Page 69 of Yuletide Acres

“Thanks for dinner,” I repeat, trying to maintain neutral topics.

“Of course. You have to eat. We all do.”

Estelle strolls into the kitchen, being pulled by Marissa, and offers me a quick hug before we all settle down to dinner.

I’m not a woman who lives on lettuce, so after two slices, I’m feeling fat and happy. “I’m stuffed. That was some delicious pizza.”

Dylan chuckles. “The owner is from New York. He brought his recipes with him.”

“New York has amazing pizza,” I concur, helping Estelle clear the table. “Thank you so much.”

“I think four thank you’s is sufficient, Sunshine. Marissa, why don’t you show Poppy what we made for dessert?”

“Dessert? I can’t eat another—” my voice halts as Marissa offers me a black and white cookie. To some, it’s just a cookie. To me, it’s heaven on a plate. Covered in icing. “There’s a bakery around here that sells these?”

“No, we made them. But I tried one and they’re actually really good.”

I take a bite, releasing a groan of happiness. “They’re delectable. I love these cookies,” I smile at Marissa, offering her a bite.

“I know. Daddy told me.”

“I can’t believe he remembered.”

“He remembers everything about you. We have to make you want to stay.”

My heart catches at her earnest expression. “I’ll have to go home, eventually.”

“No, you don’t.”

“Where would I sleep?”

“With my Dad. Like last night.”

My eyes bulge at her straightforward declaration. My gaze volleys between Dylan and Estelle, both holding back their laughter. Bastards. Neither one is going to help me out here. “She’s a miniature version of you.”

I walk to the sink, my face flaming. Dylan walks behind me, wrapping his arms around my waist. “Yep. She’s my carbon copy. Just wait, when we have one, he’ll be an equal mix of us. The stubbornness will be legendary.”

I focus on the dishes in the sink, willing my heart rate to normal, but after his words, it’s pounding like a locomotive. “Well, if he’s stubborn, it will be because of you.”

Dylan presses a kiss to my ear, his beard tickling my skin. “I’m glad you didn’t say no.”

I turn to respond, but Dylan steps away, winking at me as he swings Marissa into his arms.

All I can do is turn back around and try not to read into his statement. But wow, it certainly awakened every cell in my heart.

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