His bear purred, greedy for the smallest touches.
“Thank you,” she said, cupping the mug in both hands. “For everything. The clothes, the bed, the...” She gestured vaguely. “All of it.”
“It’s nothing,” Daniel said, leaning against the counter opposite her. He forced his shoulders to stay relaxed, even as every instinct screamed that it was everything. Because she was everything.
“It’s not nothing,” Holly insisted softly. “Most people wouldn’t take in a stranger in a wedding dress.”
Daniel took a sip of his coffee, studying her over the rim of his mug. “Most people aren’t stranded in blizzards wearing wedding dresses.”
A laugh bubbled out of her, unexpected and light. The sound hit Daniel square in the chest, loosening something that had been tight for a very long time. He wanted to hear it again, and again, every day for the rest of his life.
“Fair point,” she conceded, with a nod. “Still, I’m grateful.”
The timer dinged, saving Daniel from having to respond. He turned to the oven, pulling out the tray of golden pastries. The rich scent of butter and chocolate filled the kitchen.
“Those smell incredible,” Holly said, leaning forward to inhale deeply.
“And they taste incredible too,” Daniel said, sliding one onto a plate. “At least that’s what my kids tell me. Careful, they’re hot.”
He passed the plate to Holly, watching as she broke the pastry open, steam and melted chocolate escaping. Her eyes closed as she took the first bite, a small, appreciative sound escaping her.
“Oh my,” she breathed. “That’s... that’s not fair. How is this so good?”
Pride swelled in Daniel’s chest, and his bear preened at her approval as if he’d baked the sweet treats himself. “Years of practice.”
And suddenly all the years of early mornings and flour-dusted shirts suddenly felt very, very worth it.
“You’re wasted in Bear Creek,” Holly said, taking another bite. “You should be running some fancy patisserie in Paris.”
“I like Bear Creek,” Daniel said simply. “It’s home.”
Holly’s expression softened. “I can see why. Not that I saw much of it last night in the blizzard. But it seems like a good place to raise children.”
The mention of children brought Daniel’s fears rushing back. He busied himself with plating another pastry, avoiding her eyes. “It is. The kids love it here.”
“They’re wonderful,” Holly said. “Maisie and Teddy. You must be very proud of them.”
“I am,” Daniel said, the fierce love he felt for his children evident in his voice. “They’re everything to me.”
“That’s obvious,” Holly replied, her tone warm. “The way you are with them... It’s beautiful to watch.”
Daniel looked up, surprised by her words. “I’m blessed to have them in my life.” More blessed than he’d ever know how to put into words.
As if his words had summoned them from their beds, the thunder of small feet on the stairs announced the children’s impending arrival. Teddy burst into the kitchen first, his hair standing up in all directions, his dinosaur pajamas rumpled from sleep.
“Holly!” he exclaimed, as if her presence was the most exciting thing imaginable. “You’re still here!”
“I am,” Holly confirmed, her smile wide and unguarded. “Good morning, Teddy.”
Maisie appeared behind her brother, more reserved but no less pleased. “Did Dad make pain au chocolat?” she asked, eyeing the pastries cooling on the counter.
“He did,” Holly said. “And they’re amazing.”
“Dad’s the best baker in the whole world,” Teddy declared, scrambling onto the stool beside Holly. “Even better than the bakery in town.”
“Iownthe bakery in town, bud,” Daniel reminded him with a laugh, ruffling his son’s hair.
“Oh yeah,” Teddy grinned. “That’s why it’s so good.”
