Page 55 of Sweet Christmas Wish
Sarah gave him a playful whack. “Hey! You’re supposed to say, ‘Sarah, my darling, youneveract crazy. In fact, you’re the sanest person I know.’”
“Sarah, my darling, younever—”
She cut him off, laughing harder. “Okay, okay, stop it, you tease.”
“What?” Will feigned innocence. “I was only doing what you said!”
She sobered, leaning her head against his chest. “Seriously though, what if Michelle isn’t really okay with us being together? I mean, she seemed excited for us, but… I mean, you two dated for a couple of years in high school, and we all thought you would get married, and—”
It was Will’s turn to cut Sarah off. He pressed a finger to her lips, shushing her gently. “Hey,” he murmured, waiting until she looked him in the eyes. “Everything is going to be okay.”
“How do you know?” she whispered.
He smiled. “Because we’ve got each other. I really don’t think you have anything to worry about, though. The bakery is in a good place and you’ve done a great job with it. As for you and me, well, Michelle and I have both moved on to people who are better suited to us. We’re all grownups, and we can all be happy for each other.”
Sarah relaxed against Will, letting his words soak in and enjoying the feel of his arms around her. It was a sensation she knew she would never get tired of—having him nearby, having him hold her. Their relationship was still so new, yet it felt so right. She had never thought that would happen for her, least of all with Will Parks, and yet here they were. Here she was, standing in the circle of Will’s arms, happier than she’d ever been—even if shewasstill a little nervous about seeing Michelle for the first time since she’d started dating Will.
As if summoned by all of Sarah’s worrying, the bell at the front door jingled as Michelle and Kyle walked into the bakery in a flurry of cold air and snowflakes. Sarah stepped out of Will’s arms, hurrying over to hug her sister.
“Michelle!” she squealed, excitement now flooding her. It had been far too long since she’d seen her older sister in person. She threw her arms around Michelle, big coat and all, and squeezed.
“Hey, sis.” Michelle laughed, hugging her back and breathing in the scent of the bakery. “Oh, it’s so good to be home!”
Behind them, Kyle and Will were shaking hands and already getting deep into their mutual interest in skiing. Michelle turned and looked at them fondly, flashing Will a huge smile. She tucked her arm into Sarah’s, leaning close.
“You know, I always had a feeling Will would be a good match for you, even back in high school.”
Sarah pulled back, her eyes wide. “Really?”
Michelle nodded. “Really. I wouldn’t have told you back then, but I have Kyle now, so I can tell you the truth. You and Will make a wonderful couple.”
Sarah blew out a breath of relief, sagging against her sister. “Oh, I’m so relieved to hear you say that. You have no idea how worried I’ve been!”
“I can imagine,” Michelle replied with a tinkling laugh. “Look at the two of them, already bonding over skiing. I’ll be amazed if we even see the two of them the rest of my visit home. I’m sure they’ll both be hard to lure away from the slopes.”
“I’ve kind of stolen Will from the mountains to work in the bakery,” Sarah admitted. “I’m afraid he hasn’t gotten to do as much skiing as he originally planned on this trip.”
“And look what it’s gotten him,” Michelle said with a wink. “Something even better.”
“A new job.” Sarah nodded.
“I meant you,” Michelle replied with a laugh. “What’s this about a new job?”
“Well, you know Will’s been helping me by running the coffee side of things here in the bakery, right?”
Michelle nodded.
“Well, last night he told me he’d like to stay on and help me run Sweet Thing.”
Michelle gasped, her eyes wide with excitement as she threw her arms around Sarah again. “That’s awesome! I’m so glad you won’t be running the bakery alone anymore.”
“Me too,” Sarah agreed fervently. “Now I can really focus on just the baking side, which, as we both know, is my forte.”
“Is it ever. I’ve been dreaming about your blueberry scones for half the trip back here.”
“Well, that will have to wait,” Will said, stepping over to them and putting his arm around Sarah. “I’m pretty sure Lacy will kill us if we’re late to the party.”
“I’m excited to meet this Lacy,” Michelle said, smiling at Will and taking Kyle’s hand. “It’s so nice of her to throw this little shindig in honor of us coming home.”
