“We need to make them Christmassy,” Maisie explained, reaching for a plastic container filled with decorating supplies. “For the class party tomorrow.”
Holly helped Maisie set up their workstation while Daniel filled the sink with soapy water. There were different colors of icing, sprinkles, silver balls, and a piping kit.
“Have you ever used a piping bag?” Holly asked, filling a small plastic bag with green icing.
Maisie wrinkled her nose. “Once, it did not end well.”
“Well, I’ll show you a trick.” Holly snipped the corner of the bag, creating a tiny opening. “Watch.”
She squeezed gently, demonstrating how to create a small Christmas tree on one cookie. The icing flowed smoothly, creating delicate branches that tapered to a point.
Maisie’s eyes widened. “That’s so pretty! Can I try?”
“Of course.” Holly prepared another bag with white icing. “Start with snowflakes. They’re easier.”
Holly guided Maisie’s small hands, showing her how to apply just the right pressure. From the sink, she caught Daniel watching them, a dishcloth frozen in his hands, his expression so tender it made her heart flip.
“Look, Dad!” Maisie held up a cookie with a wobbly but recognizable snowflake. “Holly showed me how to make it fancy!”
“That’s beautiful, sweetheart,” Daniel said, his voice filled with pride.
They worked their way through the cookies, creating a small army of Christmas trees, snowflakes, and stars. Holly showed Maisie how to add tiny silver balls to the trees like ornaments, and how to dust the snowflakes with crystal sugar to make them sparkle.
“Now for the sprinkles,” Holly said, uncapping a container of red and green jimmies. “Just a few on each—they’re the finishing touch.”
Maisie’s tongue poked out in concentration as she carefully added sprinkles to each cookie. The sight was so endearing, Holly had to resist the urge to smooth back the girl’s hair or press a kiss to her forehead—gestures that felt natural but weren’t hers to give.
“All done!” Maisie declared, surveying their work with satisfaction. The cookies were a cheerful, if slightly lopsided, collection of holiday cheer.
“They look amazing,” Holly said truthfully. “Your classmates are going to love them. These are the best cookies ever!” Maisie wrapped her arms around Holly’s waist in a tight hug that caught Holly by surprise.
The warmth of the little girl’s body against hers sent a wave of emotion through Holly so powerful she had to blink back sudden tears. She returned the hug, her hands gentle against Maisie’s back, savoring the sweet weight of the child’s trust.
“Thank you for teaching me,” Maisie said, her voice muffled against Holly’s sweater.
Holly swallowed the lump in her throat. “You’re a natural, Maisie. You just needed a little practice.”
Maisie pulled back, her face serious as she surveyed the colorful array of cookies. “We should each have one now. For quality control.”
Holly laughed, the sound bubbling up from somewhere deep and genuine. “Quality control is very important.”
“Dad!” Maisie called over her shoulder. “We need you to test a cookie!”
Daniel turned from the sink, his hands still sudsy, a dishcloth slung over his shoulder. His eyes crinkled at the corners as he took in the decorated cookies. “Those look professional. I might have to hire you both at the bakery.”
Maisie beamed at the praise, handpicking four cookies from the tray. “This one’s for you, Dad. It has extra sprinkles because you like them.” She handed Holly a snowflake cookie. “And this one’s yours because you made the prettiest snowflakes.”
“Why don’t you take one for each of us into the living room, and we’ll be there in a minute?” Daniel suggested.
“What about cleanup?” Maisie asked.
“I’ve got it,” Daniel said.
“I’ll help,” Holly offered.
“Thank you,” Maisie called out as she headed out of the kitchen.
“You don’t have to,” Daniel said.
