Page 44 of Wrapped in Winter

“Can we go there?”

My lips roll in. “I don’t think your momma wants us to leave the store.”

“Momma!” she yells, and I try to shush her.

January looks over, and I try to tell her it’s okay. “No, Momma! I want cookies!”

January excuses herself once more and comes over to us. “What's wrong, baby?”

“I want to go to the bakery. Can Drake take me? I want cookies.”

“I don't mind. If you want to concentrate, we can go there for an hour.”

She furrows her brows, debating whether to let me take her or not. “You don't mind?”

“Not in the least. It’s been a while since I had a cute date.”

She gives me a dry expression and rolls her eyes. “I know you're trying to bait me again.”

“I would never,” I say outlandishly.

She waves her hands as Lily looks on expectantly. “Fine. Go ahead. But one hour and no longer. And two cookies only. I don’t want you ruining your dinner.”

“Yay!” we both cheer, and January just shakes her head at our nonsense.

“Come on, Pretty Lily. Let's get our coats and head out.” As I swing her to my hip, a hand lands on my arm.

“Thank you. I appreciate the time to be able to handle the store.”

“Anytime, January.” I lean in and whisper to her, “If you’re good, I’ll bring you a cookie too.”

“I’m good.”

“Mm. Yes you are.” I let my eyes roam her body and smile at the blush I see forming.

Chapter 19

January

True to his word, Drake brought Lily back in under an hour. I watched as he held her hand and walked very slowly down the sidewalk. It made me stop and recognize that he was letting her be independent instead of just carrying her along. I’m helping a young woman when they enter the store, and I see that she does a double take.

“Wow. Hot dad for the win.”

Her words catch me off guard, and my heart beats rapidly in my chest.Could Lily have a dad after all?The thought takes me by surprise.

“Momma! I got cookies!”

She comes running to me, and the woman gasps. “Oh my god, I'm sorry. I didn’t mean to say that about your husband.” She’s obviously completely embarrassed.

“No, it’s okay! Don’t be sorry. He's not my husband.”

She looks back and forth between us three, trying to figure out the relationship as I do my best to breathe deep and not let Drake hear our interaction. I bend down to Lily’s level. “You only had two cookies, right?”

Her eyes get big, and she glances back at Drake. I see him give her a wink and she nods, pulling a cookie from her pocket. “This one’s for later.”

I smile, brushing the hair from her eyes. “Later.” I give her a kiss and stand. “Thank you for taking her.”

“Anytime. We had fun, didn't we, Pretty Lily?”