Love Before Midnight by Kathleen Ball

Author:Kathleen Ball [Ball, Kathleen]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2019-10-08T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter Six

“Maverick was right,” Anora told Belle three days later.

“Right about what?”

“He said you liked to decorate for the holiday.”

Belle smiled and nodded. “I do it so mister moody will actually enjoy himself. If not for me he’d forget all about Christmas. He’s been the best brother a girl could ask for, and it’s the least I can do. Plus, I love doing it.”

“It has been fun. Thank you for including me.”

“Are you kidding? You’re family now. I feel as though you’re the sister I never had.” She turned the Christmas tree lights on. “Come, let’s sit and enjoy our hard labor.”

They both plopped down into the green chairs. “Good choice to put the tree in the library.”

“Maverick hates the living room. The chairs are too delicate for him or so he says.”

“I’ll need to rewrap my presents to do the tree justice.”

Belle laughed. “Didn’t Mav tell you not to worry about presents?”

“No presents?” Her eyebrow arched. “You’re not doing it just because of me are you?”

Belle appeared perplexed. “We just get each other something small. It’s just something we do now we’re grown-ups. The gift of us all spending the day together, laughing and having fun is how we celebrate. We take what money we would have spent and donate it to the local children’s hospital.”

“I love that idea. Makes for a pleasant, less pressured holiday.”

“Exactly! Lord knows Maverick needs a day off. Sometimes I think he’s forgotten how to relax. Though he does seem to loosen up a bit when you’re here.”

The doorbell rang and they both went to the front door. Belle opened it. “Well, Joleen, come in.”

“I’m so glad to see you, Belle. That other woman never answers the door.” She stopped talking when she spotted Anora.

“Have you met Anora?”

Joleen scowled. “Yes, I have. She’s trying to keep Maverick from me.”

“I'm sure that’s not the case is it, Anora?”

“Truthfully, answering the door unnerves me. I was only here alone a few days before you came home, Belle. It’s nice to see you, Joleen.” She couldn’t help but study Joleen’s rear end. It was definitely padded. She’d never understand women.

“I hope you don’t mind, but I’m inviting myself for Christmas Eve. I just don’t want to spend it alone, and I knew you’d take pity on me.”

Belle’s eyes widened. “Well, sure why not? The more, the merrier I suppose.”

“Oh, thank you.” Joleen took off her coat revealing a tight red sweater that showed a shocking amount of cleavage. “Now, what can I do to help?”

“Anora has a ham in the oven and we were sitting in the library. How about a glass of wine?”

“That would be lovely. Why don’t I lead the way while Anora gets the wine and glasses?”

Belle and Anora exchanged amused glances. “I’ll get it while Anora shows you our tree.”

“Yes, that would be great.” Anora led the way, gritting her teeth the whole time. There would be no relaxing with Joleen around.

“Oh, the tree is lovely. Belle always does such a great job. I love it every year!”

“Why don’t you have a seat?” Anora offered.

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