After working all day, I closed my laptop at six with the hope of convincing my wife to join me for dinner. Instead of calling, I walked over to her parents’ house carrying a deep red rose. Our relationship changed after this weekend. It had deepened. Even after all this time together, our connection had shifted into something else. Something with legs and heart and heat. I thought about her all day, wondering if she had eaten lunch or if she was smiling. I was content to let her lead, as long as she didn’t mention divorce again.
A car I didn’t recognize sat in the driveway. That should’ve been my first sign.
“Oh, hello, Connor.” Sophia answered the door before I knocked, a wineglass in her hands and a smirk on her face. “You look well. I like the small-town scruff on your face. It’s hotter than the polished look.”
“Have more wine, Soph.” I couldn’t stop myself from smiling. Laney had to miss her best friend. She was the best friend my wife could have.
“Please, come in. Take your shoes off.” She ushered me in, and I elbowed her side.
“What was that for?”
“You’re ridiculous. I’ve been here more than you.”
“Sure, but I’ve never made Laney cry.”
I winced, and she immediately paled.
“Oh shit, that was uncalled for. Wow, sorry, dude.”
I rubbed my chest, forcing a smile when Laney walked up to me wearing leggings, green fuzzy socks, and an old hoodie of mine. Her hair was in a messy bun, and she had flour on her face, but fuck, she looked beautiful. I scanned her head to toe, my heart fluttering in my chest as she blushed.
“Hi, sweetheart.” I walked toward her and kissed her softly, letting my lips linger on hers. She tasted like cookies. “This is for you.”
“Oh, thank you.” She took the rose and smelled it. “That was nice.”
“I saw it at the store this afternoon and thought it’d make you smile. You could take some dramatic pictures of it against the snow. Maybe do some black and whites?”
“That.” She beamed. “That is… yes.” She hugged me tight and kissed my neck with a whisper. “I love you, thank you.”
“I’m gonna butt in here and say you both look great. Coming here for a few weeks was the right choice.” Sophia patted my back.
I put my arm around Laney, kissing her cheek. “Why do you taste like cookies?”
“Because we’re making some.”
“Some? Some is like two dozen,” Soph said, following us into the kitchen. “They are making millions.”
“It’s not millions, Sophia dear. It’s ten dozen for a bake sale at the church. Then two dozen for Dad to give away at the shop, then another three for Esmerelda’s art fair.”
“Okay, fifteen dozen, sorry. Not a million.”
The kitchen looked like a cookie factory exploded. Every crevice in the room was covered with pans, cookies, halffrosted, half not. Food dye spilled on the counter, and I met her mom’s gaze.
“Connor, you here to help too?”
“Do you need it?” I laughed as Laney moved to hand me an apron. She placed it over my head and tied it in the back for me.
“What… what should I do?”
“Frosting. He can be on solids.”
“Oh, solids is for amateurs.” Sophia winked at me and then went right toward the island and held a container of sprinkles. “This is more advanced.”
“Shut up, Soph.” Laney grinned as she put on an apron and stood on the other side of the table from me. “We have stations.”
“I have more help coming too. I ran into Barb, who saw Kevin, who told Cienna, so it’ll be a full house in a bit.”
Laney’s eyes sparkled. “Oh, I’ve missed everyone so much.”
