"You didn't have to let me stay last night." I'd already discussed it in front of Sofia but figured we should talk about it alone too.
"I was worried about you driving home tired. You had a big day yesterday."
"You don't think it's confusing for Sofia?" I asked, curious about what was going on in his head. Something had obviously changed for him.
"She already knows we're friends. She won't think anything of it unless we're kissing in front of her. But even then, I don't know if it would be a problem." Then he winked. "She asked Santa for a stepmom after all.
I wasn't sure I was ready to be a mom, but I loved Sofia. She was a great kid. What if I went into this with no pressure? I could just see where it went.
"Not that I can grant that wish."
I laughed. "That's why she asked Santa."
"I'll let him do his thing then," he said with a grin, looking more carefree than I'd ever seen him.
I grinned, content to leave something up to someone else, even if it was the universe. I preferred to control everything in my life, but as I found out this year, it wasn't always possible.
Maddox reached for my empty plate, then rinsed it in the sink. "I'll get things ready here if you want to run home."
"I'll be quick," I promised, pausing to give him a kiss on the cheek before heading out the door. I was excited to get back to the Knights.
Ishowered quickly, taking time to dry my hair. I pulled on a hunter-green sweater, dark jeans, and boots. It felt good to be dressed more casually since I didn't have to go to work for once.
When I knocked on the door, Sofia opened it with a huge smile on her face. "She's here!"
"Let her in. It's cold outside," Maddox urged from the living room.
Sofia scrambled out of the way, pulling the door open. "Whoops."
"No worries," I said as I walked inside and waited for Sofia to close the door.
Sofia paused to look at my outfit as I took off my boots. "You look very festive."
I smiled. "I'm feeling festive."
She threw her arms out to the side. "That's perfect because we have a fun day of holiday decorating?—"
I lifted the bags of ingredients I'd brought from home. "And baking."
"What are we making?" Sofia asked as I placed my things on the counter. I'd brought everything just in case Maddox didn't have something. I wasn't sure how much baking he did, if any.
"Sugar-cookie cutouts, of course," I said, noticing that Maddox was fussing with the tree stand. He was probably trying to make sure it was straight.
"The ones with the icing and sprinkles?" Sofia asked excitedly.
"What kind do you usually make?" I asked, worried that I shouldn't have brought up old traditions.
"Mom didn't bake. She said she always forgot something important like the sugar." Sofia shrugged like it wasn't a big deal. "How do you forget sugar?"
"Well, I love to bake, and I don't have anyone to share my cookies with. I was hoping you could help me make them."
She clapped her hands together. "Can I cut them out?"
"Of course."
She danced around the kitchen. "I can be your decorator and your taste tester."
Maddox came into the room. "What are we taste testing?"
