HOLIDAY
Istare down at the cream-colored envelope in my hands.
It’s heavier than it looks, bulging with whatever’s inside. My name is written across the front in Emma’s neat handwriting.
“What do you think it is?” I ask Lucas.
“Only one way to find out.”
Around us, the party continues. People are hugging and celebrating the new year. Confetti is still floating down from the ceiling. But I’m frozen, staring at this envelope like it might contain the secrets of the universe.
“Come on. The anticipation might fucking kill me at this point.” Lucas takes my hand and leads me down the hallway to Jake and Claire’s guest bedroom. He closes the door behind us, muffling the noise from the party.
I carefully tear open the envelope.
A folded letter slides out first. I unfold it and recognize Emma’s handwriting immediately.
Holiday,
It was never my dream to own a bakery, but I’ve been told that it was always yours.
You’ve poured your heart and soul into the place over the season.
You created recipes that had people lining up for hours to try.
You turned a small-town bakery into something magical.
And you made it what it is today. That’s why I’ve decided to transfer the ownership of the bakery to you.
Congratulations. You’re now the proud owner of Jolly Cookie Shop. The paperwork and title are enclosed.
And don’t tell me it’s too much. You’ve earned this, and you deserve it.
Welcome to the family.
Oh, I just have one small request—unlimited pastries for life? Happy New Year, sister!
Love,
Emma
I lose my balance, and my ass bounces against the mattress.
I read the letter again, wondering if I’m dreaming or if I’ve had too much champagne. This doesn’t make sense.
My hands start shaking as I reach back into the envelope and pull out the rest of the contents. It’s full of official documents with gold seals and embossed lettering. Title documents. LLC transfer paperwork. Business licenses.
“Oh my goodness.” I breathe out.
“What?” Lucas moves closer, kneeling in front of me so we’re eye level. “What is it? Tell me.”
I can’t speak. My entire body is trembling as I flip through the papers, each one confirming what the letter said.
“She gave me the bakery,” I whisper. “Emma gave me the bakery.”
I hand the letter to Lucas, and his eyes scan the page. His face changes from confusion, then to shock, then to something that looks like awe.
“Holy shit,” he mutters. “Congrats, HoHo. This is what you’ve always wanted.”
It hits me all at once, and I burst into tears. I’m not crying because I’m sad, but because I’m so overwhelmed with joy, I can’t control it. Too many emotions hit me, all at the same time.
“Aw, sweetheart,” Lucas says, wiping my tears away.
“I can’t accept this.” I pull back, wiping my face. “I need to call her right now and tell her she can’t do this.”
“It’s late.”
“I don’t care!” With shaking hands, I grab my phone from my pocket.
Lucas stops me. “Listen to me. Emma isn’t going to let you give it back to her. I know her.”
“It’s too much,” I whisper.
“She’s a billionaire,” Lucas says. “Her dream was to be a mom. I’m sure the twins made her realize that owning the bakery isn’t something she wants.
You’re the best choice, and it helps that you’re family.
She could build a thousand bakeries if she wanted.
The recipes you created, the way you light up every morning when you walk through those doors—that’s all you.
You made it special, and Emma—hell, the whole town—saw that. ”
I’m so full of emotion, I can barely speak. “I don’t know what to say.”
“Tomorrow, or actually, later today, you’ll call Emma and tell her thank you.”
A laugh bursts out of me. “Is this real?”
“Based on this paperwork? Fuck, yeah.”
I wipe away more tears. “I get to have it all. The man I love, my dream business, and a loving family.”
“Lucky girl,” he whispers in awe.
I collapse back onto the bed, still holding the documents. Lucas sits beside me and takes my hand. “I am so happy for you.”
“Thank you. I think I’m in shock.”
“Me too.” He captures my lips. “We should go home and ring in the new year the right way.”
“Thought you’d never ask,” I say.
We walk back into the living room, hand in hand. The party is still going strong. The music is pumping, people are dancing, and the champagne is still flowing.
We say quick goodbyes to Jake and Claire, making excuses about being tired. Nobody questions it because it’s almost one in the morning and everyone is winding down.
The drive home is quiet. I clutch the documents in my lap, still trying to wrap my head around what just happened. Lucas keeps one hand on my thigh, making sure I know he’s right there with me.
When we pull into our driveway, I look at the house he built for us, how he planned for a future he wasn’t sure he’d ever get. This is our house. And in the morning, I’ll wake up as the owner of Jolly Cookie Shop.
This doesn’t feel like real life.
Inside, Lucas locks the door behind us and turns to me with that look in his eyes that makes my stomach flip.
“Come here,” he says.
He leads me upstairs, and we take our time undressing each other. His lips find my neck, my collarbone, and my shoulder. Every touch feels more meaningful. Like we’re celebrating, not just the new year, but everything our future holds.
When we finally make love, it’s slow and full of emotion. Our breaths and panting mix together until we chase our end. We lie in bed, looking up at the glow-in-the-dark stars.
“I’m so proud of you,” he whispers as we lie tangled in the sheets.
“You know what’s wild?” I say into the darkness.
“Tell me.”
“I have everything now. You, the bakery, this life we’re building.” I trace patterns on his chest. “The only thing that would make it complete is a baby.”
Lucas is quiet for a moment, then I feel his chest rumble with laughter.
“What?” I lift my head to look at him.
“Well,” he says while grinning, that dimple appearing, “the way we just went at it, we might’ve made one.”
I burst out laughing and swat his chest. “Lucas!”
“Or two! I’m just saying, Peaches. That was some pretty solid baby-making right there.”
“You’re absolutely ridiculous. Don’t you dare wish twins on me.”
“Aw, you love it.” He slides his lips across mine, taking my bottom lip into his mouth and sucking. “But for real, when you’re ready, I’m ready. I want everything with you.”
“Me too.” I smile against his mouth.
He yawns. “We’ve got time, sweetheart. No need to rush. Damn, I love you.”
“I love you more.”
“No, you fucking don’t,” he mutters, but I can tell he’s grinning.
“I guess I get to have my cake and eat it too,” I whisper.
“Enjoy the buffet, babe. It all worked out exactly how it was supposed to.” Lucas kisses my forehead.
I close my eyes, wrapped in his arms, knowing I’m living my ultimate dream.
Two months ago, I came home a broken woman.
Tonight, I’m engaged to the love of my life and I own a bakery.
I have no doubts that I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be.
Lucas is my home.
THE END