Page 40 of Sleigh My Heart

“I think it’s time for samples.” Michelle sat next to Ava and picked up a blue bell-shaped cookie with every color of sugar on top. It was Emma’s, the five-year-old, masterpiece.

Curious blue eyes watched her as she munched on the sugar explosion.

“Mmm, Mom’s cookies are the best.”

Ave’s little pink tongue snuck out and touched the edge of her mouth as she perused the selection. Finally, she picked a snowman with red hots as buttons. Michelle watched as she took a bite.

Ava’s eyelids closed, and a hum slipped from her lips as she chewed. “This is good. Like Mama used to make.” The light in her eyes dimmed.

Without thought, Michelle covered her little hand with hers. “I’m sorry.”

She nodded.

“Did you make cookies with your dad last year?”

“Yes, but he forgot to put in the sugar. They didn’t taste very good.”

“Well, good thing you have Aunt Michelle this year to make sure you have real cookies for Santa.” The words just slipped out, naturally. But the second she mentioned Santa, Michelle’s chest clenched.

Ava examined her cookie. All the joy from a second ago fled her face. “Could you do me a favor?”

“Sure, sweetie. What is it?” Michelle held her breath. She didn’t know why, but suddenly, she’d do anything for this little girl.

“My dance team has to bring cookies for the bake sale this weekend.”

Her breath whooshed out. “Say no more. I got you.”

“Ava, would you like to help me roll out the dough?” Irene Swenson always had perfect timing.

Michelle mouthed, “Thank you” as Ava put on an apron.

“Make yourself useful.” Renae set a pan of cookies in front of her to decorate.

Michelle’s phone rang. Nick’s number popped onto her screen. She shuddered. He still had that effect on her. She slipped from the chair and sought out a quieter place in the house. With six kids, four women, and two dogs, her odds weren’t good, so she settled on the hall bathroom. “Hey, how’s Russ?”

His long breath slid over her nerve endings. “They have him sedated. He should be sleeping now.”

She wanted to ask if he was alright. What she could do for him? But knowing Nick, he wouldn’t want anyone’s help. Hell, the fact he asked her to watch his daughter surprised her. Old Nick didn’t need anybody. Maybe the military changed him?

“How’s Ava?”

“Good. Your girl has some talent. She could be on one of those baking shows.”

A grunt came through the receiver. No doubt he was only half listening. Knowing him, his mind was full with his father, the festival, and the sleigh.

“Nick?” Michelle lowered the toilet seat lid and sat on the blue fluffy cover. “I can—”

“I have to run another errand, then I will pick up Ava. And Michelle, I have something to talk to you about.”

A squeal and laughter cut through the door. Michelle cracked the door and listened. All was good. She closed it and leaned back on the counter. No way they could talk about the case with her sisters and kids in the house.

She sighed. “Tell you what, we’re almost done here. The last batch is going into the oven now. Why don’t I bring Ava to your place when it’s done, and we can talk there.”

Silence. Crap. Maybe that was a little too far over this new working-together arrangement. “Listen, it was just an idea.”

“I’ll text you my address. I’ll be home in twenty.”

Before Michelle could shake her stunned brain into action, he hung up and her phone pinged an incoming text.