Isabella paced the length of the entryway of the wedding hall, muttering, “Oh no, oh no, oh no, this can’t be happening.”
“Listen, I can help. The cakes are already baked.”
Isabella froze and spun around, her eyes wide. “I know you used to help cover for your mom from time to time, but do you know how to decorate wedding cakes?”
Kelsey rocked on her toes and held up her chin. “I know my way around a piping bag of royal icing and gum paste flowers.”
“But do you know how to assemble red roses on a cake and make the chocolate look all drizzly like in the picture Norah gave to your mom?”
Kelsey waved her off. “Easy-peasy.”
“Okay, so if you’ve got it covered, what’s the problem?”
“I’m about nine months pregnant here.” She gestured at her round tummy. “I need help assembling all the tiers and doing the final touches. Like a sous chef. Then I’ll need help delivering the cake here tomorrow morning. And if I should go into labor or catch the same nasty bug Mom has, I need backup.”
“Oh, Kelsey.” Isabella planted her palms on her cheeks. “I don’t know anything about decorating cakes.”
“No, but you are the master at decorating cookies and gingerbread houses.”
“That’s completely different.”
“Well, do you have a better plan? Because I don’t think you want me to go tell Norah she’s not gonna have a fully-assembled wedding cake tomorrow.”
Isabella let her hands fall away and chewed her lip. Kelsey was right. She couldn’t do that to Norah. The cake was one of the most important aspects of a wedding. And one of the things your guests looked forward to most.
Going to Sweet Cakes in the morning meant less time with Leo when their time together was already so limited. But Isabella wouldn’t allow anything to ruin Norah’s big day.
“I’ll meet you at the bakery in the morning. Do not mention any of this to Norah.”
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Leo
All Leo could think aboutwhile sitting with Landon, Dad, and the Whitleys in their living room, playing the white elephant gift exchange game, was getting Isabella alone. Not only because it was Christmas Eve, which had him in some weird nostalgic and romantic mood, and not just because watching her bend over a hundred times today had all but killed him, but because he couldn’t wait to give her the gift hidden in his truck.
He’d been waiting all evening for the perfect opportunity to get her alone. But between the rehearsal, the rehearsal dinner at O’Henry’s, and the gift exchange competition between the siblings, there hadn’t been a free moment.
It was torture sitting next to her on the loveseat, unable to touch her. She was too tempting, dressed in a red, fuzzy, off-the-shoulder sweater and black fitted pants. Her mouth became a torture device, drawing his attention every time she popped a peppermint puff. He honestly didn’t know how long he could keep their tryst a secret from their families.
“Okay, who’s next?” Norah asked.
“Mom is up,” Mr. W. said.
“Oh goody.” Mom rubbed her hands together conspiratorially.
Mom stood, brows pinched together as she studied everyone's ten-dollar gift they held on their laps.
“Pick mine, Grandma,” Ava said, holding out a bottle of gingerbread body lotion.
“Hmm,” she pretended to consider. “Sorry, baby girl, but I’ve got lotion coming out the wazoo.”
Leo groaned, running a palm down his face. He leaned in close to Isabella, a hint of her floral scent assaulting him. “Well, I hope you’re happy.”
She arched a brow at him.
“I got your mom hand lotion for Christmas.”
Isabella snorted.
