Lauren was in the kitchen baking cookies. Micky was out in the living room, chatting with Jack.

Jack sniffed at the smell. "So what’s Lauren making, anyway? Smells good!"

Micky grinned. "Christmas cookies. Of course, she calls them a special treat, but the more she makes, the more I eat."

"Obviously. You didn’t have to tell me that, Mick." Jack smirked.

But Micky just sat back in his chair and continued on. "Sometimes she’ll wait until I’m asleep and take the ones I didn’t get to and put sprinkles on top. Oh, man, those’re good!"

"Does she just make the regular round cookies or shapes?"

"Lets see, there’s Santas, Christmas trees, bells... and stars."

"Wow. Nice selection."

"Yeah, but it’s the sprinkles that really make the cookies. I just can’t resist them. The thing I can’t figure out is how Lauren manages to hide some of them from me."

"I’m sure you still get your share, though."

Micky grinned again. "Of course."

"Do the twins get their share of the cookies?"

"Eventually. If I miss some between batches, they get some, or that may be why Lauren hides some."

"Does she put icing on them?"

"Yes... but I usually grab them before she even gets to that." Micky paused. "You know, there is a benefit that I don’t think most people would think of."

"What’s that?"

"Every time another batch goes in the oven," Micky waggled his eyebrows, "it gives us about fifteen minutes for some kissing and hugging!"

"I heard that, Mick!" Lauren called from the kitchen.

Micky shrugged. "That’s why I eat those cookies all year long."

"You dog, Mick," Jack commented.

Lauren came out of the kitchen and stopped behind Micky. "Telling Jack about the cookies, huh? The least you could do is leave out that last part."

"Yeah, but," Micky smiled genuinely, "I sure do like the Christmas cookies, babe. That last part’s just a perk."

"Then could we keep that perk between the two of us then?" With that, Lauren turned and headed back to the kitchen. She called over her shoulder, "Three minutes before the next batch goes in!" And she went in the kitchen.

"Three minutes..." Micky smirked.

Jack just shook his head, grinning.