Page 69 of The Friendship Pact

“Sorry. I don’t know. Everyone in my family likes chocolate, I think. Chloe didn’t specify, just told me to take care of it.”

“Brave.”

“You have no idea. Anyway, I was supposed to order the cake in Bemidji. She didn’t want me to ask you because we’ve asked enough of you. And what do I end up doing? Putting an unnecessary burden on you and on Christmas Eve, no less, while your parents are visiting.”

“Nick, it’s fine. Do your parents have any allergies?”

“No.”

“Let me take care of it.”

“Thank you . . . and Kate?”

“Don’t worry, I won’t tell your sister,” she said.

“I really appreciate you. And I’m sorry I’m putting this on you at the last minute.”

“Again, not a problem.”

Just then, Kordell rapped on Nick’s window. Nick unlocked the door and motioned for him to climb in.

“Can I pick up the cake after my shift ends at five?” Nick asked Kate.

“Sure. The key will be under the mat. I’ll be at church. I’ll leave the cake in the fridge, boxed and ready to go.”

“Thank you, Kate. Remember. I owe you one.”

He glanced at Kordell, who had settled into the front seat and placed shopping bags between his feet. Kordell’s brow rose, and a smile formed when he realized his daughter was on the phone.

“I better get started,” she said. “Stay safe!”

Nick disconnected the call and explained to Kordell, “Kate is making a cake for my parents’ anniversary party tonight. She’s saving my ass.”

* * *

Jill walked into the kitchen. “Baking? I thought you had all your holiday treats made,” she said as Kate set multiple bowls on the counter.

“I need to bake a cake for tonight. Nick forgot to order one.”

Jill grinned from ear to ear. “I see. You’re in love with Mr. Incredibly Handsome.”

“Mom, I don’t have time for this right now.” Kate pulled the cake flour and pans from the cupboards, then set the oven to preheat. She’d bake a cake on Christmas Eve for any friend in need. Wouldn’t she? Absolutely. Did she really know what being in love was? She’d thought she was in love with Jacques. But even after he rejected her and moved to France, she had found it fairly easy to move on without him. Maybe she’d been in love with the idea of Jacques. Could she be in love with Nick? He invaded her dreams, and she couldn’t wait to see him. He made her laugh, and she enjoyed spending time with him. Was that love?

“Let me help,” her mom said, interrupting her musings.

“I’d like that.” Kate’s mom and grandma were great bakers, and she’d learned a lot from them. She’d honed her skills in culinary school, but the love of baking came from the two most important women in her life.

“Would you mind preparing the pans?” she asked.

“Not at all,” Jill said. “I’ll start the frosting next. What kind should I make?”

The mixer hummed in the background. “Let’s go with buttercream. I have all the ingredients, so I don’t need to run to the store.”

“Great, I’ll get started.”

With the dishes washed and the cake layers cooling, Jill pulled out the ingredients for a light snack. “I’ll make your father a sandwich, and I’ll put a quick charcuterie board together to hold us over. I picked up some cheeses, mixed olives, and almond flour crackers for you.”

“Thanks, Mom.”