“Probably sleeping off their hangovers,” he says.
His grandmother grunts as if it’s a normal occurrence. And just like that, I’m swept into the Reid family Christmas morning.
Not long after, I notice Jax’s parents come through the door loaded up with presents. His mom hands off the boxes to her husband immediately pulls me into a hug. “How did you sleep, dear?”
“Great, thank you.”
She gives me a knowing look. “I’m sure you did.”
My face burns, and Jax laughs, kissing my temple. “Mom, stop embarrassing my girlfriend.”
“It’s my job. You brought her home, I get to embarrass you both.”
His brothers start trickling in, all of them looking various levels of hungover. Everett is the first one in, and he immediately asks, “Is Riley coming?”
“She texted this morning. She and Maggie are on their way.”
“Good.” He tries to act casual. “That’s good.”
Wilder snorts. “Subtle, man. Real subtle.”
“Shut up.” He glares at his brother.
“He’s been texting her nonstop,” Ford tattles. “It’s actually kind of cute.”
“I will end you,” Everett warns.
“Boys.” Their grandmother snaps. “Stop fighting and start cooking. I need someone on bacon duty. Mason, you’re on eggs. Ford, you’re on toast. Wilder, try not to burn anything.”
“Why do I always get assigned the don’t burn things task?” Wilder protests.
“Because you have a history of burning things,” Jax tells him.
“That was one time,” he argues.
“It was four times,” Ford adds.
I’m laughing, helping Jax’s grandmother mix pancake batter, when Riley and Maggie arrive.
“Merry Christmas,” Riley announces, holding up a bottle of champagne. “I brought mimosa supplies.”
“It’s nine in the morning,” I point out.
“It’s Christmas. Mimosas are a Christmas morning tradition.”
“Since when?” Maggie asks.
“Since right now. I’m starting a tradition,” Riley tells her.
Everett appears immediately, taking the champagne from Riley. “I’ll help you with that.”
“My hero,” she says, batting her eyelashes.
They disappear into the kitchen together, and Maggie looks at me. “Is that going to be a thing?” she asks.
“I think it already is.” I smile at her.
“Huh.” She watches them go with an interested expression. “Good for her.”
