James helped Anthony clear their dinner dishes, answering, “Yakgwa. I have the ginger syrup ready in the fridge.”
“Did I hear the magic word?” Madeline asked as she joined them in the kitchen. “I was telling Josie about those last week. I love yakgwa.”
Otis, the far less adventurous eater in the family, came in and helped himself to another pop. “We’re doing chocolate chip though, right?”
Anthony tossed an apron to his son and smiled. “We’re doing it all, O.” Otis returned his father’s matching grin and tied the apron.
The six of them rolled, shaped, baked, and fried cookies for hours, taking breaks to sample their work and nibble on leftover corn chips.
“This is magic.” Madeline hummed as she scraped a blob of cookie dough free from a wooden spoon. “Just what I wanted.”
Natalie looped an arm around her waist, nuzzling closer for a kiss. “I’m glad, Maddie. We need to do more things like this. Don’t let me forget.”
“I won’t.” She surprised her mother by returning the kiss and then loaded the dishwasher.
After everything was baked, the dishes clean and put away, the six of them staged an Instagram-worthy selfie. “Send it to Mom, please?” Anthony asked as he licked honey syrup from his thumb.
“On it,” Alice announced as she shared the photo in a group text chain.
Less than a minute later, their parents replied withOh, what fun! Wish we were there instead.
Anthony huffed out a laugh when he read the text. “Oh yeah, because a cruise around the Greek islands is torture.”
“I think next year we should go on a cruise for Christmas,” Otis said, polishing off his fifth cookie of the night.
Anthony muttered something about the cost, but Natalie swatted him away with a tea towel. “I think that’s worth looking into, O.”
Otis turned to his aunt and uncle, and said, “That’s parent speak for ‘not going to happen.’”
“She didn’t say that,” Anthony replied, trying to stifle a grin.
Madeline yawned and Otis rubbed his eyes, tell-tale signs they were ready to crash from the sugar and general excitement of the day. “We’ll see you guys at the diner for Christmas, right?” Madeline asked.
“Absolutely. I’ll be ready with some notes on your painting by then.” James shot a thumbs-up and Madeline shrugged.
“I mean, whenever.”
“And I mean by Christmas.” James slung an arm around her shoulder as they walked to the door. “You’re a talented artist, Maddie. Don’t start doubting yourself now.”
She flushed the color of cranberries before hugging James and Alice and tugging Otis free of the cookie bowl. “You can’t eat in my car. I just had it cleaned.”
“Then I’m riding with Mom and Dad,” Otis grumbled, snatching another cookie for the road.
James closed the door once everyone was gone, joining Alice on the couch with one of their favorite blankets. The lights were low, only the Christmas tree lighting the space. It was warm, cozy, and intimate—just how Alice liked it.
“I know I keep saying this,” she murmured, “but I love that you love my family.”
“Of course, what’s not to love?” He pulled her closer, resting his chin on her head.
Alice leaned in, savoring the warmth of his touch. “You think Maddie has talent?” She nibbled her lip, fearful of the answer. She knew James would play it up if their niece wasn’t any good, but it pained her to think she was terrible.
“She seriously has some chops. In fact, she reminds me a lot of myself at that age. Hungry to paint, but afraid of the results. I think with a little confidence, she’ll find her way.”
“Good thing she has a famous artist as an uncle.”
James snorted. “I’m sure that won’t hurt either. Maybe Addy can get her a show.”
“I don’t doubt it.”
