Christmas Cheer by Remi Carrington

Author:Remi Carrington [Carrington, Remi]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Phrey Press

Bella inhaled as I pulled up to the curb in front of a house draped in twinkling Christmas lights.

She exhaled slowly. “I probably should’ve mentioned that my sister has this weird fascination with Christmas in July. Well, with Christmas in general. But she celebrates it twice a year.”

Biting back a laugh, I reached for Bella’s hand. “Are we talking tree and everything?”

She nodded. They have an artificial tree for summer. They get a real tree the first week of November.

“Before Thanksgiving?” I’d grown up with the tradition of decorating the tree the day after Thanksgiving.

Her brow furrowed. “It might be best if you don’t ask that question inside. Please.”

The worry in her eyes would’ve amused me if it didn’t break my heart.

“I promise not to start an incident. Please tell me you aren’t concerned that a few Christmas lights will change the way I feel about you. It’s your sparkly personality that has me captivated.”

She turned a deep shade of red. “And whatever you do, do not mention how we met.”

I pulled her in for a quick kiss before we climbed out of the car.

Christmas music greeted us when she pushed open the front door. “We’re here.” She tightened her grip on my hand as her family swarmed toward the front door.

Only four people raced to the door, but it felt like a swarm.

“Javi, this is my mom, Nancy, and my dad, Paul. And this is Martha and Owen.” Bella pointed as she introduced each person.

I shook hands with each of them, desperately trying to store the names in my memory bank. When someone tugged on my pant leg, I let go of Bella’s hand and squatted in front of Natalie. “Hi.”

She grinned, then cocked her head. “Do you roar?”

While the truth lay somewhere between yes and no, having more context for the question seemed a necessity before answering. “Do you mean like a lion?”

She shrugged. “Any sort of beast.”

The word beast was mildly disturbing until I remembered my princess trivia. “You mean like the sort of beast who has a flower with petals falling off?”

Her eyes brightened. “Bella loves the beast.”

“In that case, I’ll learn to roar.”

She held out a candy cane. “Want one? Mommy hangs them on the tree but only up high where Nathan can’t reach. I’m tall enough though.”

“Maybe in a little while.” In truth, I wasn’t sure if she’d already licked on the one she offered me. Pulling a candy cane off the tree myself was a better option.

Talking to Natalie, I’d mostly ignored the audience. So, when Bella threw her arms around me, it caught me off guard. Suddenly conscious of everyone watching, I didn’t hold her as long as I would’ve liked.

She kissed my cheek. “Natalie’s right, you know.”

“About me being a beast?” Heat pricked my skin, and I wondered if Martha had a fire blazing in her living room.

Owen took pity on me. “No reason for us all to stand around by the front door. Come on in. We have sherbet punch and bottled water in the kitchen.

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