Page 76 of You Cake My Breath Away

“You two are so cute,” Gloria says. “Have you been dating long?”

My dad and Archer simultaneously cough. Dad must not have told Gloria too much about Archer and me, or else she’d know the answer to that question.

“No.” I take a bite of macaroni and cheese flavored with Old Bay and hot sauce, effectively cutting off the rest of my statement. The creamy cheese cuts through the heat of the sauce, and the seasoning reminds me of my mom’s home state of Maryland.

“You’d never know,” she replies.

I’d kill for a glass of wine right now, but instead I shovel a forkful of sweet potatoes into my mouth.

“Dessert, anyone?” Archer asks, breaking the tension.

Dad and Gloria head to the kitchen as Archer and I clear the plates.

“Are you doing okay?” He caresses my arm, stopping a moment to toy with my bracelet. His gaze moves to my ring, and there’s a hint of a smile on his lips before he meets my eyes again. I can’t tell if it pains him that I still wear the jewelry Jessie bought, but I’m not ready to part with them yet.

Throat thick with emotion, I nod. “I’m fine. Thank you for being here.”

I sigh when his lips meet my forehead. “I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.”

We crowd around the island, excited to taste my new concoction. The citrusy flavor and sourness of the rhubarb are cut by the earthy flavor of the elderberry cream in the center. It’s the perfect mix of sour and sweet.

“This is amazing, Tilly,” Gloria says, feeding Dad another bite.

“She’s right, kiddo. It’s fantastic.”

My smile splits my face, and I squeak out a thank you just as Archer’s hand grips my ass.

“You’re amazing,” he says, kissing my cheek.

My face heats, and I wink at him and divert my eyes to the cake on my plate. I can’t bear to look at my dad right now. Is he frowning? Upset that I’ve moved on with Archer? Or is he happy I’ve found love again? I was so shocked he called Archer my boyfriend that I didn’t take note of his tone earlier.

Dad calls Archer into the formal living room for a drink, while Gloria and I clean up the kitchen.

“Thank you for allowing me to spend the holiday with you,” she says, scrubbing a plate.

I struggle to find something to say and instead give her an awkward smile and say, “Thanks for making Dad smile again. He’s been way moreopen to my new desserts since you’ve come into his life, and for that, I’m forever thankful.”

She laughs. “You’ve got talent, and his stubborn butt was holding you back.”

I nod, realizing it’s exactly what my mom would’ve said if she was still alive.

***

For Thanksgiving night, the bar is filled with loud and rowdy patrons chatting and drinking as the band gets ready on the stage. One of my favorite artists, Sylvie, is behind the piano tonight, her curly brown hair pinned up like she came from her own family dinner. Cymbals clash as the drummer sneaks onto the stage with a beer in his hand, and a giddiness overtakes my body. I love all things music, and even though I can’t hold a tune, I’ll sing my heart out any time I can.

A squeeze on my thigh steals my attention. “One hour,” Archer repeats. “Then you’re mine.”

The kick drum is the soundtrack to our kiss, and the crowd disappears as our lips meld together. I sigh, thankful I decided to go out tonight instead of staying home. The first few holidays without Jessie, I locked myself in my room with a sad book and a bottle of wine. Most times I didn’t remember anything about the book the next day, but I also didn’t remember the puddle of tears I’m sure I cried into my pillow reliving the previous holidays spent with him.

“Archer,” a woman’s voice cuts through the din of the bar. “I’m surprised to see you here.”

My teeth clench together so painfully I’m sure I’ve cracked a molar when Deidre rests her hand on Archer’s shoulder.

“Deidre.” Archer shrugs off her hand, keeping his gaze fixed on the stage.

Possessiveness pools in my stomach, pushing its way up and into my chest. “It’s nice to see you again, Deidre,” I say, making my presence known.

She smiles and nods but doesn’t return the sentiment. Her eyes move back to Archer.

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