Chapter 51
FIFTY-ONE
CASSIDY
The next morning, Cassidy found herself replaying the night before.
She would have loved nothing more than to explore all the different surfaces Liam had hinted at, but she hadn’t been able to ignore Julian and Miles, especially with them only in town for one night.
She’d even tried to convince them to stay longer, though she understood why they couldn’t.
Owning a business meant every day off was a sacrifice.
She’d found them back at her chocolate shop, waiting and wondering where she’d snuck off to.
Miles had lifted his brows when she told them.
So that’s who you’re dating? The farm shop hottie?
Julian had crossed his arms in mock offense, but Miles’s easy grin and teasing shoulder squeeze had smoothed it over.
Even Julian’s attempt to hold onto his scowl hadn’t lasted long before it gave way to a grin.
Cassidy could still hear the warmth in Miles’s voice when he turned back to her and said, We’re happy for you.
Letting them go that morning hadn’t been easy, but she hadn’t fought too hard.
Now that her light-up night was behind her and Christmas was less than a week away, Cassidy finally felt like she could exhale.
The worst of the pressure had passed. Liam was still working on the final touches for his display, hammering and fussing over details.
She’d offered to help, but he’d waved her off, reminding her she’d already done plenty when she’d stepped in after the raccoons had wrecked everything.
She was still reeling to think that after all the gossip and rumors, after all her suspicions and anger about the Gingerbread Jerk, the answer to the Maple Falls Christmas mystery had turned out to be so innocent.
Later that afternoon, a message buzzed on her phone.
How do you feel about lasagna?
She replied right away.
Lasagna sounds perfect. I’ll bring the wine.
She packed an overnight bag and tucked it into the backseat of her car. She didn’t want to assume anything, but she also didn’t want to be caught unprepared.
When she stepped inside his house later that evening, the first thing she noticed was the Christmas tree standing in the corner of his living room. Her heart jumped.
It was the tree. The one she’d bid on at the Festival of Trees.
Her face lit up. “You got it,” she said, walking toward it slowly, taking in the warm lights and mix of ornaments. “Although… it looks a little different.”
“I added a few things of my own,” he said from the kitchen, glancing over as he used a corkscrew to open the bottle of wine she’d brought.
She moved closer, brushing her fingers along one of the new ornaments. A small wooden honeybee nestled near the top. A carved ornament shaped like a tiny saw. She smiled. They were so… him.
For the next hour, they cooked together in the glow of the tree lights and the hum of soft holiday music playing in the background. Liam browned the meat, a dishtowel slung over his shoulder, while Cassidy stirred the simmering sauce. A pot of noodles bubbled gently on the stove.
They worked in tandem, layering the noodles, sauce, and cheeses—ricotta, mozzarella, and a sprinkle of parmesan. She laid down the noodles, he followed with a generous spoonful of sauce, and together, they scattered handfuls of shredded cheese.
It wasn’t fancy, and it wasn’t fast. But it was warm and unhurried and full of shared glances and soft laughter.
Once the lasagna was safely tucked into the oven, he rinsed his hands and reached for the wine glasses. Her fingers brushed his as he handed her the glass.
“To finally being able to slow down,” he said, raising his glass.
“I’ll drink to that.” She clinked her glass gently against his.
Cassidy hadn’t realized how much she’d craved this kind of quiet. There were no expectations. No pressure. A feeling of contentment bloomed in her chest.
This man had been worth breaking her vow for. This man was the kind of man who would love her forever.