“That’s okay. Autumn's car seat–”
“It’ll fit,” Declan interrupts. “I can take you guys.”
I stare at him for a beat because I feel like this is the first time he’s actively wanted to be around me and Autumn since we found out who each other is.
I look at Kate and then back at Declan. “Sure. Okay. If it’s not an imposition.”
Kate and my mom beam, and my dad has a smirk on his face.
Fuck.
I hate my life sometimes.
“Take my number too,” Kate suggests to me, and I pull out my phone to save her in my contacts. “Text me what time we need to leave in the morning, and I’ll make sure this guy is ready.” She points at her brother. “In the meantime, we have some shopping to do for tomorrow, so we’ll get out of your hair.”
Kate looks like a ball of sunshine as she and Declan say their goodbyes and leave the coffee shop. I have a feeling she hasn’t met a stranger in her life.
“You know you just invited strangers to Christmas,” I tell my mom as soon as the door shuts behind them.
She shrugs. “Kate said Declan was going to spend the day by himself, so she took a last-minute flight to make sure he wasn’t alone. No one should be alone for the holidays.”
I get my bleeding heart from my mom. I swear, we take in strays wherever we go. Take Kyle, for example. It shouldn’t surprise me that she offered people we barely know to come over for Christmas. Not that Declan is a stranger to me, but he may as well be to them.
I roll my eyes at her, but inside, I’m freaking out.
Declan is spending Christmas with my family.
How did this happen?
Oh, right. My mom and Kate, the conspirators. Say what you want, but I’m pretty sure they did this on purpose.
Chapter 8
Penny
After we closed the coffee shop, I had a mini meltdown in the bathroom, trying to figure out what kind of gifts I should get Kate and Declan for tomorrow. I don’t want either of them to feel left out on Christmas Day. After I composed myself, I realized I already had gifts I could give them.
Crisis averted.
I wrap two pairs of feather earrings for Kate that I made a while back. Every once in a while, I geta creative bug and love to make things. Earrings especially. I’ll even sell them at the shop for some extra cash.
I then text my mom. She has one of those Circuits and does custom mugs to sell at Beach Brew. I know she always has plain mugs on hand, and I ask her to set one aside so when I get to her house tomorrow, I can quickly make a personalized mug for Declan.
It’s bordering on midnight and I’m just finishing up wrapping gifts when I get a text message.
Dec: Sorry about my sister. She basically invited us to your parents’ house.
Penny: I don’t believe that. It was all my mom. She loves taking in strays.
Dec: You calling me a stray? I’m hurt…
Penny: I’m rolling my eyes. You have no feelings. You’re like a robot. You can’t be hurt.
Dec: That’s not true. I have feelings… just not around you.
Penny: You make me feel soooo special.
Dec: Hey…
