Alice pulled Madeline into a firm hug, kissing her temple. “Maddie, you’re in luck. James and I were just about to watch a million Christmas movies and binge eat pizza. Let’s start baking these cookies and have a full festive day.”
Madeline beamed. “Really? You don’t mind me and O barging into your day?”
“Not one bit.” Alice pinched her cheek then turned toward the counter. There was a slim bag resting against Madeline’s purse, and Alice reached for it assuming it was more baking supplies. Madeline stopped her with a trembling hand on her elbow.
“Wait! That’s something else.” Her cheeks flushed, and she yanked the bag from Alice’s grip. “I uh, wanted to ask Uncle James about something.”
James entered the kitchen with an empty can of pop and a concerned expression. “Is it normal for Otis to chug a pop in less than ten seconds?”
Madeline snorted. “I’m surprised it lasted that long.”
Behind Madeline, Alice gestured to the bag and made a face. James raised an eyebrow but picked up on what she was trying to say with her manic expressions.Ah, the perks of married life.
Leaning on the counter, James poked at the mystery bag. “What’s all this?”
Cheeks now turning radioactive, Madeline shrugged. “I thought, maybe if you have time, you could look at some of the pieces I’ve been working on for art class.” She dipped her head lower, speaking directly to the countertop, and added, “I mentioned to one of my classmates that you’re my uncle, and they thought you might be able to help with this.”
James rubbed over his heart and nodded, swallowing twice before he spoke. “Maddie, I would love to take a look. We have at least an hour before those pizzas arrive. What do you say we head to the studio?”
“Really?”
James picked up the bag and gestured toward the rear of the house where his studio was. “Absolutely. Let’s roll.”
Madeline practically skipped after James, a spring in her step and a megawatt grin on her face.
Alice went to the fridge and pulled another two cans of pop for Otis. She took a moment to blink away a round of tears, her heart full at how much her husband loved her family ... his family. “All right, buddy,” she said as she tossed her nephew his sugar fix. “I’ll be right back, then we’re finding a Christmas movie that we both like.”
Otis caught both cans, popping one open and downing the contents before Alice could walk away. “Die Hard?”
“Cue it up!” she shouted over her shoulder, heading toward the bedroom. As soon as she was inside, she pulled her phone out and called her sister-in-law.
Natalie answered right away, not bothering with pleasantries. “I’m hoping this call means my children are with you, as are the contents of our pantry.”
Alice closed the door and flopped down on the bed. “Yep. Otis is drinking us out of house and home, and Maddie is showing James some of her art projects. We’re going to bake cookies and watch holiday movies, if you don’t mind.”
Natalie sighed, but rallied quickly. “I don’t mind at all. I’m sorry they left when we were busy. Anthony and I were working on wrapping their presents and checking on things at your parents’ house while they’re away. I promised Maddie we’d bake tonight, but I guess I wasn’t fast enough.”
“Everything okay with you guys?” Alice hated that she had to ask, that she couldn’t stop herself.
“Yes, it’s all been great. I think it’s just that the reality of Anthony’s new job, getting ready for Maddie’s college applications next year, and Otis starting JV baseball in the spring, we just kind of imploded.”
Alice groaned. “College applications already? I’m still getting used to Maddie driving.”
“Girl,” Natalie said with a cackle. “You should see your brother. Anthony is hardly handling it well.”
“I can only imagine.” Her brother was utterly devoted to his family, and she knew he had the biggest soft spot for his little girl. Thinking of Madeline’s sullen mood, Natalie threw an idea at Natalie. “What are you and Anthony doing later today?”
“We were going to bake with the kids.”
Alice sat up, giddy with her idea. “You’re still going to, but I have an idea.”
Natalie laughed. “Oh boy, I’m all ears.”
“Give us a few hours with the kids. We ordered pizza for lunch, but eventually they’ll tire of food and TV. You and Anthony enjoy the afternoon to yourselves, but join us for baking. Maddie seemed a little down that my parents aren’t around, and maybe a little forced Snyder bonding will change her tune.”
“That’s a great idea. How about we swing by around six? I was going to make chili, so I can bring that with me.”
Alice beamed, already hungry for her sister-in-law’s famous chili. “Perfect. See you then.”
