Page 12 of Christmas Kisses (Majestic Falls: Christmas Spice #2)
Jessica
Four Years Later…
“Maple, you’ve been retired for five minutes, what are you doing here?” I asked, not bothering to hide my grin as she bustled behind the counter and pulled me into a hug.
“I don’t need an excuse to see my great-grandson,” she said with a sniff. “Where is he?”
“In the playpen,” I told her, hooking my thumb toward the back of the store. “Micha’s trying to get Liam to take a nap.”
“There’s no hope of that,” Micha said, walking up front, holding our son. “He’s thirteen months old and has informed me that he is too old for a mid-morning nap.”
“He informed you?” I rolled my eyes.
“Are you implying my great-grandson isn’t a genius, young lady?” Maple chastised me as she reached for Liam. “I’ll have you know that all of my grandchildren are gifted.”
“I’m aware of that,” I said, beaming at my husband. “Oscar-winning, even.”
“Don’t count chickens,” Micha warned. “I’ve still got two weeks of panicking and night terrors to get through until the big night. Don’t take that away from me.”
Micha had been nominated for best score after using the songs he wrote for me in a major motion picture.
I’d never been more proud of him. I cradled my pregnant belly and sighed.
He was going to walk the red carpet, looking dashing as ever in his black tux, while I waddled along beside him in the best maternity gown I could find.
“Sorry, darling,” I said, leaning into him as he stood next to me. “Oscar-nominated.”
“That’s better.” He bent down and kissed my forehead. “How are you feeling?”
“Right as rain,” I promised him. “But I have a dozen interviews to get through this morning, and Isaac is running late.”
I sighed, feeling really glad I no longer did life coaching. I had continued it for the first year after I inherited this place and discovered it was my real passion—along with Micha and now Liam. “This store is falling apart.”
“I wish you’d let me come back to help,” Maple said, bouncing Liam on her hip as she frowned at me. “Just for a couple days a week.”
“No!” Micha and I both insisted firmly.
“Gran, you’ve earned your retirement. My wife is more than capable of handling this place. It’s just an adjustment.”
“He’s right,” I agreed. “I always knew you did the brunt of the work here. I just didn’t realize how much work it actually was. I’ve been on my own for two months, and I’m ready to retire. I don’t know how you did it.”
“Well, I didn’t have a baby at home and another on the way,” she answered with a laugh. “I don’t know how you’re doing it, to be honest.”
“Booze,” Micha teased.
I elbowed him in the stomach just as Maple slapped him upside the back of his head.
“Fine, fine,” he said, stepping out of reach of us. “I thought it was funny.”
Maple and I shook our heads and smiled at each other.
It was so strange to feel this comfortable as part of a loving family.
After I’d decided to stay in Majestic Falls, everything seemed to just settle into place.
Micha and I were married six months later on the beach of Majestic Falls Lake, with the mountains as a backdrop.
Literally, the wedding pictures were gorgeous, the stuff of coffee table books and dreams.
Once I’d committed to being here, I dove into running the shop. I already had business knowledge, so I was able to take on the paperwork aspect relatively quickly.
The baking came next, with Micha and I each gaining fifteen pounds over the course of a year as I fought to learn everything I could about candy, chocolate and baked goods. Well…Micha said he’d gained weight, but I’d never noticed it on him. The man was just as handsome and fit as he’d always been.
I was happier than I’d ever been, yet somehow, I became more happy every single day. I had an amazing husband, a beautiful son and another on the way, and while I still often wished I could have known Doris, I felt as if I’d gotten to know her through Maple.
Life in Majestic Falls was damn near perfect. Every night, when I said my prayers, I gave thanks for this family I’d fallen into, this business I actually loved, and the amazing friends I’d met along the way.
And every morning when I woke up, I couldn’t wait to hit the ground running and see what was in store for us next. Because I knew that it was always going to be a treat and I’d always have Micha’s kisses.
Thank you for reading!
I hope you’re as excited about Majestic Falls as I am! The next Majestic Falls Christmas book is locked and loaded for you.