Page 52 of Sweet Christmas Wish
“Relax. I’ve got this.”
“I know you do! You’re a natural. I just don’t want you to feel like I’m taking advantage of you.”
“It’s for what, an hour? That’s nothing, and you’re not taking advantage of me.”
Sarah smiled at Will. “If you’re sure…”
“Go see Lacy,” he urged. “I know you’ve been wanting to see how the party preparations are going, and this is a good chance. She’s always busy with Derek in the evenings, or so I’ve heard, so now is the best time.”
“Can I ask you for one more favor?”
Will sighed dramatically, rolling his eyes so that Sarah laughed. “What now, Oh Needy One?”
“Could you make Lacy a caramel macchiato? Pretty, pretty please?”
“Pfft, that’s child’s play. I could do it with my eyes closed. Of course I can do that.”
Sarah chuckled as she picked out a chocolate eclair to go with the coffee and wrapped it in parchment paper before depositing it in one of Sweet Thing’s to-go boxes. She loved the natural back and forth that she and Will had. For a while she had been worried that admitting she had feelings for him would make things awkward, but to her surprise—and relief—things had been as easy as ever. She leaned against the counter, watching him as he made the drink, moving with an easy grace that made her admire him even more.
“And, voila,” he said, handing her the drink with a flourish. “Say hi to Lacy for me.”
“Will do. Thanks again.”
Sarah hurried up to her apartment before leaving, pulling on her heavy winter coat and gloves, as well as some fluffy pink earmuffs she adored. They were a trifle silly, she knew, but they always made her day better. Armed for the cold, she grabbed the boxed eclair and the caramel macchiato and headed out into the cold. The icy wind bit at her cheeks and toyed with her ponytail as she walked, but she didn’t mind. Now that she knew Michelle would be able to make it to town the next day, she was back to loving New Hampshire’s winter weather. It was a snowy wonderland out, all fluffy snowflakes and mounded snow, making everything appear like a scene from a movie.
By the time she had finished her trek to Lacy’s mansion, which was now a flourishing event venue and tourist attraction, she was ready to be back in the warmth again. She hurried up the front steps, pausing to pound the snow off her boots and wiping them carefully on the front rug before knocking on the front door. In under a minute, Lacy pulled the door open and greeted her with a huge smile.
“Sarah! I didn’t expect you.”
“I come bearing gifts,” Sarah replied, holding out the box and the coffee.
As Lacy reached for it, Sarah gasped. On Lacy’s left hand, she now sported a gorgeous, emerald-cut engagement ring. Sarah’s eyes flew to Lacy’s.
“He finally proposed?”
Lacy nodded, grinning and wiggling her fingers. “Yep, he proposed the other day when we were putting up decorations at the mansion. It was intimate and completely perfect.”
“I’m so happy for you!” Sarah threw her arms around Lacy, careful not to spill the coffee.
“Thanks. I’m more happy than I ever thought I could be.”
Sarah examined the ring and smiled up at Lacy. “It’s gorgeous.”
“I really love it. Derek did an amazing job picking it out.” Lacy studied her ring one more time and then visibly shook herself, as though remembering Sarah was still there. “Thanks again for the coffee and the treat. You’re an angel. How did you know I needed this?”
“Just a hunch. I know how you forget to take time for yourself when you’re in the middle of getting the mansion ready for an event. By the way, thanks again for hosting this party for Michelle and Kyle.”
Lacy was already taking a sip of the caramel macchiato and she paused to roll her eyes dramatically. “That’s heaven right there. Will is a master with coffee.”
“Don’t I know it. He’s brought so much new business to Sweet Thing. But seriously, Lace, thank you.”
“No need to thank me. It’s not a big deal.”
“It really is, okay?”
Lacy laughed. “Whatever you say. Come on, let me show you some of the decorations I’ve got set up.”
The two women walked further into the mansion, discussing the food Lacy was having catered, the decorations for the ballroom and grand foyer, and the music. Sarah listened, interjecting oohs and aahs at appropriate times, but her mind wasn’t really on the party preparations. To her chagrin, her thoughts were all back at the bakery with Will. It seemed like he was all she thought about lately—especially since she knew that he was leaving soon. The thought of his impending departure was almost more than she could take, so she tried, once again, to focus on what Lacy was saying.
