The kitchen looked like a bomb had gone off inside a flour factory.
Sophie laughed as Leo clapped his hands, sending a cloud of white dust into the air. They were making cookies, an activity strictly not on the schedule Lady Beatrice demanded.
“More!” Leo squealed, his face smeared with dough.
“Shh,” Sophie giggled, wiping his nose. “If Papa sees this mess, we’re both in trouble.”
“Who’s in trouble?”
Sophie spun around. William stood in the doorway. He was wearing his suit from the office, but his tie was loosened. He looked at the flour on the floor. He looked at the dough in Leo’s hair.
Sophie braced herself for the reprimand. She prepared to be fired.
Instead, William walked over to the cooling rack. He picked up a warm cookie and took a bite.
“Needs more cinnamon,” William said deadpan.
He reached out and ruffled Leo’s flour-covered hair, a ghost of a smile touching his lips. He turned and walked out, leaving Sophie stunned. The “Silent Winter” was ending; the thaw had begun.