Moving further into the family room, I see a Christmas tree that has no decorations on it.
“What’s going on?” I ask.
My mother’s smile brightens. “I thought after the gift exchange and competition, we could decorate the tree.”
I see my mother holding her breath for my response. My stare turns to Noelle, and she is already looking at the tree with joy.
“Sure, why not?” I reply.
My mom claps her hands. “Oh, that is just great.”
“Some call Jarvis,” Liam says.
Tillie and Noelle go toward the tree. I walk to the side table to pour myself a cup of Mom’s Prosecco Christmas punch.
A throat clears, and Tessa stands next to me. Her sweater says, “Try me.”
I look around the room for Liam. He was talking to Dad, and his sweater says, “Already did.”
A dark chuckle comes from me. “How are you doing, Tess?” I wait for the pang of distress to come off my chest. But there is nothing. Was she still beautiful? Stunning, actually, but she isn’t doing anything to or for me.
“We haven’t spoken since Liam and my proposal.” Tessa stirs the cocktail and ladles the drink into her cup.
“What’s there to talk about, Tess? We are broken up, and now, you are marrying my brother,” I state, sipping my drink.
“But Roman, you know we were so in love and—”
“And it’s in the past. Now, if you excuse me.” I move away from Tessa.
My mother laughs at something Tillie says.
Noelle pulls her sweater, pointing at it. Hers has the words “I am so good I made Santa come twice tonight.”
I look down at mine, seeing the words. “I deliver the goods all night.”
Jarvis and two other staff members come in.
“Let the judging begin!” Liam shouts.
We all stand in a row. Jarvis and the two staff members circle us, reading each sweater. I hear small snickers.
Then they go to a corner to talk.
Tillie bends forward. “My twin and I are the best.”
Jarvis says, “In second place, we have Mr. and Mrs. Voss.”
My father picks my mother up and spins her. “We came in second.”
“You guys are pathetic!” Liam shouts, “Me and my girl won, look.”
Noelle is doing a small bounce on her heels. I should have paid Jarvis to make sure we won, just to keep her happy.
“First place goes to…” Jarvis drums on the wooden side table. “Noelle and Roman.”
Joy. I understand the word now. Noelle jumps on me in full joy. “We won.”
I hold her legs around my waist, enjoying her soft vanilla smell. She hooks one arm around my neck. “We won.”
