Page 148 of A Chef's Kiss for Christmas

Warren kissed her forehead, and the tender gesture made all the stress worthwhile.

As he drew away from her, his eyes shot to Lewis. “Who the heck is taking care of the restaurant tonight?”

Lewis shrugged. “It’s closed for the night.”

“You’re not serious?” Warren’s eyes bulged. “You closed the restaurant?”

“Only for one night. Given the circumstances, I’m sure people will understand. I offered vouchers to anyone with a reservation.”

“What about the hotel guests? What are they supposed to do?”

Lewis laughed. “Liam made a batch of soup and sandwiches for anyone who’s desperate, but they can also go elsewhere to eat.”

“That’s a really bad way to run a business,” Warren said, shaking his head mockingly. “Do you even know what you’re doing?”

“No. I’ve absolutely no idea.” Lewis’s eyes sparkled with amusement. “What about you?”

Warren shook his head. “I’m winging it.”

As her family moved away, Anna looped her arms around Warren’s waist and rested her head against his chest. “You’ve done a really great job of fooling everyone,” she teased. “Even your parents are convinced you’re great at your job.” Lifting her head, she gazed up at him. “Your mum is over the moon, you know. And your dad. Not just because they get to brag. They’re genuinely happy for you.”

“I know,” he said grudgingly, then cast a quick glance to where his parents were chatting with Edie. “Where’s everyone staying, by the way?”

“Some people are staying here, some in a hotel. Your mum and Lewis organised all that.”

“Everyone went to a lot of effort.”

“Because they’re all very proud of you.”

He sighed and drew her closer, looking deep into her eyes. “Explain to me how I got so lucky.”

Warmth pooled in her stomach, knowing he wasn’t only referring to career achievements, or to the bustle of friends and family around them. Over the last few months, their relationship had flourished, and every day she marvelled at how right it felt.

As the sound of their family’s laughter drifted around them, she pressed her lips to his.

“I think I got pretty lucky, too.”