Surviving Christmas With the Family by Hartley Blaze

Author:Hartley Blaze [Blaze, Hartley]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Flashpoint Publications
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twelve

Getting the front door open, Erica hurried inside with Evie and quickly shut the door behind them. An arctic wind had been blowing all day with snow showers on and off and the pair were frozen. The house, on the other hand, was delightfully warm and inviting, much to Erica’s relief.

“Cold, Mama,” Evie complained.

“I know, bubba. Me, too. Stamp your feet to get the snow off your wellies.” She stamped her booted feet on the mat to shake loose snow slush.

“The weather’s terrible,” she called out to Claire. “And yet people are still heading into town for late-night shopping.”

Snow off their footwear, she knelt to rid Evie of her outdoor winter gear, then kissed the little girl’s rosy cheek and pointed at the living room door. “Go find mummy.”

Standing, she heard Evie’s cheerful greeting to Claire as she hung up her daughter’s coat and scarf. Stuffing little gloves and earmuffs in a pocket for safekeeping, she shed herself of her own coat and accessories, before taking a seat on the stairs to remove her boots. Ready to warm herself in front of the fireplace that was calling to her, she headed for the living room.

She stopped in her tracks just inside the doorway, not happy with what greeted her. Or rather, who.

“Hi, honey.” Claire smiled too brightly, her eyes wide and shining with forced happiness. “My parents have arrived.”

It was Friday night. A week before Christmas Eve. Erica knew Claire had phoned her father to tell him when they would be happy for them to arrive, but it seemed Kathleen had decided exactly when she wanted to turn up and here they were. Like some sort of horror movie.

“Shut the door, Erin,” Kathleen ordered, her thin-lipped smile forced. “You’re letting all the heat out.”

“Erica,” Claire automatically corrected.

“Hello to you too, Kathleen.” Erica pushed the living room door shut and turned to acknowledge Claire’s father. “Malcolm.” She had a genuine smile for him.

Malcolm stood up to offer her his hand. “Hello, Erica. Cold enough out there for you?”

“It’s arctic.”

“Is it snowing again?”

“Yeah, for the last half hour. Already got close to two feet, and this latest downfall might make it three.”

“I hope we’re not intruding.” Unlike his wife, he didn’t have a problem with Erica.

“Not at all. We um… weren’t expecting you until sometime next week. Though, to be honest, Claire didn’t tell me when everyone would arrive, simply that they were heading our way at some point.”

“That sounds like my baby bear. Likes to keep everyone on their toes.”

“Dad.”

“Don’t pretend you don’t love that nickname,” Malcolm chuckled. “It’s made you smile since the day I first used it.”

Erica smiled at the interaction. She knew Claire secretly loved the nickname.

“Do you want a cup of tea, love?” Claire directed at Erica. “I bet you’re frozen through.”

“Tea would be lovely. I’ll go.”

“No, no, I offered,” Claire swiftly insisted. “You stay in here and warm up. I don’t want you getting sick.” She picked her daughter up. “Come on, Evie, let’s get you a nice hot chocolate.

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