Page 70 of The Friendship Pact

Kate got busy piping roses.

“Beautiful,” Jill said. “I never could master flowers. It takes too much patience and practice.” She pulled out sandwich ingredients, cut up blocks of cheese, opened a container of mixed olives, and laid out slices of hard salami. “I’m impressed with the selection at the small grocery in town.”

“Yes, it was a nice surprise,” Kate said. “I suspect items have been requested by the summer residents.”

Jill finished arranging their snack and wiped the counter down.

“I decided on a winter background since I have the snowy sparkles left over from Paige’s wedding cake,” Kate said.

Keeping the kitchen clean while baking was her mom’s superpower. Of course, Kate had had to learn to keep the kitchen clean as she went, but when her mom helped, she could relax and create. Jill sat at the island and watched.

“Done.” Kate placed the pastry bag on the counter, glanced at the clock, and stepped back.

“Magnificent. The Reids will love it,” her mom said with pride.

“Oh. I’m not supposed to mention to Chloe or anyone else in the family that I’m making the cake at the last minute.”

Jill swiped a finger over her mouth. “My lips are sealed. Come on, let’s eat and then get ready for church.”

Kate’s dad had been ready for hours. After he arrived home, he’d closed himself into the bedroom to wrap presents, only interrupting a few times to find scissors and tape and to grab his sandwich. He now sat on the couch with a blanket and both cats on his lap, watching Jim Carrey play the Grinch.

With the cake boxed and in the refrigerator, Kate sent a text to Nick: Don’t forget to pick up the cake! We’re headed to church. See you afterwards.

* * *

The daytime temperature melted much of the snow on the side roads and parking lots, but not all of it before the thermometer dipped again below freezing. Nick’s foot slipped on Kate’s back step, and he went down on one knee before grasping the railing.

He found a bag of Ice Melt next to the door and quickly salted the stairs.

Nyla and Lucy were waiting at the door. They rubbed up against him, leaving bits of their hair behind. Nick didn’t mind since he was done for the day. He reached down and petted the friendly felines. He had always liked cats, more so than dogs, for their independence, intelligence, and low maintenance. It was better to clean litter boxes than to step in dog poop.

The thought of seeing Kate quickened his step.

With the cake box in hand, he headed out. “Shi—” His feet slipped as he reached for the door handle of his vehicle. He should have extended the salting to his car.

He landed on his ass, but kept the cake box high, sending up a quick prayer the cake hadn’t shifted and was still salvageable. Setting the box on the ground, he lifted himself up from the icy pavement and rubbed his butt. He glanced around. The streets were empty. No one had witnessed his lack of grace.

He opened the back door of his truck, set the cake on the seat, and tried to peek in to see how much damage he’d done. It seemed like it had fared well, but Kate had taped the sides shut, so he couldn’t be certain.

* * *

After a quick shower, he arrived at his parents’ place. The pine trees in the front yard sparkled with white lights. He pulled around to the back door and texted Chloe: I’m here.

Cole and Chloe appeared at the back door, holding it open for him. He handed the cake to Chloe. “Here, you take it. I already slipped on the ice. I hope it’s okay.”

She set the box on the counter and removed the cake. “It’s good. Just some smashed frosting on the side. That part can face the wall. It’s beautiful.” Her brows drew together. “If I didn’t know any better, I’d say this cake looks like one of Kate’s creations.”

“Isn’t it time to get this party started?” Nick asked, trying to avoid interrogation.

“Saved by the bell, bro. Answer the door, would you?” Chloe picked up the cake and headed for the dining room.

On the way to the front door, he only had a second to greet the Reynolds family. Nick opened the door to Kate and her parents. “Merry Christmas.”

Kate held a tin of what he was sure was something decadent, and Jill held a large bouquet of flowers. “Merry Christmas Eve,” they chorused.

His parents appeared at his side and greeted the newcomers.

“Happy Anniversary,” Jill said and handed Ruth the large Christmas bouquet of white lilies, mini red carnations, red roses, pinecones, and greenery.