Mistletoe Detour by M. S. Parker

Author:M. S. Parker [Parker, M. S.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Belmonte Publishing
Published: 2023-12-20T18:30:00+00:00

TEN

TRISHA

Morning light crept through the curtains as I stirred awake, instinctively reaching for a warmth that wasn’t there. The absence left a hollow feeling, like missing a step in the dark. As I lay there, eyes still heavy with sleep, last night’s memories came crashing in, each one sending a thrilling shiver down my spine like a mischievous whisper.

I rolled onto my side, staring up at the ceiling fan. Its blades cut through the air with unhurried grace, reminding me how a single, spontaneous decision could set life spinning in an entirely new direction. Just a couple of days ago, offering Blaze a ride was a simple choice, a spark ignited by a bit of chemistry and the prospect of some fun on a tedious drive. But now, it felt like I had opened a door to a room I never knew existed, filled with unexpected emotions and possibilities.

I glanced at the clock. Early morning, still. But the scent of cinnamon and bacon was wafting through the air, a sure sign that the day was already in full swing for someone. Blaze had told me that Christmas morning at the McCraes was a big deal; a tradition steeped in the kind of familial warmth you read about in holiday novels. Yesterday, Paris had mentioned wearing pajamas for breakfast, even offering to lend me some if my wardrobe was lacking. I’d laughed it off, telling her I was all set. My usual comfy sleepwear was back in New York, but luckily, I’d packed my festive, Christmas-themed PJs for this trip.

As I sauntered into the kitchen, I saw that I’d nailed the dress code. The place was a riot of holiday cheer, with everyone sporting Christmas attire. Even the baby was dolled up like a cute, chubby snowman.

“Trisha wins,” Paris declared with a grin as I made my grand entrance. “Sorry, little man. The snowman is cute, but her pajamas rock.”

I gave them all a playful twirl, showing off the reindeer playing various sports on my pajamas. “See? Basketball, baseball, football...” I caught Patrick’s eye. “Both kinds of football,” I added with a wink.

Patrick laughed, giving me this approving nod. “She’s quicker on the uptake than you lot,” he said to his family, his smile easy and warm.

Then Blaze walked in, and I swear, my heart must’ve skipped a beat or two. “Morning,” I managed, feeling this goofy smile spread across my face. “Merry Christmas.”

He smiled, returned the greeting, and gestured to the table laden with food. “Let’s eat before this lot clears it out.”

Xander, piling his plate with scrambled eggs, chimed in. “Like we’d ever let that happen. Mom cooks for an army.”

“Don’t pretend that you won’t be sneaking down here at midnight to finish off the bacon,” Paris pointed a fork at him.

“One time!” he protested. “I only did that one time.”

She raised her eyebrows.

“It was Sean all those other times.”

“Sean is Xander’s identical twin,” Paris explained as I took the seat between her and Blaze. “Half the time, even we can’t tell them apart, and they enjoy using that to their advantage.

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