping down on a stool. The vinyl cushion sighs—for poor Nichol—as she settles in for the unannounced visit.

Teddy smiles and offers a quick glance, completely unaware Rebecca is about to cast her lure in his direction and dangle it until he bites.

Nichol’s flush brightens and his eyes beg his father for mercy.

Carl gently squeezes Rebecca’s shoulder, but she pays no attention. Her eyes are fixed on the unsuspecting baker. Nichol can read her plot like an open book.

“Do you have plans for Christmas?” she pries.

“Mom,” Nichol mumbles, knowing exactly where this is going.

“Umm…” Teddy sets the slips down and briefly ponders a response. “Nope.”

“We’re having a little family gathering. That’s why we need some of your scrumptious goodies.’’ She casts her lure.

“Nice.” Teddy smiles, collecting measuring utensils and rubber spatulas from the large drawer under the workbench.

“Nichol hasn’t invited you to join us?” The lure plunks.

“Mom…” Nichol growls warningly.

Rebecca flashes a smirk, dismissively. She won't be dissuaded.

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