Page 40 of Just for the Holidays

“No,” Teddy responds, confused.

“Nichol!” Rebecca scolds. “You’re not spending Christmas alone, I hope?” She turns back to Teddy, teasing the lure to get his attention.

“Just me and GiGi,” he shrugs.

“No no no.” Rebecca leans her elbows on the counter.

Nichol is vibrating with panic, glaring at his complicit father.

Carl chews his cheek. “Becs, we need to go pickup our tree.” He makes a valiant effort.

She’s paying no attention to Carl—or Nichol. “You’re going to come and join us!” Rebecca declares. “It’s Christmas Eve.”

Teddy pauses, searching for words to speak. There’s panic on his face too, as he’s fighting to release from the hook.

“You’re not spending the holiday alone.” Rebecca reels him in. “Come by around five.”

Nichol surrenders. There’s no derailing Rebecca Anderson when she has her sights set on a mission.Especially if she’s playing Cupid. He’s going to have to explain himself to the poor baker, without looking like a complete asshat.

Teddy is still stunned.

“I’m making a roast dinner. It’ll be perfect with those gorgeous butter rolls you make.” Rebecca beams.

“Okay. Let’s go get that tree.” Carl tugs at her coat sleeve.

“Yes,” she agrees and winks at Nichol.

He’s frozen and glowing as pink as the storefront with the holiday lights in the window, twinkling in his hollow eyes.

Carl finally manages to pull Rebecca out the door and down the sidewalk.

Chapter 24

Teddy

Just For The Party

Nichol is staring past the front window with his back to the kitchen, unmoving, and Teddy isn’t entirely sure what just happened but returns to shuffling the order slips and baking utensils.

“Sorry about that.’’ Nichol cuts the awkward tension.

“Your mom is sweet.” Teddy can’t think of another response.Rebecca Anderson is sweet and can be terrifying.

“Coffee?” Nichol asks.

“I’m good.” Teddy doesn’t need any caffeine to boost his current state of fluster.

Nichol crosses the floor and fills a cup, sipping the raw black brew, as he walks back to his stool and sits.

“Don’t worry… I’ll come up with an excuse to bow out,” Teddy assures him.

“Oh no, she’ll just come knocking on your door. It’s best if you come.” Nichol chews his cheek.

“I doubt you wantmeat your family party.” Teddy scoffs.

“I don’t want you to feel assaulted by my crazy clan.” Nichol replies.

Teddy hurls a sack of flour from under the workbench to its surface.

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