My God, she’s too adorable for words.
“Put your crown back on and I’ll go grab the cape.”
“Okay.”
I’m back in no time.
Naomi snuggles into the fake fur and I tell her she looks beautiful.
“Thank you, Everly,” she beams.
“My pleasure,” I offer a warm smile.
Daddy stands there, watching us with this strange expression on his face. Our gaze meet, but he moves his attention to the little blonde.
“We’re off?” he asks.
“Yes!” Naomi says.
As they’re ready to leave, the bell over the front door jingles. With one long step, Daddy is on it, his princess helper trailing behind him.
“Step right in, folks,” my father greets. “Princess Naomi and I are heading out to spread joy to the world, but my other helper over there is ready to make your Christmas a sugary one,” he points at me.
He grabs Naomi’s hand, and with a grin and a wave, they’re off.
Amazing.
* * *
I look up when I hear keys at the door.
Look what the cat's dragged in.
“I’m back!” Callum says when he walks into the shop.
My eyes move to the big clock over the espresso counter.
Five-past-five.
“Just in time for closing,” I say with a touch of sarcasm.
“Grumpy much?” He locks the door behind him, walks to the counter and drops the shopping bags he’s holding behind it.
I hook my fists to my waist and give him an unimpressed stare. “For God sakes, you’ve been gone for so long, I practically forgot what you look like. Where were you? Nashville, Tennessee?”
“Ha, ha, ha. Don’t quit your day job. Everything will be closed tomorrow. There were a few important things I needed to take care of. The last few weeks have been too crazy for me to be anywhere else but here.”
Guilt grips me.
“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t be this bitchy. You practically live here. Where is my Christmas spirit?”
He strides towards me. “I’m not offended,” he says, tapping the tip of my nose with his index finger. “I saw the note at the door. I gather we had another stellar day?”
“You wouldn’t believe how many donuts we sold this afternoon.”
“Was Uncle Redford walking the streets preaching the goodness of sugar?”
I laugh. “He was at it until the last donut.”
“Good. So nothing left?”
“Nope. We’ve been sold out for the past forty-five minutes. Believe it or not, we ran out of some key ingredients. It was that crazy.”
Callum’s eyes widen. “No kidding?”
“Not a word of a lie.” I’m still blown away by this day. “Giving the time, I closed the shop early—hence the note—”
“Speaking of which, let me pull it down,” he says, running to the door.
“Good idea. It’s past five anyway,” I say. “In any case, once we closed, I went upstairs, took a shower and changed. I then wrestled with Naomi to get her in the tub to clean all the sugar off her body. After which, I negotiated with her to put on non-princess clothes. Finally, I transformed Luna back into a plain old dog, much to Naomi’s chagrin.”
“She’s too much. Where is she now?”
It’s amazing how much Callum and Naomi get along. I’ve never seen that side of him. I think he’s a natural. He just needs to find the right girl.
“Mom, Daddy, Luna and Naomi are chilling at my place.”
“When is the boyfriend coming over to pick up his queen and his little princess?” my cousin snickers.
I should be used to it by now, but still, I blush furiously.
“Holt was still stuck at work when I texted him forty minutes ago. He said he’d be here shortly.”
We’re going to his parents for Christmas Eve dinner. My parents are also coming along.
“The man is a workhorse,” Callum says.
“Even on Christmas Eve?” I complain.
“This past year has been monumental for his record company.”
Callum is right.
Holt’s artists have dominated every single award show this year. There have been so many sold-out shows across America, it’s impossible to keep track. It’s been amazing. I just worry he works too much sometimes.
“Is the staff gone?”
“Not yet. The kitchen is bustling with activity. They’re preparing a few last batches so everyone can go home with two dozen donuts.”
It’s a tradition. It’s a token of gratitude. Of course, the generous bonus is gravy.
“Good stuff. I’ll grab an extra dozen for Jesse. The man’s addicted.”
Since his parents are at a chichi resort in St. Lucia until the New Year—it was a big year for Uncle Blaize—Callum is spending Christmas Eve with his twin sister and her fiancé. Yup, Jesse popped the question four months ago.
“No problem,” I smile.
“What flavors is the staff making?”
“Since we’re low on ingredients, they can only make the two flavors of candy cane––”
There’s a series of loud knocks at the door.
Callum and I stare at each other.
“There’s always that one customer,” he laughs.
“Tell me about it.”
“Let me handle it.”
“Okay. Let me check up on the kitchen and tell them to make more donuts.”
“Sounds good,” he grins wide.
With a few long steps, Callum reaches the front door.
I turn on my heel, but freeze when he speaks.
“Are my eyes playing tricks on me? Please tell me you’re Vickie Sky’s doppelgänger.”
What?
“Sorry to disappoint you, but I’m the real deal,” a woman says.
I immediately recognize the distinct timbre of her rich voice.
Carefully, I turn around.
Oh. My. God.
“Wow. Talk about the Christmas gift to end all Christmas gifts,” Callum says.
“I’m flattered, but you might change your mind in a minute. I’m about to become that customer.”
“Nonsense. Please come in.”
“Thank you.”
She steps inside the shop with two very large bodyguards in tow. They position themselves at the door, but she takes a few steps forward.
Callum closes the door and flashes me a, ‘Can you believe this?’ look.
“I’m Callum and that’s my cousin Everly. She owns the shop. How can we help you, Miss Sky?”
“Vickie. I insist.”
“In that case, how can we make your Christmas better, Vickie?”
Finally, my brain kicks into gear and I can speak. “Vickie Sky?”
Okay, so I’m stating the obvious.
In my defense, all my neurons haven’t caught up yet with what’s unfolding in front of my own two eyes.
“Hi! Everly, right?”
I nod.
Vickie Sky is really standing in my bakery.
If I wasn’t this stunned, I’d be able to appreciate her stylish head-to-toe white look. The strappy peep toe silver high heel sequin booties are killer. Her long wavy platinum hair cascades over her shoulders, making her look almost angelic. She looks like a star. Scratch that. She is a star.
“I’m sorry to be the ditzy customer who just woke up to what holiday we’re celebrating tomorrow,” she says, laughter coloring her brown eyes. “Holt brought some decadent donuts to last week’s meeting and I swear to God, to this day, I can still taste them. No wonder he keeps bragging about you.” My brain tells me I should respond, but honestly, I’m so shell-shocked, I can’t speak.
“She has some wicked skills,” Callum says as he comes to stand next to me.
“She really does. You take donuts to an art form.” Vickie Sky just paid me a compliment. I can die a happy woman. “That’s why I can’t imagine waking up on Christmas Day without them. Do you have anyt
hing left or am I out of luck?”
Mother of God. Vickie Sky wants my donuts to celebrate the day baby Jesus was born.
“Err…” I say.
Crap.
“The staff was just about to make some extra batches,” Callum jumps in. “It’s just for us—and no fancy flavors—but since you’re part of Holt’s musical family, you’re like family to us. I’m sure it won’t be any problem. Right, Everly?”
“Err…” I repeat.
That’s the best I can do under the circumstances.
Talk about being star struck.
After the success of her mega duet hit with Julian Payne for the soundtrack of the most successful romantic movie of our time, Vickie spent the better part of the year in Europe pushing the single and her album to the top of the charts. So, although I’ve been dating Holt for a year, I’ve never had the honor of being this close to her.
“How many did you need, Vickie?” Callum asks.
“If you have both the chocolate and vanilla peppermint, I’ll take three dozen of each—”
“You’re in luck. Those are the ones we have left.” Callum says.
“Perfect!” Vickie cheers. “I’ll be visiting family tomorrow and I’m sure your donuts will be a hit. I can freeze them, right?”
“Absolutely,” Callum says. “And I’m sure we can manage. It might be a bit of a wait.”
“No problem,” Vickie smiles.
“Everly, why don’t you go ask the staff to up the production?” Callum suggests.
I’m so shocked in stupor, I’m unable to move.
“O––okay.”
I still haven’t budged.
Callum has to physically turn my body around and give me a good push on the back.
Still in a daze, I walk at turtle pace towards the kitchen shaking my head in disbelief.
Vickie Sky is here.
The doorbell chimes again and a deep voice booms inside my shop.
“Hey, Vickie, any donuts left? I’d love to score four dozen of them. I promised my mom a dozen at least,” I hear behind me.
I freeze again.
Slowly, I turn around and my jaw drops.
“Julian Payne? In my bakery?”
“Oh, hello,” he waves nonchalantly. “You must be the baker extraordinaire.”
“The one and only,” Callum cheers.
I shift my gaze to my cousin. He grins from ear to ear.
Of course, two superstars—and their four beefy bodyguards—are standing right smack in the middle of my shop and they’re acting as if it’s no big deal. On top of that, my levelheaded cousin is acting like a weirdo.
“What are you doing here?” I manage.
Perhaps not the most welcoming, but I need answers.
“You know what, this is really rude of us,” Julian says, his brown eyes apologetic. “I’m sure your staff can’t wait to end their day and here we are with a last-minute request. The least we can do is sing for our dessert.”
“I love the way you think, Julian,” Vickie says.
“Wh––what?” I trip all over the word.
“That’s a great idea,” Callum pipes.
Has he gone mad?
Before I’m able to protest, Vickie and Julian start singing their smash hit song a cappella.
Callum has his arms crossed over his chest and he’s bobbing his head with his eyes closed.
What the hell?
“Hold up,” Vickie says. “Julian, your voice sounds a little shot. Did you party too hard last night? You have to be more careful about your vocal chords.”
“Seriously, Vic? You’re going to play me like this?”
“If we’re asking Everly to go out of her way, we should make sure we’re at the top of our game,” Vickie argues. “I am. You, on the other hand? Not so sure.”
“I’m always at the top of my game,” Julian quips.
“Maybe you should sit this one out,” Vickie says. “I can get some backup.”
Backup?
“Are you telling me you’ve been singing our song with another guy?”
Oh, no. Julian looks pissed off.
“It’s just this one time,” Vickie retorts. “It’s not like I’m cheating on you. You’ll always be the other voice on the duet.” Vickie bats her eyelashes at him.
“Well, I guess one time won’t hurt,” Julian concedes.
“I knew you’d see it my way,” Vickie smiles. “You know… I’m not feeling this song a cappella. I think we need some instruments.”
Instruments?
“Maybe this isn’t the best song,” Julian says.
Is this supposed to be a private show?
“You’re right,” Vickie agrees. “We can do so much better.”
Better than their duet? Seriously?
“Any suggestions?” Julian asks.
“What about, “Until I found you?”” Vickie offers.
Huh?
“A little old school Random Misconception? I like it,” Julian nods approvingly.
Holt’s former band blazed the musical charts for years with that song. No wonder. It’s beautiful.
Now I’m really confused.
“What the hell is going on here?” I shout.
With huge grins stretching across their faces, Vickie, Julian and Callum point behind me.
When I turn around, my heart stops.
Holt
I’ve been planning this moment for four months.
Everly thinks I’ve been stuck in interminable meetings—well into the evening—all week, but I’ve been working tirelessly with a bunch of people who love her to make this special day happen.
“You guys ready?” I whisper.
Three heads nod in agreement.
“Everything set?” I ask Loki.
“Cameras are ready,” he says.
Loki and Jagger are taking care of capturing all the highlights.
I’m not going to lie, I’ve been a ball of nerves all week leading to this moment, but I’m so ready.
“Let’s do this,” I say.
Beckett, Jace, Rod and I step forward with guitars in hand. Contrary to our days as a band, I’m leading the pack. On a rare occasion, Beckett is playing the role of backup singer and Rod traded his drumsticks for a guitar. Family, friends and Everly’s employees trail behind us as we enter the shop.
When our eyes meet, I smile wide at the beautiful woman who’s blinking furiously at me. She’s so stunned, it’s amusing. As the group amasses in the shop, her attention moves away from me.
“Jesse? Ainsley? Skylar? Mr. and Mrs. Christensen? Uncle Joshua and Aunt Margot?” she blurts out, her eyes bouncing around the shop. “Uncle Blaize and Aunt Angelina? You aren’t in St. Lucia?”
“Not yet,” her uncle winks.
“Why are you all here?”
Everly is still a little confused.
She turns to face me.
“Wh—what’s going on, Holt?”
The four of us strum the first cord to our iconic love song in response.
I have to clear the lump in my throat before I’m able to sing.
Everly’s hands fly to cover her mouth and she starts crying.
With each verse, my girl melts into tears.
She’s shaking so hard, Ainsley and Skylar move to stand on either side of her to comfort her.
We’ve performed “Until I found you?” a million times. Sure, I was always wholeheartedly committed to the lyrics, but it’s never felt like this before. So far, the words were a string of proses my talented cousin, Jagger, strung together to create an award-winning masterpiece. Now, these lyrics say everything I’ve wanted to say to this woman since the day I fell hard for her. I don’t know when it happened, but one day I woke up and Everly was the center of my universe—right next to my daughter.
When we hit the last verse, Everly is a pool of tears.
A solemn silence floats around us.
I remove my guitar and hand it to my brother before turning my attention
to my girlfriend. I take a step forward and her cousins take a few steps back. When I’m standing in front of her, I grab her hands covering her face and interlace our fingers together.
“You weren’t expecting this?” I smile.
She shakes her head vehemently. “No.”
“You’re surprised?”
“That’s the understatement of the century.”
“Do you know how much I love you, precious?”
“I love you so much, Holt,” she sobs.
I bring her hands to my lips and drop a soft kiss against them before meeting her astounded gaze.
“A year and four months ago, when my kid’s urgent need for cupcakes forced me to scour the city, I never expected to bump into the love of my life.”
“Oh, God.”
“Damn, that was one sexy fanny pack, girl,” I tease.
She laughs in between her tears.
“Everly, you make me want things I’ve never wanted before. I know I keep saying you’re perfect, but to me, you are.”
“Oh, Holt,” she pants.
“You know what?”
She shakes her head.
“I’m kind of tired of you being my girlfriend.”
Her eyes widen in surprise.
“Don’t get me wrong, it’s been a good run, but I want more of you,” I add.
“You already have all of me,” she whispers in a faint voice.
I shake my head. “I want more.”
“You’re so greedy,” she laughs.
“I know.”
Without warning, I drop to one knee.
“Oh, my God. Oh, my God. Oh, my God,” Everly chants.
“There’s something I want to ask you, precious, but I can’t do it alone.”
Everly wails.
Right on cue, Everly’s parents lead in Naomi by the hand.
Luna is waiting outside with her brother, Ryder, Bridgette and Mrs. Talbot. As much as I wanted her with us, I’m afraid it would be a little too much for our Staffie.
“Oh, Holt,” Everly cries harder.
My little princess was in the dark up until a few minutes ago. She’s five and I know how deeply she feels about my girlfriend. I wasn’t sure she’d be able to keep a secret. Still, I made sure she was involved. She selected the theme that helped us pull off this big production. Everly was so consumed by making this day memorable for her customers, she was completely oblivious to what I had in store for her. Her parents were going to show up regardless, but her father doubled his effort to drive more customers to the shop. She was so busy today, she barely had time to check in with me. Of course, her staff, the rest of her family and mine all knew. They were key in helping me pull this off.
Torrid Rush: A Single Dad Romance (Bad Boy Studs Book 3) Page 31