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Relief filled Henri before she reminded herself that Mia’s opinion on how to decorate a Christmas tree had nothing to do with her. It wasn’t as if they’d ever be decorating a tree together. As much as she wished otherwise.

“That’s three to two,” Sid said. “We win.”

“Everything is a competition with you.”

“Not everything,” the tiny mechanic defended.

Beth arched one chestnut brow. “Have you ever told Mia how you and Lucas got together?” When Sid didn’t answer, she added, “They made a series of bets. By the time they were done, both of them were head over heels.”

Ensuring the story was told accurately, Sid said, “I won the bets. Just so we’re clear.”

Mia smiled and Henri’s brain went fuzzy. “That doesn’t surprise me at all.” Waving to Helga, she said, “I’m ready for my first client.”

The ladies shifted to the side so the kids had a clear path to the table. The conversation then went from holiday plans to the weather, and eventually landed on the men in their lives. Henri struggled to pay attention as she couldn’t resist watching Mia at work. The artist was a natural with the toddlers, and no matter the request, she met every child’s expectation. From Conner’s dinosaur to a little blond girl’s unusually specific demand for a pink unicorn with flowing gold hair and purple pajamas.

Henri had never seen a unicorn in pajamas, but Mia hadn’t even blinked. She simply got to work and turned out exactly what the child had described. When the last toddler was in the chair, the front door swung open once again, and this time it was the big man himself.

The ruckus that followed made Henri wonder how Helga did this day after day. Then she glanced over to Mia, who was smiling despite the noise, and suddenly the racket didn’t seem quite so unbearable.