Page 87 of A Very Merry Enemy
Jake nods. “These are definitely better than last year’s winner.”
“Ugh! That was us,” Emma says. “But truthfully, these would’ve kicked our ass.”
Mom and Dad are just as delighted.
Holiday and I focus on Mawmaw. She sits with her eyes closed, chewing slowly.
Everyone waits.
Finally, she looks at me, then at Holiday.
“These will absolutely win,” she says, like she’s predicting it.
Holiday chuckles, like she’s relieved. “Really?”
“The shortbread is perfect. The fudge is balanced. The pecans add texture. And that salt. Chef’s kiss.” She takes another bite. “This is a winner. What did you name it?”
“Chef’s kiss would’ve been cute, but we chose The One, because you can’t just have one serving, and it’s the only cookie you’ll ever need during the holiday season.” She’s beaming with happiness. And fuck me, I want to kiss her right here in front of everyone.
What would happen if I pulled her onto my lap and tasted her sweet lips?
Instead, I stay seated and push that thought away. “Told you they were great.”
“You did,” she mutters.
“Now, don’t y’all get cocky,” Mawmaw says. “There are a lot of people competing. Last I heard, over thirty.”
“There could be fifty teams. I know this is gonna win. And before anyone says anything, I’m not cocky. I’m confident. There’s a difference. I know what we’ve got,” I say.
Mawmaw tilts her head.
“You two, just…wow,” Mom says. “Created a masterpiece.”
Emma mouthsYou’re fuckedwith a laugh.
I mouthFuck youback to her.
This makes her laugh harder.
Once every last crumb of our cookie bar is eaten, Holiday and I help clean the kitchen since we’re the youngest in the family. By the time we’re done, it’s after eight. Everyone settles in for a movie, and Mawmaw plays games with Colby.
“We’re gonna head out,” I tell everyone.
“Already? Feels like you just got here,” Dad says.
“Hours have passed,” I say.
“Are you going home?” Mawmaw asks.
Every single person in the room goes silent. Hudson is grinning. Jake is trying not to laugh. Emma looks delighted.
“That’s no one’s business,” I say, glancing around the room.
“Bye, everyone,” Holiday says, offering a wave.
Mawmaw pulls both of us into hugs. “Go on, just behave yourselves.”
“Always,” I say. “Goodbye!”
