John hugs me. “We’re a bit much at times, but we’re family. A crazy, loud, loving family.”
And today I get to be a part of it. I wiggle my toes.
As “The Jingle Belles” attempt to act out Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (with Grandpa George being Rudolph), a ball of warmth settles in my chest. I’ve been accepted without having to do anything but be present. For once, I feel like I belong somewhere. And it’s as good a feeling as I always hoped it would be.
John’s arm tightens around me, and I realize that “somewhere” might be right here, with him and his family. His touch sends more sparks flowing through me. If there’s such a thing as Christmas magic, I hope this is it and what I’m feeling never goes away.
CHAPTER ELEVEN
John
I pop the last dried apricot from the charcuterie board into my mouth. Only a few candied nuts and crumbs remain. Grandma has made enough of these she knows what everyone enjoys eating. Luckily, Abby has the same tastes. A sign? I hope so, since everyone seems to love her.
Grandpa stands and lightly taps his glass with a spoon, and I know what’s coming. “It’s time for our annual Christmas Day scavenger hunt.”
My family is all about traditions. Only this one gets competitive. That was fun when we were younger, but last year, Lizzy ended up stuck in a tree, trying to get abird’s-eye viewof the neighborhood, and the fire department had to be called. The year before that…
We don’t mention what happened. I try not to think about it, either.
I’m about to groan when Abby leans forward. “Scavenger hunt? That sounds fun.”
“Oh, it is,” Lizzy says with a wicked grin before I can say anything. “Hope you’re ready for some friendly competition. It gets intense.”
Abby nods. “I imagine so after seeing how you all play charades.”
I hold her hand. “I’ve got your back.”
“I’d hope so.” Lizzy makes a face. “Since Abby’s your girlfriend.”
“Yes, she is.” I kiss the top of Abby’s hand.
“We’ll divide into teams of two,” Grandpa says. Even though nothing changes each time we play, he wants to make sure our new guest isn’t left out. “Each team gets a list of items to findor tasks to complete. First team to finish everything and make it back here, wins the grand prize.”
“Which is?” Abby asks, sounding intrigued.
“Bragging rights for the year,” I say, enjoying how excited she seems. “And Grandma’s secret recipe book.”
Abby’s eyes light up. “We are so winning this.”
I love her enthusiasm. “Confident, are we?”
She bumps her shoulder against mine. “With you on my team? How can we lose?”
“Just make sure you dress warm and bring snacks,” I joke. “And go to the bathroom before we head out.”
Teams quickly form, and my family puts on their coats, hats, and gloves. As soon as we’re all together again, I’m handed a sealed envelope containing our list. The others get their lists.
Grandpa holds his arm up. “On your marks… Get set…Go!”
As we run out the front door, we tear our envelope open. My breath is visible in the cold air, but jogging down the snowy street keeps me warm.
Abby reads the list aloud:
1. A pinecone wearing a tiny hat
2. A photo of your team reflected in a Christmas ornament
3. Someone else’s dog wearing a holiday outfit
