"I did always want a craft room. You really are selling this, Mr. Frost," she said.
I cupped her face, kissing her deeply. My hands drifted down her back to her waist.
Our kiss was broken up by my phone ringing.
"It's Mark Holbrook calling," I said, looking at my phone. "Sorry, I have to take this."
"The Svenssons tell me that Chloe is confirmed for a restaurant," Mark said when I answered.
"Yes, she is."
"The paperwork that Greg sent over seems incomplete," he said.
"We still have to hammer out the details," I replied.
"Let me speak to Chloe," Mark ordered. "I need to confirm for myself."
I put the phone on speaker.
"Chloe," I said. "Mark Holbrook wants to talk to you."
"Merry Christmas!" she said.
"Can you confirm you're going to be in charge of the restaurant?" Mark asked.
"Yes," she said. "It will be full service like you requested. I'm envisioning more upscale bistro–style food with larger portions. It won't be too fussy, but the food will be tasty and nicely presented. I'm picturing a place you could take clients but also meet with coworkers for a quick lunch."
"Perfect," he said. "And the cookies?"
Chloe laughed. I would never tire of hearing her laugh.
"There will be a counter with coffee and baked goods, maybe soups and salads to go."
"Oh, good," Mark said. "I think my entire family is addicted to your baking."
"I’m glad you like it."
"You are amazing," I said after I ended the call. She laughed, and I picked her up and spun her around. "This is going to be the best Christmas ever."
69
Chloe
Iseasoned the pork chops, cut up the green beans, and made the macaroni and cheese and put it in the oven. Then I made sugar cookies and Austrian wedding cookies for dessert.
Jack put on the last episode ofTheGreat Christmas Bake-Off, and I watched from the kitchen. His brothers laughed whenever Jack appeared on the screen.
"Your comments are terrible," Oliver joked.
"It's almost as if he knows absolutely nothing about baking," Owen said.
Jack snagged a cooling cookie. "I know enough to eat it."
I slapped at his hand playfully. "No dessert before dinner!"
"Chloe's stuff looks legit, though," Matt said.
I preened when I saw my finished winter garden dessert on the screen. It did look amazing.
