Page 100 of Eight Days of Christmas
“Oh, I know. But you can’t expect this poor child to wait all day. She can open the gift from Papa and I.”
“It’s fine, Dad,” Finn said. “Nana is right.”
Isabella stood at the entrance to the living room and leaned against the wall watching Ava as she yanked her goodies from her stocking with more enthusiasm than she’d ever seen expelled from one human being. Joy expanded in her chest, and an easy smile tugged at her lips. She’d missed so much, and she didn’t want to miss anymore.
Next to her, Norah leaned closer and whispered, “You know we’re not idiots, right? You’re totally pulling a Leo.”
Isabella tried to play dumb. “What?”
“You’re wearing the same clothes as yesterday.”
Isabella’s cheeks burned, and she crossed her arms.
“I hope whatever’s going on, it works out this time,” Norah said.
Isabella couldn’t hold back the smile curving on her lips. “Don’t worry about us. Today isyourday. You’re getting married.”
With a contemplative look in her eye, Norah said, “I am, aren’t I?”
But rather than looking excited or happy as Isabella expected, Norah appeared pensive, maybe even apprehensive.
“Hey, you okay?”
Norah waved her off. “Oh, yeah. Of course. Just nerves is all.”
Isabella’s phone chimed. She slid it from her pocket, and upon seeing Kelsey’s name, hid the screen as she checked the text.
Kelsey: I need you at the bakery. Now.
Isabella’s heart dropped.
She turned back to her sister, pressing her lips tight.
“Everything all right?” Norah asked, her brow scrunched.
Isabella let out a deep breath. “Totally. I just gotta step out and take this.”
As Isabella rushed out the door, hoping Norah suspected nothing, she typed out a reply.
Isabella: On my way.
Then, she called for backup: Leo. The man who had so easily become her go-to all over again, even after all this time.
Isabella:Meet me at your truck. Operation Wedding Cake is a go.
“Don’t you dare trip, Izzy,”Kelsey warned, chewing on her thumbnail and holding the door of the wedding hall open.
Isabella and Leo each gripped a side of the cake board that held the five-tiered confection covered in drizzled chocolate and sprinkled with red roses.
“I’m not gonna trip. As long as you stay clear of that door,” Isabella said with a grunt.
They maneuvered the heavy cake into the kitchen where an empty shelf in a commercial refrigerator waited. Isabella, Leo, and Kelsey released a combined exhale once the cake was stored away, safe and sound.
“We did it,” Isabella said. She and Leo high-fived one another. “And Norah will never need to know there was ever a problem.”
“Mum’s the word.” Leo pretended to zip his lips.
“Thank you, thank you,” Kelsey said, hugging Isabella. “I’m gonna head home now. Lots to do. You two rock.” Kelsey stood back, looking back and forth between them with a smile, hand on her rounded belly. “You two really do make a good team.” She winked, then headed out the door.
