The Probability of Mistletoe by E.J. Russell

Author:E.J. Russell [Russell, E.J.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: gay romance
ISBN: 978-1-64080-298-8
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Published: 2017-12-13T05:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER FOUR

AFTER KEITH’S parting remark, which hinted that he didn’t consider Parker-as-family a part of his plan, Parker refused to read Keith’s proposal all afternoon. His sisters, even consumed by their usual preparty hysteria, zeroed in on his mood in typical Mulvaney fashion.

“What’s got your knickers in a knot?” Jen poked him in the back with her elbow on the way to the dining room, her arms full of holiday tablecloths and napkins.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Parker positioned his step stool in the exact center of the living room doorway and climbed up to hang a mistletoe bough.

Rae wandered over and snagged a candy cane from the bowl on the sideboard. “Jeez, Uncle Parker. How much kissing are you planning on? You’ve got mistletoe in every single doorway, plus all the ceiling fans.”

Heat rushed up Parker’s neck, and he nearly lost his balance. “It’s… um… just decoration. Festive. ’Tis the season. Ho ho ho and all that.”

“Okay.” Rae peered up at him. “That makes sense, I guess. So why are you blushing?”

As if Rae’s question were a homing beacon, all three of his sisters were suddenly right there, clustered around the stool, staring up at him.

“Yeah, Parker,” Corinne said. “Why are you blushing?”

“I’m not. It’s just hot up here. Heat rises, you know.”

“Heat doesn’t rise, Uncle Parker,” Rae said around her candy cane. “Warm air rises. Everybody knows that. Besides, it’s freezing in here because Grandpop always turns down the furnace on party days so it doesn’t get stuffy with all the people later.”

“Well, I’m not freezing. Mandy, move. I can’t get down with you standing there.”

“Oh, sorry. Am I in the way?” Mandy grinned, not sounding the least sorry—and not moving. “Maybe if you told us who on the guest list has got you papering the house with those revolting parasitic plants, I’d be inspired to step aside.”

“Did you ever think it might be for your benefit? Your boyfriend will be here, after all.”

Mandy waved a dismissive hand, but at least she moved so Parker could climb down. “If Jason and I want to kiss, we kiss. We don’t need vegetal assistance. Besides, he’ll be too busy getting browbeaten by Dad. Tonight’s his official debut as a DJ, and you know how ruthless Dad is with his apprentices.”

“Dad’s not the only one who’s ruthless,” Parker muttered as he picked up the step stool. “If you don’t mind, I’m going to take a shower now.” He headed for the stairs.

Corinne grinned as he passed her. “Planning to hang mistletoe in there too?”

“Very funny.” Parker marched upstairs to his old room to his sisters’ off-key rendition of “I Saw Parker Kissing Santa Claus.”

As soon as he closed—and locked—the door, his gaze zoomed to the proposal on the dresser. I’ve put it off long enough. He retrieved it and sat down on the edge of his bed, turning the envelope over and over in his hands.

Back in high school, Parker was a joiner—student government, the drama club, the jazz band, plus volunteering for every event ever—so he had scads of people he hung out with.

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