Page 80 of Ignacio

Ignacio came closer and peered at the muffins. “You’ve been busy.”

“Mhmm. Try this.” Delta handed him a cup of coffee and waited.

He took a sip, and his eyebrows lifted in surprise. “Mmm. You finally learned to make coffee the way I like.”

“And it only took seven billion tries because you’re so particular.”

Ignacio chuckled. “One of these days, your mouth is going to get you into trouble. Mark my words.” He playfully smacked her bottom.

“Ouch.” Pretending he hurt her, Delta rubbed her butt. “I have something to tell you.”

“What?” Ignacio carefully removed a muffin from the hot pan.

“I decided on a name for the album.”

“I thought you already had a name.”

“I did, but I like this one better. I’m going to run it by A&R, but they should be fine with it.”

“What’s the new title?” He bit into the muffin. “Damn, this is good.”

“Thank you. The new title isBlissful.”

He seemed to consider the title. “I like it.”

“I think it perfectly sums up the sense of complete happiness and joy I feel. No matter what happens in the future, good or bad, I know this is the album I wanted to create—myartistic vision. I have inner peace because I know the pain from my past is finally truly behind me. And then there’s you.”

“Me?”

“Yes, you. You’ve been supportive and loving, and being with you has changed me for the better. I am blissfully happy with you, Mr. Santana.”

“You’ve changed me too. I used to think I was happy, but those emotions don’t compare to how I feel right now, with you. I hated the idea of being in a fake relationship with you, but it turned out to be a good idea.”

“I agree. The best idea.” She smiled at him. “So, what time are we leaving to pick up Viv?”

“We can go right after we open our gifts, unless you have something else you need to do. Are all the gifts wrapped?”

Delta nodded. “I wrapped the Dirty Santa gifts last night. They’re under the tree with the others.”

“Then we don’t have anything else to do except open our gifts, load up your car, and head out.”

Since they were picking up Vivian, they were going to use Delta’s SUV.

“I’ll call Viv when we’re on our way so she can tell her attendant.”

When they picked up her sister today, she was going to stay with them through the holidays and move in all her belongings after the New Year, when Delta put her house on the market.

“I’m ready to open gifts. Let’s go.” Delta grabbed her coffee and a muffin and led the way into the living room, the only space decorated for Christmas. Next year she intended to do more, but with the holiday fast approaching, she hadn’t had much time to transform the house.

A lush fir stood in a corner of the living room, adorned with gold and silver ornaments, white ribbon, and twinkling lights, gifts nestled underneath. She had draped a garland of pine and holly across the fireplace mantel and attached three stockings with the initials V, I, and D. The rest of the decor included crystal reindeer and a silver tray with candles, cinnamon sticks,and dried oranges. Red and gold pillows had replaced the usual ones on the chairs, and a throw withMerryChristmason it was draped over the arm of the sofa.

Ignacio and Delta settled on the floor, and she handed him his gift.

“Here you go.”

Ignacio shook the box. “What is this?”

“Open it!” She grinned, barely able to contain her excitement.

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