Page 55 of Two Risks I'd Never Take Again

“Garrett mentioned that Kent lived out here with his son. I know all the guys appreciate you. I’ve heard you do a wonderful job of not only keeping them fed, but happy as well.”

Her eyes misted. “I want all of them to be happy. That’s why I’m so glad you decided to spend Christmas here.”

I nodded, not sure how to respond.

She hopped out of the truck and motioned for me to follow. “They’re meeting us in the dining hall.”

When we walked through the door, Lilith and Joji waved from the counter.

Then Joji ran over to greet me. “We were hoping you’d come bake with us. I can only stay for a bit because I have to get everything ready for tomorrow. I’m having a houseful.”

Lilith laughed. “I got off easy this year. Ava’s cooking for everyone who will be at my house.”

“Thanks for inviting me.” I accepted the apron Ava held out. “What should I do?”

“We have a batch of sugar cookies waiting to be decorated. Stars and Christmas trees. You can decorate those, or you can make dough for one of the other kinds.” Ava tapped recipes lying on the counter.

“I’ll decorate.”

She motioned toward ingredients sitting out. “I’m guessing you have a good icing recipe. If not, there is one in this pile here.”

“I have a great icing recipe.” I found a bowl and what I needed before mixing up a batch.

While I colored small bowls of icing, Lilith, Joji, and Ava mixed cookie dough.

They chatted as they worked, and I enjoyed listening to their stories. Their friendship reminded me of my friendship with Delaney and Cami, and I smiled at the thought we’d still be friends years from now. Of that I had no doubt.

“You know how she met Beau, don’t you?” Ava pointed at Lilith.

“I don’t, actually.” I added tiny strands of icing and colorful dots so that the trees looked like they were draped with lights.

“He picked her up off the side of the road.”

I dropped the bag of icing. “He what?”

Lilith nodded. “Car trouble. Beau rescued me.”

Ava bumped her shoulder against Lilith’s. “That first night I knew Beau and Lilith were meant for each other. I’d never seen Beau so happy. And I’d known him nearly all his life.”

“Some things are just meant to be. Like me making his life difficult.” Lilith leaned toward me, acting as if she were going to whisper. “I wasn’t open to the idea of a relationship in the beginning, so I took my attraction out on Beau.”

Ava nodded. “She did. Acted like she hated him.”

“What else was I supposed to do? I’d sworn off men, and Beau was hotter than the afternoon sun in August.” Lilith shook her rolling pin. “But then I wised up.”

I could relate to those feelings. Not that I thought Beau was hot, but even a glance from his son made my heart go pitter patter. “What changed your mind?”

The ladies grinned at each other, then answered in unison. “Christmas lights and a ladder.”

“What sort of trouble are y’all cooking up in here? Does someone need the lucky ladder?” Clint grinned as he walked toward the counter.

Joji spun around and wiped her hands on her apron. “Hey there, handsome. You ready to head back to the farm?”

He nodded. “I am.”

She untied her apron and handed it to Ava. “Merry Christmas. I’ll catch y’all later.”

Clint scooped her up, and Joji laughed as they left the room.

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