Mrs. Hancock’s boyfriend, Floyd, adjusted the sound system. Floyd had spent most of his life as a DJ and now worked for the Gingers. Mrs. Hancock had turned into their manager. Even though she and Floyd planned on marrying and Mrs. Hancock would soon be moving into Floyd’s house, she planned on continuing to rent the apartment in the house on Elm Street, because, as she said, even married people sometimes need their own space.
Courtney emerged from the back room followed by Grandma Lillian and Vivi. Each carried a tray of lavender and lemon zest cookies.
“Everything is perfect,” Zoe whispered in Ethan’s ear.
He kissed her cheek. “Almost,” he said.
“What would you change?” she asked.
“Funny, you should mention change,” he said.
She lifted an eyebrow and waited for him to continue.
He pulled a present out of his pocket. “I was going to wait for Christmas to give this to you, but I can’t wait any longer.”
Just then the band began to play,You’re All I Want for Christmas.
Zoe took the package, grinned, and untied the ribbon. One shiny, new gold coin glistened on a fold of black velvet. Zoe blinked back a tear.
“There is probably a story behind each of the coins in your box,” Ethan told her. “But of all the stories, I love ours the most.”
“Me, too.”
*– 1 Corinthians 13:1 (translation from Joni Mitchell)
Lavender Cookies with Lemon Zest
INGREDIENTS
2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter, softened (European-style butter is preferred)
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup confectioners' sugar
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
2 lemons, zested
1/4 teaspoon dried lavender
2 large egg yolks
2 cups flour
For the glaze
1 1/4 cups confectioners' sugar
2-3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (from the zested lemons)
1 tablespoon lemon zest
1/2 teaspoon dried lavender
INSTRUCTIONS
Using a hand mixer or a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, beat the butter until creamy. Add in the granulated sugar, confectioner's sugar, salt, lemon zest, and the lavender and beat until smooth.
