entire line of Edible Desire merch, and you can sell it for profit. I would get a cut, of course.”
I grin up at him. “It’s actually a great idea. We can make sure they’re family appropriate, but I’ve been thinking of all these ways you can make a little bit extra to support the kitchen’s growth in addition to the show, and—” Before I blurt out everything I’ve been working on over the last couple of weeks, I put a finger up signaling for him to wait. “We can talk about it later. Go mingle. We have things handled here.”
He leans down and narrows his lids playfully. “What if I want to mingle with you?”
My cheeks heat, and I have to bite back a laugh. “Later. I’ve got an important job to do, and I can’t have any distractions.”
His hands move to my hips, and he tugs me closer. “I’ll leave on one condition.” He looks between my eyes, and a devilish smile emerges on his face. “Wear that apron for me tonight.” Then he slides his lips to my ear. “Only the apron.”
A chill ripples through my body, and then my lips turn up at the corners. “I think I can manage that.”
As Desmond walks away, I catch Monica’s mouth drop open. “Sister,” she scolds under her breath.
“Hush.” I turn back to the sweet potatoes I’m preparing. “You weren’t supposed to hear that.”
“Well, I did.” Then she points at my apron. “I know you want to show him who’s in charge of the sauce tonight, but you ruin that and I’m charging you for the next one.”
I growl out a laugh as I pick up a rag from the counter and chuck it at Monica. “You’re so gross. Don’t think I’m unaware of your dessert fetish. I don’t even want to know what you and Zach brought for dessert.”
“I honestly don’t know,” Monica says with a shrug. “Zach took care of that one.”
“Smile for the camera, girls.”
We look toward our dad who has his phone aimed at us with a big grin on his face. We get close together and do exactly as he says. Then Zach comes up behind him and tells him to get in the photo. My dad hands off his phone and comes around to our side of the island. He stands between us and puts his arms around our waists, holding us tightly to him. It’s hard not to get choked up when I realize this is the first photo we’ve taken together since we were kids.
“Dinner smells delicious.” He squeezes both of our sides and then turns to face us. “I’m proud of you girls. One of these days, you’ll have to come to the house for dinner. Kristin makes some mean pork-and-prawn dumplings.”
“Yum.” Monica’s eyes are so wide, I think she might start drooling.
I laugh at her reaction and push away that initial spark of discomfort at the mention of his wife. The fact that we’re all here today is a huge step, and day by day things will continue to get better. I’m ready to push through whatever awkwardness comes to get to a happy place for all.
“We’d love to, Dad,” I say. “Just name the date and time. I’m sure the season keeps you busy.”
“Sure, but everyone needs to eat, right? Besides, rumor has it we’ve got a television star in the family now. We might need to work around her schedule.” He winks. “When do you start taping?”
A genuine burst of excitement escapes my chest. “Officially January. The goal is to shoot the entire season in January, go to postproduction in February, and start airing sometime in the spring.”
“I can’t wait.” Monica beams. “I’m making all of your clothes. You know this, right?”
“I wouldn’t wear anything else.”
She squeals and throws her arms around my neck. “I love you, Mags.”
“I love you too, M. Now get off of me and finish basting all those turkeys.” I smack her ass, causing her to yelp and jump.
We’re able to get out of the kitchen for a short time before dinner is served, and I latch on to Desmond while he does his thing and makes his rounds. But unlike in his classes, he’s got a beer in his hand, and he’s shooting the shit with good friends. The way people respond to Desmond is one of my favorite things about him. I love the fact that he can make practically anybody smile, no matter the circumstance, and the way his quick wit