The Christmas Crush

Chapter 45

CHAPTER FORTY-FIVE

Lawrence’s heart leapt into his throat. He stroked Elena’s shoulder to center himself. If the contest didn’t go their way, what would he do? What would Elena think of his alternative plan to bolster the bakery’s business? No matter what happened, he intended to share his idea with her. More than an idea, a dream, a deep hope. He blew out a wavering breath. Everything will work out, one way or another , he promised himself.

“This year’s entries astounded us. You are all a very creative, talented bunch.” The editor unfolded the paper a judge handed her. “This year was especially tough for our judges, given the stories you shared along with your recipes. We loved the stories from the Choi family, about how their little ones helped and created havoc in the kitchen while Mom and Dad worked on their entry. And we have a grandmother-and-granddaughter team here, Janet and Winter Clark, who told us how Christmas is their favorite time of year. Winter is even named for the season! And then we have a precious story from Elena Voss and Lawrence Higgins.

“They shared with us that their cookie symbolizes the importance of forgiveness and hope for a future. Elena wrote: This cookie combines our two favorite flavors so that each can shine and complement the other. Lawrence makes me want to be my best self, and he says I inspire him to do the same. For us, the Spirit of Christmas means seeing the good in ourselves and others. That’s lovely, Elena and Lawrence, thank you.

“Without further ado, the judges have tasted the finalists’ scrumptious cookies, and have come to a decision. I know we can agree all the cookies are winners. Now, to name our grand-prize winner. Envelope, please.” She held out her hand to the judges’ table. One of the judges, a woman in her midthirties with red-framed glasses, paused before extending the envelope to the editor.

Everyone held their breath—the room quiet, devoid of even the smallest sounds, like an exhalation. The night Lawrence met Elena, the only path forward he’d seen was to beat Sparkle, to have enough money to be sure the bakery would survive. Tonight, amid the glistening lights, with Elena beside him, he knew the bakery would survive, because he would never give up on it. Because Elena supported him and believed in his dream too. Because she hadn’t given up on him, or on the bakery, despite disagreements and setbacks. He’d never experienced a feeling like this, the feeling of excitement without a sour note of anxiety.

The envelope crackled against the microphone as the editor opened it. Lawrence laced his fingers with Elena’s and found himself looking at her face instead of the editor’s, as if no one were in the room but he and she.

“Ladies and gentlemen, please give a round of applause and join me in congratulating the winners of the Home Baker’s Quarterly Spirit of Christmas cookie competition. Give it up for Janet and Winter Clark, our grandmother-and-granddaughter team from Pittsburg!”

Lawrence saw Elena’s shoulders drop as they clapped along with everyone else. He winked at her to let her know he wasn’t concerned, and a slow smile lit up her pretty face. “Like me and Nana back in the day,” he said to Elena. He hoped winning the contest inspired Winter to keep baking all her life, as he had been inspired by his grandma.

Once everyone had an opportunity to congratulate the winners, the string duet broke into an instrumental cover of “All I Want for Christmas Is You.”

“We have to dance to this one,” he told Elena. She beamed at him as brought her onto the dance floor. His hands at her waist, on the slick silk fabric, fingers on the curve of her hips, they moved together.

“It’s going to be okay, don’t worry,” she said. Before he could say he wasn’t worried, she continued. “If you want, I have ideas, lots of ideas to promote the bakery. To make sure everyone gets to taste your amazing cookies.”

“I have a plan too,” he said. Elena’s arms were around his neck, her head tipped back to study him. “My idea is a little crazy, but I think it will work.”

“Really? I’m intrigued. Do tell.”

Would she think it was more than a little crazy? Maybe insane, even? Or rushing things? “I know the most talented marketing vice president, but she hates her job. They treat her poorly; they stifle her creative spirit. And I know a guy who lost his assistant and could really use a brilliant partner.”

“Me?” she chirped. She stopped swaying to the music.

“You and me, sweetie.” He touched the tip of his nose to the tip of hers. “And this new job would give you time to paint. No more burning the candle at both ends, painting all night and working all day.”

He saw her throat bob as she swallowed, eyes round and bright. “I’d have to be a real partner, though, not an employee. That’s part of my plan.”

He raised an eyebrow. Their separate plans overlapped? She didn’t think he was out of his mind to suggest they work together? “Okay. Tell me your plan.”

“I’ve recently come into some money, as you know,” she went on. “Also, I’ve saved up some capital. Let me be a full partner and buy in. The cash infusion can go to rent and to fund my marketing strategy. I know a good lawyer, and he can draw us up a contract to make everything legitimate.”

He’d offered the job on blind faith they’d be able to survive somehow, never expecting her to have a ready solution to the money problems. He lifted her, twirled her in an embrace. Breathed in her dusky, floral essence, gloried in the sensation of her glossy hair brushing his cheek. An older couple on the floor next to them both smiled. Infectious happiness that spread to everyone around them.

“So, you think we can do this? Work together and have a relationship?” she asked, still pragmatic as he set her down. It was a big request, he knew, to ask his beautiful, talented new girlfriend to throw her lot in with him.

“I can’t imagine anyone I’d rather try to conquer the world with. You make me feel like I can do anything.” He’d lived too long second-guessing himself, only feeling confident in his physicality. He was confident in Elena and in their feelings for each other. “As long as we’re being fearless here, can I say something else?”

Now he felt a tiny burst of nerves, static in his chest, close to his heart.

“You can tell me anything.”

His pressed his lips to her ear so only she could hear him. “I love you. Some people might think it’s too soon to say that, but I think I should have said it sooner. I love you, and I know I’ll prove to you in time how true my love is.”

She slid her hand down to rest on his heart. He wouldn’t allow himself to worry if she would say it back or not. He would be his best self, and his best self, his truest self, loved Elena. No part of him, good or bad, could survive without her. Who cared what the future might bring? Even the next second. Right now, for this breath, this heartbeat, he lived in her eyes, and that was all he needed.