Jessa immediately let out a loud whoop.“ABOUT TIME.”
I didn’t even look embarrassed.
I just smiled at Belle because honestly, as long as I got to kiss her, I was good.
Chapter Eight
Belle
An hour before closing time, my body felt like it was running on borrowed time.
I was still standing.Still working.Still smiling.But man, I was tired.
Cookie Haven buzzed with holiday chaos.The ovens hummed nonstop.Christmas music drifted from the speakers, cheerful and relentless.Customers moved in clusters, pointing at displays, asking questions, laughing.
I felt like I was watching it all through glass.
“Belle,” Jessa called from the register.“The Smith order is ready for pickup.”
“Great,” I said automatically.“I’ll grab it.”
I turned too fast and had to grab the counter to steady myself.
No one noticed.
Good.
Salt sat near the register, eyes tracking every movement like he was counting heads.Pepper sprawled near the door, greeting customers with lazy butt wiggles and soaking up attention like it was his job.
I moved through the bakery on muscle memory alone.Box.Ribbon.Receipt.Smile.Repeat.
The bell jingled.
Saint’s mom stepped inside, her red coat buttoned up tight, cheeks pink from the cold.She looked around like she was stepping into a dream she’d been invited into personally.
“Oh, Belle,” she said, delight lighting her face.“It’s even prettier today.”
I smiled, genuine this time.“Hi.You picked a busy day.”
She laughed softly.“I can see that.”
She moved closer to the counter, her eyes taking everything in.“I figured you’d be slammed, but I didn’t realize how much.”
I shrugged.“Christmas waits for no one.”
She studied me.Not critically, not unkindly.Just observant.
“You look tired,” she said gently.
I opened my mouth to deny it.Closed it again.
“Just the season,” I said instead.
She nodded, clearly not convinced, and reached down to greet Salt, who leaned into her touch like he’d been waiting for it all day.
“You’ve got a good crew,” she said, watching Marcy and Jessa work.“And good dogs.”
“They keep me in line,” I joked.
