Page 32 of Savoring Christmas (Sugarville Grove #8)
Mia was plating the last of the dessert service when Logan burst through the double doors into her gleaming new kitchen at La Danza.
Stainless steel counters stretched like mirrors under the bright LED lights, every surface reflecting the polished chrome of industrial mixers, the precision-arranged knife blocks, and the spotless glass doors of reach-in coolers humming their quiet rhythm.
Copper pots hung above the wide marble prep island, positioned exactly where her hands knew to find them.
Logan’s arms swept around her waist. “Babe, it’s a huge success.
Everyone’s raving about the food, and they all want you to come out.
” He spun her around the kitchen as her newly hired staff glanced their way with amused smiles.
They’d grown accustomed to Logan’s presence during the months of planning and training, but seeing their composed chef suddenly weightless and laughing was worth pausing their breakdown routine for.
Remi arrived carrying a tray of empty wine glasses and agreed that Mia should go out to address her “fans.” In his dark vest and crisp white shirt, he looked completely at home in her new kitchen.
She was so grateful for her faithful friend, who had followed her through everything to arrive at this moment.
He’d been instrumental during the planning stages, helping her choose decor and refine the menu and wine list. Between Remi and Logan, she’d had unwavering support through every hiccup along the way.
Tonight wasn’t the official grand opening of La Danza—that would come next week—but, for this soft opening, Mia had invited the people who had made this dream possible.“Do I have to give a speech?” Mia asked.
“I’m afraid so. Or you’ll have mutiny on your hands,” Logan said.
“People want to celebrate you,” Remi said.
“All right, fine.” She discarded her apron, smoothed her hair and followed Logan and Remi out to the dining room.
It had taken six months to transform the former dance hall into a restaurant, but they'd completed it at last. The once-bright community space now glowed with moody, romantic warmth.
Deep green walls framed by dark wood wainscoting made the candlelight seem richer, more golden.
Long banquettes upholstered in espresso leather echoed the hall's original craftsmanship while lending modern elegance.
Black-framed mirrors reflected flickering candles, doubling the intimate glow, while tables of warm oak were set simply with white linen, gleaming silverware, and crystal glasses.
The old stage remained at the far end, where tonight a trio had been playing soft jazz that wove through the low murmur of conversation. It was still the hall Mia had fallen in love with, but transformed into a space that honored both past and present.
Logan asked the musicians to take a break so Mia could take the stage.
Her hands trembled as she gazed around the room at Logan's brothers and their families, Grace and Walter, and her newfound family—Harold, Thelma, Reese, and Kris with his wife Maria.
Abby and Luke had brought their children, who were sharing a table with Patty and her kids.
"Go ahead, love," Logan said as the room quieted.
"Thank you all for being here tonight." Mia's voice wavered slightly, but she continued.
"This space was once the heart of Sugarville Grove.
For more than a century, people came here to dance, to fall in love, to celebrate.
I chose a name that would honor that joy while giving it new rhythm.
La Danza means 'The Dance' in Italian. Now, instead of dancing only on the floor, we're dancing with flavors—ones that will create moments to remember for years to come. "
Her gaze swept the room, lingering on each face.
"Thank you for supporting me with your ideas, time, and advice.
Without my students, who have become my family, this night wouldn't have been possible.
My life changed because of one decision—to offer a cooking class.
During those nights together, we learned more than technique.
We found love, friendship, and healing. We found each other. "
And with that she turned to Logan near the stage.
"I found the love of my life in the elementary school's kitchen.
Thank you for everything you've sacrificed to make this dream come true.
Marrying a chef isn't just a ticket to good meals—my schedule has been demanding, but you've never once complained. "
It was true. There had been many late nights in the last few months, not to mention her obsession with every detail being just right. He was a saint to put up with her.
Remi had been passing out glasses of champagne while she spoke. Logan put one in her hand and she raised it now.
“To the past that built this beautiful building and those who saved it from being torn down. To the friends by our sides, and the new memories we’ll make together right here. To La Danza.”
“And now we dance,” Logan said.
The band took their place back on stage and began to play. Everyone got up from their tables to join Mia and Logan on the dance floor.
“Our first official dance at your new restaurant,” Logan said, pulling her close. “I hope there are many more to come.”
She wrapped her arms around his neck, swaying to the gentle notes coming from the jazz band. “There will be. I can promise you that.”
Couples and even the children moved together under the twinkle lights, the ghosts of past dancers mingling with the new memories they were creating.
As the music flowed around them, Mia rested her head against Logan's chest, letting the rhythm and laughter soak into her bones.
The joy was infectious—people coming together for food and music, exactly as they had a hundred years ago.
It was a simple concept, yet profound. Like her, the old dance hall was having its second chance, a revival that had created something even better than what came before.
She thought of that first night in the elementary school kitchen, how terrified she'd been to teach, how broken she'd felt.
Now look where that single act of courage had led—to love, to family, to this moment where past and present danced together in perfect harmony.
The hall had found its rhythm again, and so had she.
In Logan's arms, surrounded by laughter and love, with the scents of her cooking still lingering in the air and the promise of countless nights like this ahead, Mia smiled.
Sometimes the most beautiful stories were the ones where you thought you'd lost everything, only to discover you'd found exactly where you were meant to be.
Thanks for reading Savoring Christmas !