We put the first two trays in the oven, then took a break. The kitchen was warm from the heat of the oven. The tree's lights twinkled in the living room, and holiday music played from Maddox's phone. It was the perfect day, one I wanted to repeat.
Soon, I'd be back at work, pretending that I wasn't missing out on everything else. It wasn't a big deal when we first bought the town, but now I wondered when I'd have another free day like this one. Maybe in the New Year.
We rolled out the dough again and cut out more cookies. When all the cookies were baked and cooled, I set up the counter for decorating. I'd brought over icing and sprinkles. Even Maddox joined in. His first attempt was a reindeer with thick red lines of icing and a white blob that I think was supposed to be his eye.
When we questioned his technique, he stuffed it into his mouth. "All that matters is that it tastes good."
I exchanged a look with Sofia, and she placed her hands on her hips. "You're not supposed to eat all the cookies."
Maddox's eyes danced with mischief. "Now, what's the fun if we can't eat them?"
"You're eating them faster than I can decorate them," Sofia grumbled, and I couldn't help but laugh.
I met Maddox's amused gaze over her head. I couldn't imagine a more perfect day than this one. I was falling for both of them. If I stuck around, I'd be a goner. Dinner was out of thequestion. I had to end this perfect family scenario sooner rather than later.
We stacked the cookies in several tins so that Sofia could give some to her grandparents and her teachers. Then she set several aside for Santa.
I had to leave, but I wished I could be part of their lives forever.
CHAPTER 17
MADDOX
Icouldn't remember a nicer day than this one. We'd decorated the tree, baked, and then I'd thought she'd stay for dinner. But after all the cookies were put away, she said she had to get home to get caught up on laundry for the week.
I tried not to let that bother me. I wasn't sure what we were to each other. Were we officially dating? Was today part of an act or something more? Until I figured it out, I didn't have the right to demand anything of her.
Instead, I cooked mac and cheese with hot dogs, a quick and easy staple, and Sofia and I ate at the counter. Afterward, Sofia insisted on watching a holiday movie. One of the newer ones I wasn't familiar with, and I couldn't help but remember how nice it was to have Eve over last night. How she'd fallen asleep leaning against my shoulder and how I'd carried her to the guest room.
I wished she were here now. That I'd already talked to Sofia about the fact that we might be dating.
During a commercial break, Sofia asked, "I like Miss Eve. Is she going to come over more often?"
"I don't know." I wasn't sure what would happen. All I knew was that I liked seeing her.
She looked at me. "It's okay if you want to date her, you know?"
I shifted on the cushion. "You want me to date Eve?"
She blew out a breath. "I'm just saying I wouldn't mind. She makes you happy."
Was I happy? I felt better, but I wasn't sure that was the same thing. "I don't know what's going to happen between us."
Sofia shrugged. "I like her. You like her. What's not to know?"
I sighed. "It's more complicated than that."
"Adults make everything complicated."
I barked out a laugh. "Where did you hear that?"
She rolled her eyes. "I'm not a little kid, Dad. I know things."
I chuckled. "What do you know?"
"That you like Eve, and she likes you. That you're probably worried about me, but you don't have to. I'm fine."
"I want you to be more than fine." I rested an arm on her shoulder, and she shrugged it off.
