Page 66 of Lemon Cake

“I’m sure we’ll get a lot of tips and tricks along the way. We do know two professionals after all.”

When it came time for the guests to leave, Rider scooped a sleeping Dan up from the couch and carried him to the car. While Gina made sure he was strapped in properly, Mandie swept Rider into a hug.

“It was lovely to meet you.” And when she was sure her daughter wasn’t listening, she added, “You two are a great couple.”

Before Gemma got into the car she pulled Rider down for one last kiss. “I love you.”

“I love you too. Drive safe and text me when you’re home.”

“Or what? You’ll come check on me?”

“Don’t sound so hopeful,” he chuckled, stealing another kiss before stepping back and waving them off.

“Such a beautiful family,” his mom hummed, disappearing back inside the house.

Rider went into the kitchen, fussing with the remnantsof the turkey and trying to fit the leftovers in the fridge like a bad game of Tetris.

“I want you to keep this safe.”

He turned from the fridge, to find a small jewellery box being thrust in his direction. Raising his eyebrows, he hesitantly took it. “Mom—”

“Your father gave it to me when he knew I was the one. I would like you to hold on to it.”

He stared down at his mother’s engagement ring. She still wore her wedding band, but he’d only seen her take that ring out for special occasions. It was made to fit a sleek finger, thin not to be bulky with a gorgeous blue gemstone that sparkled in the light like the ocean on a sunny day.

“I know you’re not ready now, but I want you to have it for when the time comes.”

He wanted to protest, to tell her to take it back. Then, it hit him: this was her way of showing her approval. She thought that he’d made a good choice. Rider had known from the first date that Gemma was the one, but in his own mind he hadn’t wanted to rush it, brushing any mentions of a proposal aside. Holding his mother’s ring, he knew he didn’t want to give it to anyone but Gemma. He knew that when the time was right, he would ask her to wear it, promising her his soul and love—forever.

Gemma

Gemma’s eyes were glued to the screen, the wrapping paper strewn around the room long forgotten as she prayed for the last couple minutes of the game to pass. The Bullriders were leading against Tennessee, and she couldtastethe win. The season had been horrendous, meeting losses left and right. Her heart broke for Rider and his whole team. When the final whistle sounded, Gemma felt like she could finally breathe. Once she’d let out her breath in an excited cheer, she pulled out her phone.

Merry Christmas!!

Now be safe!

Now stress free, she managed to finish her last-minute wrapping, and took a hot shower. The game had been intense, and her muscles ached from being tense for hours. When she had herself wrapped in a towel and was sitting on the bed to moisturise her skin, her phone vibrated.

I want to pick you up tonight so you can wake up in my bed Christmas morning.

I would love that.

I have another request…

And what would that be, handsome?

When I pick you up, I want you wearing our toy.

Anything for you. Text me when you’re close.

Bring the remote. It’ll make fucking you while driving easier.

Mm... Yes, please.

Now rest up, baby. I’ll call you once we land.

She did as she’d been told, the only thing waking her being her phone. “Hi.”