Chapter 15
J anuary, one year later
Keely watched Travis rush around, trying to get ready to leave. She handed him his travel coffee mug, along with a bag filled with his favorite peanut butter cookies.
"Got everything?"
He grinned, wrapping his arms around her. "Yeah. Everything I need. Right here. But I do have to get to class."
She beamed. "I'm glad you don't have to go at night anymore."
"Those are pretty filled up with other things right now." He winked. "In fact, once in a while you're going to have to let me sleep. It'll be a bitch if I fall asleep during Trusts and Estates."
"I'll try to be merciful." She gave him another kiss. "I'm so proud of you, Travis. Your dad is still okay with you not being there anymore?"
He shrugged. "He seems to be. He said he wants me to be happy. Hopefully he won't change his mind now that Wyatt decided he wanted to be involved in the business. Who knew he had it in him?"
"Nicki, apparently. I'm still reeling at the thought of being her maid of honor next month. She wants to look at dresses later today."
"I vote for something sparkly. And hopefully I won't be wearing a tuxedo t-shirt as best man." He sneaked in another kiss. "What's on the agenda for Sassy Stash today?"
"Nicki asked me to bake up a batch of clueless dick cookies."
Travis erupted in laughter. "I thought Nicki and I were cool."
"You are! She has some new places she wants to deliver samples to, so people getting over a breakup or needing a bachelorette party favor will think of Sassy Stash Cookies." She grinned. "She's also working up some marketing materials using her line about having sass—"
"When his head is in his ass. Wyatt told me. I'm glad I managed to extract mine before I completely wrecked us."
"You didn't wreck us. I nearly did that. But look at where we are. Better off than before. You're on your way to being a lawyer."
"You're in business to help people get their sass back. One cookie at a time."
"And my hands are really full today. Grandma's stopping by to discuss her ideas for Nicki's bridal shower. I'm trying not to worry about how much bail money it'll require." Her eyes opened wide. "You really need to leave. Before Grandma gets here. She's dying to convince you to get the band back together and go on tour."
That made him smile. "She's more interested in hiring me as her attorney-to-be."
"She must have decided to wriggle out of some NDAs."
His expression was uncertain all of a sudden. "It still seems strange, her loaning me money so I can take classes during the day. Even though she called it a retainer—"
"It's Grandma's version of giving back to the community. I'm convinced one of those NDAs has to involve a presidential candidate. It's sure financed a lot of stuff. Like this loan to get me started on my cookie business." Travis looked a lot more reassured, especially when Keely added another kiss. "Don't be surprised when Grandma forgives your loan. She considers you family."
He squeezed her tighter. "It's really hard to leave today. I want to stay right here, with my arms wrapped around you."
"I feel the same. But you can't be late for the first day of class."
"I know. I love you so much, Keely. It's like Christmas every day with you."
"I love you, too, Travis. My favorite Christmas present. Ever." She walked him towards the door. "Even with all I have to accomplish today, I'm planning on creating a new customer service emergency for you."
He laughed. "You can count on me. Tonight. All night. Providing you the excellent customer service you've come to expect."
"I can't wait." She brushed her lips against his. "I'm going to write some five-star reviews right now. I probably won't have the energy to do them afterwards."
"Remember, I'm always just a phone call away." He winked. "The mobile unit—"
"Don't tempt me!"
"Oh nights divine," Travis sang softly. He stole another kiss and then headed out to his car.
He turned and gazed at her once more. Keely waved and blew kisses to him. Her heart swelled with happiness.
The best Christmas. The sexiest man in the world. And she was getting to share her love and her future with him.
Totally a five-star experience.
The End