Page 189 of A Very Merry Enemy
I reach into my jacket pocket and pull out the envelope Hudson gave me earlier. The cream-colored paper is slightly warm from being against my chest all night.
“Hudson dropped this off earlier. It’s from Emma. She said to give it to you at midnight.”
Holiday’s eyes go wide as she takes the envelope. She turns it over, examining it like it might have answers on the outside.
“What is it?”
I chuckle, realizing how alike we are. “Funny enough, I asked the same question. But I have no idea. Hudson wouldn’t tell me.”
EPILOGUE
HOLIDAY
Istare down at the cream-colored envelope in my hands.
It’s heavier than it looks, bulging with whatever’s inside. My name is written across the front in Emma’s neat handwriting.
“What do you think it is?” I ask Lucas.
“Only one way to find out.”
Around us, the party continues. People are hugging and celebrating the new year. Confetti is still floating down from the ceiling. But I’m frozen, staring at this envelope like it might contain the secrets of the universe.
“Come on. The anticipation might fucking kill me at this point.” Lucas takes my hand and leads me down the hallway to Jake and Claire’s guest bedroom. He closes the door behind us, muffling the noise from the party.
I carefully tear open the envelope.
A folded letter slides out first. I unfold it and recognize Emma’s handwriting immediately.
Holiday,
It was never my dream to own a bakery, but I’ve been told that it was always yours. You’ve poured your heart and soul into the place over the season. You created recipes that had people lining up for hours to try. You turned a small-town bakery into something magical. And you made it what it is today. That’s why I’ve decided to transfer the ownership of the bakery to you. Congratulations. You’re now the proud owner of Jolly Cookie Shop. The paperwork and title are enclosed.
And don’t tell me it’s too much. You’ve earned this, and you deserve it.
Welcome to the family.
Oh, I just have one small request—unlimited pastries for life? Happy New Year, sister!
Love,
Emma
I lose my balance, and my ass bounces against the mattress.
I read the letter again, wondering if I’m dreaming or if I’ve had too much champagne. This doesn’t make sense.
My hands start shaking as I reach back into the envelope and pull out the rest of the contents. It’s full of official documents with gold seals and embossed lettering. Title documents. LLC transfer paperwork. Business licenses.
“Oh my goodness.” I breathe out.
“What?” Lucas moves closer, kneeling in front of me so we’re eye level. “What is it? Tell me.”
I can’t speak. My entire body is trembling as I flip through the papers, each one confirming what the letter said.
“She gave me the bakery,” I whisper. “Emma gave me the bakery.”
I hand the letter to Lucas, and his eyes scan the page. His face changes from confusion, then to shock, then to something that looks like awe.
