It's That Time Of The Year Mama!

By the time Melody finished helping Miss Penelope in the kitchen, the house had settled into that gentle post dinner calm, the kind that only came with good food, full hearts, and soft Christmas music humming quietly through the walls.

The last of the plates were stacked neatly, the counters wiped clean. Miss Penelope insisted again that Melody stop helping and sit, but Melody only laughed, rinsing her hands at the sink.

“I really don’t mind,” she said. “This feels… nice.”

Penelope smiled knowingly. “That’s how you know you were raised right and not some spoiled brat. Bless your heart my dear.”

Melody smiled politely, she wouldn't lie, she enjoyed Miss Penelope's company. Within these few minutes of helping her out in the kitchen, the older lady had already told her all she needed to know about the Russos. And she couldn't wait to meet them all in person.

Just as they were about to leave the kitchen, one of the helpers came and told Melody that Logan would like her to join them in his library. She nodded and followed the messenger to Logan's mighty library with heavy ass doors.

She'll ask for the story behind these doors, it's not like this was his safe room. The bank with so much money and valuables in it, do not have this heavy a door. She smirked at her own joke.

The library glowed warmly under soft amber lights. Logan sat casually near the fireplace, a slice of pumpkin pie balanced in his hand, while Daniel leaned back in an armchair, clearly relaxed.

“There she is,” Logan said when he saw her. “The genius behind this masterpiece.”

Melody laughed. “You’re exaggerating.”

“I am not,” Logan insisted, taking another bite. “Melody, I never knew you could bake like this. This pumpkin pie…” He shook his head. “I won’t lie. It’s the best I’ve ever had in my entire existence.”

Her cheeks warmed. “Thank you.”

Daniel nodded in agreement. “He’s not wrong. You said you owned a pastry shop back in Snowbrook?”

“Yes,” Melody said, settling into the chair across from them. “I did. A small one.”

“Did?” Daniel echoed gently.

She nodded. “I had to close it.”

Logan’s expression softened, but he didn’t interrupt.

“Have you ever thought about reopening?” Daniel asked. “Maybe not there. Somewhere bigger. New York, perhaps?”

Melody hesitated. “I’ve thought about it. A lot. I don’t think it’s a bad idea. I just don’t know if I’m ready, or where to start.”

Logan leaned forward. “Ready or not, the world needs a taste of that pie.”

She laughed. “You’re too kind.”

“I’m serious,” he continued. “Anyone who tastes your cookies or this pie will be hooked. I could pay for you to make them everyday for me.”

She smiled, touched. “Thank you.”

“Remind me,” Logan said thoughtfully, “to speak to someone I know. They can help you find a place. We’ll start with the setup after we return from my parents’ place for Christmas.”

Her breath caught. “Oh my God… Logan, that’s so thoughtful. I’m really grateful.”

He waved it off. “It’s nothing.”

Daniel stood, adjusting his jacket. “Thank you again, Melody. It was amazing meeting you. I look forward to seeing you more often.”

Melody smiled. “Likewise.”

“Oh,” Daniel added, pausing. “We’re having a company party soon. We gather every year to celebrate the end of the year. It's a big one, you should come.”

She tilted her head. “An end of the year party?”

Daniel chuckled. “Logan hasn’t invited you yet, has he? Sorry I moved too fast.”

Logan laughed. “I was going to tell her tonight.”

“Well,” Daniel said, “consider this your invitation.”

“I’d love to come, if Logan wouldn't mind.” Melody said easily.

“Of course you know I want you there.” He said, taking another mouthful of his pie.

Daniel smiled. “Good. See you soon.”

After Daniel left, the house grew quieter in a way that felt intentional, almost sacred. The Christmas music hummed softly somewhere in the background, low enough that Melody hadn’t noticed it before, but now it filled the spaces between their breaths.

Logan poured them both tea, the steam curling lazily into the air. He handed her a cup, his fingers brushing hers briefly. It was such a small thing, but it made her heart stutter.

They sat across from each other, as she studied the large picture on his wall. It was of him and a much older man. Logan looked way younger in that picture. His boyish smile was wide and he looked happy to be standing beside the old man, whoever he was.

After so much silence, Melody turned to Logan. “Daniel is such a gentle man. He’s really kind.”

Logan smirked. “Sometimes.”

She laughed. “What do you mean sometimes?”

“He’s amazing,” Logan admitted. “We go way back. Longest friend. He’s also my financial manager.”

“That’s really nice,” she said softly. “You must trust him a lot.”

“I do.”

She nodded, saying nothing. If Logan trusts Daniel, that means they go way back. It was difficult to trust people these days and that is the reason she doesn't joke about those who loved her genuinely.

Logan stood suddenly. “I have something for you.”

Her eyes lit up. “Oh?”

“Close your eyes.”

“Do I have to?” she teased. “I’ll see it anyway.”

“I don’t know,” he laughed. “Just do it.”

She did, peeking slightly before stopping herself.

“No cheating,” he warned as he walked across the room.

“I’m not!”

Moments later she heard him walk back. “Open.”

She gasped. The painting stood before her, the same one from the gallery. The one she’d loved. The one she’d walked away from because it was too expensive.

“Oh my God,” she whispered. “Oh my God… Logan…”

“I know you liked it,” he said simply. “And you stared at it the longest. I immediately knew I had to get it for you.”

Her hands flew to her mouth. “I don’t even know how to express what I'm feeling right now.”

“You don’t have to.”

“I love it,” she said, voice trembling. “I loved it from the moment I saw it. I love it so muchhhh.”

“I could tell.”

She threw her arms around him without thinking. “Thank you.”

“You're always welcome. Would you take it back home with you, or would you rather leave it here until you get your own apartment?”

“I don't know when I'll be getting a new apartment, but I'd really love to go with it. Tara would love it too.”

“If you say so.” He leaned back on his seat, staring at her. “Talking about apartments,” he said after a moment, smiling, “we’re going house hunting tomorrow, I've reached out to several agents.”

She laughed through happy tears. “God, I'm speechless and overwhelmed and happy and...”

“It’s Christmas,” he said softly. “Everyone deserves to be happy.”

She nodded. “Thank you.”

And in that quiet moment, with the fire crackling and Christmas lights glowing softly behind them, Melody felt it again.

Belonging.

How did she get this lucky? Indeed her stars were shining in her favor. No man has ever taken this good care of her all her life. She's always done everything for herself by herself.

“You really don’t have to do all this,” she said quietly, finally voicing the thought that had been sitting heavy on her chest. 

Logan nodded slowly. “I get that.” He leaned back, thoughtful. “I don’t do things like this to impress people, Melody. I do them because I want to. And because I can.”

She studied his face. There was no arrogance there. No expectation.

Her shoulders relaxed at that, tension easing from places she hadn’t realized were tight. She wrapped her hands around the warm cup, grounding herself.

Outside, snow began to fall heavily. Melody noticed it first.

“Oh,” she whispered, standing slightly to look through the window. “It’s snowing like crazy outside.”

Logan joined her, standing close but not touching. “It’s that time of the year mama.”