Page 14

CHAPTER 14

CASPIAN

“Yes. He’s really nice, isn’t he? His girls are adorable.”

“They seem so,” he replies, and I detect something in his voice.

“So…” I lean in slightly, lowering my voice. “What will it take to convince you to take a commission from me? Or is it only sparkly-dress-tutu-wearing little girls you work for?”

His eyes dart to mine, and I watch his throat work as he swallows. “I could be convinced. Do you own a tutu?”

I tilt my head so my lips are close to his ear. “I do, actually.”

His Adam’s apple bobs.

“I’d love to see your workshop sometime,” I press on, fully aware of how suggestive that sounds. It’s probably cruel of me to tease him like this, but the way his breath catches makes it hard to stop. “I’d love to see you create something with those skilled hands of yours.”

Nate shifts on the couch, putting a bit more space between us. “You’re playing with fire, Caspian,” he warns, but there’s a hint of a smile tugging at his lips. “How did you end up here anyway? At my parents’ house, of all places?”

The abrupt subject change makes me chuckle. “Catherine invited me, actually. Turns out our moms were best friends growing up. Small world, right?” I accept the glass of water Felix passes me as he returns. “She’s going to be supplying pastries for Special Blend. Says she misses baking professionally.”

“Mom’s apple turnovers are legendary,” Nate agrees, taking his own water. “The whole town practically rioted when Old Mac announced his retirement. Not because of his retirement but because there was no one to take over.”

“Well, now they’ll be available again at my shop.” I can’t resist adding, “You should stop by sometime. Try one fresh from the oven.”

His eyes meet mine over the rim of his glass, and the tension between us crackles like static electricity. “Maybe I will.”

Felix clears his throat, reminding us we’re not alone, and I feel my cheeks heat. I’ve been so focused on Nate that I almost forgot where we are. Lottie and her friends are still playing nearby, their cheerful voices a reminder that we’re at a family gathering. I straighten, trying to look more composed than I feel.

“So, Felix,” I say, perhaps a bit too brightly, “I have a long list of books for the book corner at Special Blend. I’d love if you could have a look at it and help me narrow it down to the space available.”

From the corner of my eye, I catch Nate hiding a smirk behind his water glass. He knows exactly what I’m doing, and I resist the urge to stick my tongue out at him.

Catherine bustles in from the kitchen, saving me from my awkward attempt at changing the subject. “Who wants birthday cake? Girls, wash those hands first.”

The children scatter toward the bathroom, their excited chatter echoing down the hallway. As everyone starts moving toward the dining room, Nate leans close, so close I can smell the crisp winter air still clinging to his jacket.

“Real smooth there,” he murmurs, and the warmth of his breath against my ear sends a shiver down my spine.

I turn my head slightly, meeting his amused gaze. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

He chuckles, low and deep, and the sound does dangerous things to my composure. “Sure you don’t.”

Before I can respond, Lottie comes racing back, grabbing both our hands. “Uncle Nate, can Mr. Caspian sit next to us? Please?”

I watch Nate’s expression soften as he looks at his niece. “That’s up to Mr. Caspian, kiddo.”

“I’d be honored,” I say, earning a brilliant smile from Lottie and a complicated look from Nate that makes my heart skip. “And please, just call me Caspian. Mr. Caspian makes me feel like I’m as old as those dinosaurs you were playing with.”

Lottie giggles, covering her mouth with her hand. “But dinosaurs are really, really old! Like a million billion years!”

I give her a pointed stare. “Exactly. I’m only twenty-nine.”

Lottie scrunches her nose. “That’s still pretty old!” She bounces on her tiptoes, cupping her hand around my ear to whisper conspiratorially, “Uncle Nate is even older. He’s thirty-five! That’s even older than Daddy!”

“Is that so?” I whisper back, sneaking a glance at Nate, who’s watching our exchange with raised eyebrows. “Well, I think your Uncle Nate wears his old age very well.”

Lottie nods seriously. “Aunt Addy says he’s like a fine wine. I don’t know what that means, but it makes Grandma laugh.”

“Lottie,” Nate interrupts, his cheeks pink. “Why don’t you go help Grandma with the cake?”

She skips off, leaving us in a moment of charged silence. I can’t help but smile at how flustered he looks. “A fine wine, huh?”

“I’m going to kill Addy,” Nate mutters, but there’s no real heat in his voice. “Come on, we should join everyone before Mom starts wondering where we are.”

“Where is Addy, by the way?”

“Burlington. Jasper had to change the party after Lottie was unwell on her birthday so Addy’s missing it.”

As we make our way to the dining room, I notice how Nate’s hand finds the small of my back, guiding me through the doorway. It’s such a casual gesture, but it sends warmth spreading through my entire body. He seems to realize what he’s done and quickly drops his hand, but the phantom touch lingers.

Catherine has transformed the dining room into a celebration of sparkles and unicorns. Paper streamers cascade from the ceiling, and the table is set with plates featuring prancing horses with glittery horns. In the center, a magnificent cake takes center stage—three tiers of white frosting decorated with edible silver stars and a perfectly sculpted fondant unicorn.

“Mom,” Nate says, clearly impressed. “You’ve outdone yourself.”

“Nothing but the best for my granddaughter.” Catherine beams, arranging candles on the cake. “Caspian, dear, would you mind helping me with these?”

I step forward to assist, aware of Nate’s eyes following my movements. As I help Catherine place the candles, she leans close and whispers, “I’m so glad you came tonight. It’s been ages since I’ve seen Nate smile like that.”

I nearly drop the candle I’m holding, but before I can respond, Lottie and her friends burst into the room, followed by the rest of the party guests.

The room fills with excited chatter and laughter as everyone gathers around the table. Lottie bounces in place between Nate and me, her energy contagious. I steal glances at Nate while Catherine lights the candles, noticing how the warm glow softens his features and makes his eyes even bluer.

“Ready, everyone?” Catherine asks, dimming the lights. “On three!”

The room erupts in a somewhat chaotic rendition of “Happy Birthday,” with Lottie beaming at the center. I join in, but I’m hyperaware of Nate’s deep voice beside me, how our shoulders brush as we sway slightly to the familiar tune.

When it’s time to blow out the candles, Lottie takes a deep breath, screwing up her face in concentration. “Wait!” she exclaims suddenly. “I have to make my wish!”

She closes her eyes tight, and I catch Nate watching her with such tenderness that my heart aches. After a moment, Lottie opens her eyes and blows out all the candles in one impressive gust to enthusiastic applause.

“What did you wish for, sweetie?” Catherine asks, already picking up the cake knife.

“Grandma!” Lottie looks scandalized. “I can’t tell you! Then it won’t come true!”

She looks up at me with those big blue eyes. “Right, Caspian?”

“Absolutely right,” I agree solemnly. “Birthday wish rules are very serious business.”

As Catherine starts serving cake, I feel Nate’s breath against my ear. “She probably wished for more unicorns,” he murmurs. “Or maybe a real dinosaur this time.”

I turn slightly, our faces closer than I expected. “And what would you wish for?” I ask softly before I can stop myself.

The moment hangs between us, charged with possibility, until someone calls out, “Nate! Can you help me with the ice cream in the garage?”

Nate straightens, breaking our connection. “Coming, Dad!” he calls back, giving me an apologetic look before heading out of the room.

I watch him go, still feeling the ghost of his proximity, when Felix slides into the empty space beside me. “You two seem cozy,” he observes, accepting a slice of cake from Catherine.

“We’re just friends,” I say automatically, though the words feel hollow even to my ears.

Felix raises an eyebrow. “Really? Because from where I’m sitting, it looks like you’d wish for something more.” He takes a bite of cake, then adds, “You know, the Wishing Tree in the city park is already accepting wishes for the Winter Wishes Festival. Might be worth a visit.”

“Felix…” I warn, but he just grins.

“I’m just saying.” He shrugs, watching Nate return with a gallon of vanilla ice cream. “Sometimes a little wish can go a long way.”

I’m saved from responding by Lottie tugging on my sleeve, demanding my opinion on whether unicorns prefer cake or ice cream. But as I launch into a detailed explanation about magical creatures and their dessert preferences, I can’t help but think about Felix’s words…and the way Nate’s eyes keep finding mine across the room.

The party begins winding down as the evening progresses, parents gathering their sleepy children and making their goodbyes. I’m helping Catherine clear some plates when Nate approaches, his keys jingling in his hand.

“Did you drive here?” he asks, and something in his tone makes my pulse quicken.

“No, I took a cab,” I reply, stacking the last of the dessert plates. “The forecast mentioned more snow, and I’m still not confident driving in it.”

“I can give you a ride home,” he offers, and though his voice is casual, there’s an undercurrent of something more. “I’ve got the truck.”

Felix catches my eye from across the room, waggling his eyebrows suggestively. I resist the urge to roll my eyes at him. “That would be great, actually. Thank you.”

“Perfect,” Nate says, and the smile he gives me makes my stomach flip. “Just let me grab my coat.”

“I’m so delighted you two are neighbors,” Catherine says with a knowing look that makes me wonder if everyone can see right through me. “At this time of year, with the snow, it’s nice having someone you can rely on nearby.”

“That’s very true,” I reply warmly. “I’m already grateful for the welcoming community here.”

As I gather my things, Felix’s comment about the Wishing Tree pops into my head. Maybe it wouldn’t hurt to make a wish of my own. After all, sometimes the universe has a way of bringing people together—even if they’re trying their best to stay apart.