“Slacking off! You told me stay out of your...” Taye paused. “Don’t you want to eat first?”

  “Nope. I’ll let you know when it’s break time.”

  Laughing, Taye did as Brea had instructed. While working alongside Brea, Taye learned more about Donovan, such as he was a workaholic with little to no social life.

  “I think you do like him,” Brea teased, and Taye blushed from embarrassment. “You’re pretty, so why aren’t you married?”

  Taye shrugged. “Good question. I’ve asked God about that all the time. The Bible says it’s the man who finds a wife. I don’t think I’m lost, but I guess I’m kind of hard to find.” Taye was about to cut out another piece when Brea called for break time.

  As Taye opened the containers, she walked toward the mini-kitchen in the back to warm their plates in an old microwave. Her heart skipped, hearing Brea’s phone chimed with Donovan’s ringtone, “Bad to the Bone.”

  “Yes, guess what. I’m Taye’s boss. She says I’m doing a good job...” Brea rambled on until she abruptly stopped when Taye returned to the room. Brea didn’t know she had been eavesdropping. “He wants to talk to you.” She twisted her lips and handed the phone over.

  “Hey.” She tried to keep her composure while Brea made faces to make Taye laugh.

  “Taye, I’ve never heard my sister sound so happy and excited. Thank you for that,” he said softly and more alert than earlier. “Listen, I’d planned to bring Brea home Saturday evening, but I have a Christmas party to attend.”

  “Okay. No problem. I can take—”

  “I’m still coming, but it’ll be late, and I’ll probably get a hotel room. A deep chuckle rolled from his throat. “Maybe we can attend church in Snowflake on Sunday, then I’ll bring Brea back home with me.”

  Taye grinned. “I like that idea.”

  “Then it’s a date.”

  “A date,” she repeated softly.

  “Not a dinner date. There is a difference, and I plan to collect on it, Miss Thomas. Bye.”

  The call was disconnected. Brea was grinning from ear to ear, and Taye was still holding her breath. Maybe, just maybe, she had been found after all.

  They worked late into Wednesday night, started again early Thursday morning, then shut down in the wee hours of Friday morning. More than impressed, Taye pulled out her cell phone and was about to snap pictures for Instagram, when she realized her identity would be compromised, so she set up a fake account, then posted photos with hashtags like #perfectChristmasgift #hurrywhileinstock and #Royalfashions #Snowflake to help get the word out and gain followers. Maybe, she would do this every night. The two made their first delivery of six lounge sets to the side of the front door of Royal Fashions where most delivery drivers left packages. In a big city, Taye would have been concerned about theft, but in Snowflake, crime was so minimal that most shop owners hadn’t updated their security systems to include cameras.

  She taped a note to the box:

  Angels are watching over you, Mrs. Fannie Queen. The suggested retail price of these designer sets have been moderately priced at one hundred and twenty-five dollars. This cannot be negotiated. If the clients would like another color by Christmas, they would have to purchase fabrics from Sewing World. Sizes are small, medium, large, and extra-large. Orders must be paid upfront.

  For now, Royal Fashions can keep one hundred percent of the proceeds created by Queen B Designs. Merry Christmas!

  The Christmas party was the last place Donovan wanted to be on this Saturday evening. Instead of being dressed in a tuxedo, he would have preferred a sweater and jeans and hanging out with his little sister and Lady Taye. This was a company event few employees skipped, but because of travel plans, a few top managers were absent. Besides the gift cards, prizes and abundant food, it was meant to build morale. He never had problems attending before, but he would have preferred his RSVP to be plus two.

  He went through the motions of smiling and nodding at employees adorned in festive reds, greens, and golds who wished him happy holidays. He joined a cluster of other managers near the buffet spread, but didn’t add to the conversation and barely listened to their chatter. His mind wandered to less than a month ago.

  Donovan had felt bad it had taken an ultimatum from Aunt Sadie for him to step in and become more active in Brea’s life. His visits to Kansas City had been limited to once, maybe a couple of visits a year. Either way, Brea seemed to resent him for coming to K.C. then leaving.

  “Nephew, come get this strong-willed, sassy and hard-headed child,” Aunt Sadie had ordered him. “I can’t tell her anything anymore without her spiking my blood pressure.”

  He had desperately asked God to intervene between the brokenness between him and Brea. Donovan believed the Lord had sent Taye to help mend the disconnect. That fact became clearer every time he spoke with Brea or Taye. She had become the breath of fresh air between him and Brea, and he didn’t want to let that go. There was something about that woman that he craved to be in her presence.

  Donovan was known as down to earth, as one of three people of color at the company. Blacks and whites looked to him to be fair, and he was, treating everyone the same. He liked to think of himself as longsuffering when it came to dealing with employee conflict.

  Nan approached. “Are you having a good time, Mr. Edwards?”

  He smiled at the administrative assistant and nodded. “I’m glad I came.”

  She chuckled. “Since your department puts on this shindig, I guess you are.”

  “True.” He checked his watch. “I’m going to be heading out soon. Will you have the servers fix two to-go plates for me?”

  Nan eyed him. “Two? You’ve got a hearty appetite. If you had a wife to cook, you wouldn’t need these to-go boxes.”

  “For your information, one is for my little sister who was too busy to come.”

  Nan nodded and left to do his bidding as other employees, including those from the mailroom, custodial and even contractors approached Donovan to chat. Discreetly watching the time, Donovan decided an hour later he had played the role long enough at the big shindig. He said his goodbyes, accepted his to-go containers and got on the road with his overnight bag, which was already in the car.

  He was eager to see the progress his sister had made and behold Taye again. The woman knew how to leave a lasting impression—gorgeous, hypnotic eyes, and a contagious personality—kind and nurturing judging by the way she treated Brea. Donovan was convinced Taye believed in his sister’s abilities, not to mention she was committed and faithful to complete a request in honor of a deceased friend. How had any man not snatched her off her feet? He shrugged and snickered. “Your loss.”

  Although he made a reservation to stay at the Snowflake Inn where he should go and change, his heart beat loudly to see Taye, and he couldn’t get to Blue Spruce Plaza fast enough. He might be overdressed for his surroundings, but he didn’t care.

  Finally, he arrived and was about to knock when he heard fits of giggles. Why did that make him smile as he tapped on the door? When they didn’t answer, he turned the knob and walked inside the room. Donovan’s jaw dropped at the hot mess. What had once been neat and clean when he’d left had become a disaster zone.

  A neat freak, Donovan’s closets weren’t cluttered. He turned his attention toward Taye, who had her hair tied up with a scarf—casual, yet beautiful. Suddenly, he was tongue-tied.

  Both his sister and Taye looked like two teenagers. A chuckle escaped.

  “Hey, you two. Having fun?” Donovan did his best to sound stern. The intimidating voice he was going for was lost on them as they aimed something lightweight at his head, but it fell short, landing at his feet.

  “Wow.” Taye’s eyes sparkled as she scanned his attire. “Mr. Edwards, you clean up very well in a tux,” she complimented, then in a blink of an eye, she issued orders. “Handsome or not, you’re just in time to help.”

  Brea’s face showed pure happiness to see him before she stood and placed a fist on her waist. “Yeah. Get busy. You can iron, can’t you?” She lifted a brow in a challenge.

  Not if he could help it, which was why he had an account at the neighborhood cleaners, but he wasn’t about to admit that. “I’ll give it my best,” he said, walking farther into the room with the food containers, then kicking the door closed. He looked for a clean spot to lay the food he’d brought, but Brea snatched the containers out of his hands.

  “Yum. It’s break time for us,” Brea said, grinning back at Taye, “but we can supervise him.”

  “He did drive a whole hour to bring us—” she lifted the lid and took a whiff—“baked salmon, chicken, garlic mashed potatoes, and let’s see...” Taye rambled off more of the sides his assistant had them pile on. Even Donovan was surprised at the selection. “Let’s give him a break.”

  “All right,” Brea said reluctantly, whispered thanks, then attacked the vegetables first. “Taye and I delivered our first bundle late last night with a note in a covert operation. It was so cool.”

  The excitement rubbed off. Brea made Donovan chuckle. Taye cast his sister an amused look. While Brea was a ball of energy, weariness was evident on Taye. She needed rest, and he doubted they would stop for the night without him helping. After they finished their snack, they hurried to the kitchen to thoroughly wash their hands.

  “Shouldn’t you be ironing, brother dearest?” Brea teased when they returned.

  “Right. About that...” Donovan took calculated steps toward Taye until he towered over her. “It’s been a while. I could use some pointers.”

  She squinted, definitely not buying his excuse. “This is not a practice run, Donovan, but the real thing, so pay attention. “ She showed him how to check the steam setting, then to begin with the collar, sleeves, and the hems. “We’re going to pack them in a box and make a special delivery early Monday morning. We don’t know if we’ll get more orders, but Brea wants to make a pantsuit with that wool fabric for the mannequin outside the store.” She pointed to thick folded fabric that looked warmer than a blanket.

  Stalling, Donovan folded his arms and leaned against a table where a pin pricked his bottom. “Ouch.” He jumped and rubbed his rear as he became their source of laughter.

  Taye reined in her giggles long enough to say, “I learned that the hard way too.” She pouted. “This is a sewing war zone, so every space is a potential trap—scissors, pins, iron, thread.”

  He scrutinized one garment after another, impressed. “You did all this without following a pattern? All this creativity was up in your head? My little sister is good.” He walked over to Brea and dragged her to her feet. Trapping her in a tight hug, he smacked a juicy kiss on her forehead. The amazing thing was she didn’t resist. It was an emotional moment for which he gave God thanks. He stepped back. “Now, how much are you selling them for?”

  “Brea suggested a hundred and twenty-five dollars.” Taye shook her head. “I don’t think Queen B Designs can command a thousand-dollar price tag out of the gate.”

  Still stalling from the ironing board, Donovan found a chair, checked the seat for sewing paraphernalia, then sat and pulled out his phone and tapped the calculator function. “We should have done a cost and profit analysis,” he said, whipping out his phone to enter a business model formula on his calculator app, “then consider the supply to meet the demand.”

  “Too late for all that now,” Taye fussed. “I don’t know what else I can do in the short term to help Mr. Sam with his fabric and Miss Queenie with new fashions in business.”

  “They would need a steady business after the holidays. That can’t be done without new inventory, but I’m not about to commit my sister’s talents for something long-term.”

  “I love what I’m doing.” Brea snarled and rolled her eyes before revving up the motor on the machine. “You’re not the boss of me.”

  Taye could see a skirmish in the making, so she stepped in. “Brea, think about calling a ceasefire. I don’t think your brother is bossy. I see he loves you. If only I had a big brother.” She sighed. “He consented for you to do this, so be easy on him. He’s looking out for you.”

  Donovan mouthed his thanks, and she nodded.

  “With that said, I want to be a blessing for Christmas. If your designs help both businesses, then they’ll have a new direction,” Brea added.

  “Fine,” she snapped. “I’ll finish up the last of extra-large sizes and start on the wool three-piece pantsuit.”

  “I like that sketch, and you’re young and full of energy, but there are only twenty-four hours in a day, so I don’t want to overdo it more than we’ve already done,” Taye said with a smile.

  “I won’t.” Brea beamed. “Now, I need quiet. Why don’t you and the Big Bad Wolf go get somewhere and flirt?”

  The girl had no filters. Embarrassed, Taye was speechless. “Ah...it’s getting late. Let’s wrap it up so we can attend church in the morning.”

  Donovan leaned closer and whispered, “Can I get a raincheck on the flirt with you?”

  “Definitely,” she said, breathless as she turned to pack up the finished sets.

  It was almost midnight when they left the sewing studio. Outside Blue Spruce Plaza, the streets were empty, and twinkling white lights strung from building to building led the path to Main Street.

  "See, we’re safe,” Taye informed Donovan.

  It was surreal, but living in the big city kept him on guard. “I’m still trailing you.” His tone indicated it wasn’t negotiable.

  Brea got a kick out of a covert operation for Santa, and she and Taye were his elves. Taye had corrected her. “Remember, we’re secret angels. Christ gave the first and best gift.”

  “Oh, yeah.” Brea bobbed her head, then climbed in the passenger seat of Taye’s car.

  Within minutes, they arrived at Royal Fashions. Getting out, Taye grabbed the box and looked both ways to make sure no one was watching before placing it in a container near the shop’s door where Miss Queenie would see it the next morning. Taye’s heart pounded with excitement, and she whispered, “Thank You, Lord.”

  Next, Donovan followed them to the B&B before he headed to the motel for the night. He looked beat when he came to her door and opened it for Taye.

  “Can you give us a minute?” When Brea nodded, Donovan guided Taye a few feet from the car. “Thank you,” he said softly as he stared into her eyes with a tender expression.

  Clueless, she frowned. “For what? I should be thanking you. Without Brea, I would have had nothing. I’m hoping everyone will be blessed when Christmas is over.”

  “Brea’s skills made a believer out of me, and she has earned my respect. She has a good head on her shoulders, too, despite her snappy mouth.” He chuckled. “I also can’t believe you’re not married or involved,” he said out of nowhere.

  Where did that come from? Taye blinked, and it took her a few minutes to recover. “Hmmm. I wondered the same about you. When it comes to relationships, men have the advantage with a pool of women waiting to be asked. If a man doesn’t ask, then women like me won’t be married. I’m definitely not the one to ask a guy to marry me.” She wasn’t bluffing.

  “To be honest,” he said, looking down as if his confidence had slipped before facing her eyes, “for a while, I’d never felt anything was missing from my life. If I wanted a home-cooked meal, I’d find the best restaurant that advertises ‘mama’s home cooking’ food. Also, if I want clean clothes—”

  “Hold up.” She raised her hand to stop him. “Please tell me you know how to wash clothes. Wait a minute...” She tilted her head and squinted. “You don’t know how to iron, do you?”

  “Guilty.”

  “Pitiful. A grown man who doesn’t know how to operate an electrical appliance.”

  He lifted his brow. “I know how to use an on and off switch. What about you? Can you cook?”

  “Yep.”

  There was a moment of silence as they held a stare. Was he waiting for an invitation to dinner in Kansas City? Nah.

  “Where do you see yourself, let’s say in the next five years?” he asked.

  “This sounds like a job interview in the middle of the night in the middle of Snowflake.” She shrugged and rebuked the worry in her spirit about her unemployment status.

  Shaking his head, Donovan seemed focused on her answer. “Just curious. Wife, mother...”

  Taye gave it some thought. “Only God knows my future. I didn’t see this layoff coming, yet here I am, and I don’t see a relationship coming either that would result in a marriage certificate.” Yes, she felt the attraction between them. Donovan was extremely handsome—he oozed all things male, but this wasn’t a romantic date. Just a meal. “What about you?”

  His answer was swift. “I see myself married with a child or two and Brea in college.”

  She reached out and touched his hand, and he grabbed hers. “Donovan, cut Brea some slack. Give her some time to adjust. I’ve seen a glimpse of her contentment.”

  “You should be a mother.” He grinned, then shook this head. “So much wisdom to impart.”

  “Not without a godly husband.” Taye wasn’t budging on that.

  “I guess I’d better let you go in and get some rest,” he said disappointedly. “I can’t have you freezing on my account.”

  “I’m used to the cold.” When he released her hand, she backed away. “Good night.”

  On Sunday morning after service, Taye was saddened as the duo got on Highway 285 toward Denver. Logistically, it made sense for Brea to stay the weekend. She had been so productive in the short period of time, but Taye had to remember the teenager was on loan to her and the siblings needed bonding time. Despite how much Brea tried to annoy her brother and give him an attitude, Donovan pressed forward to bind whatever was broken between them.

  On Monday, Taye drove to Donovan’s house where Brea was a ball of energy and couldn’t wait to get back to her sewing hub in Snowflake.

  “This is what I’m going to create this week.” Brea showed Taye her sketches.