Maverick covered his heart with his hand. "That got me right here."
"Just wait until you meet someone," I mumbled, and Morgan raised a brow, "So you admit?—"
I moved toward the door. "I have to go inside before they come looking for me."
"You will tell us," Morgan said, but I ignored him.
I didn't owe my brothers anything. Other than maybe a pizza and a couple of beers. Inside, Angela had turned on the lights, and they were admiring their work.
"What do you think?" Angela asked, her voice soft.
"It looks great. I never had a tree when I lived here."
She looked at me over her shoulder. "Yet you brought us one."
I nodded as I approached them. "Santa needs a big tree to put Ayla's presents under."
Ayla nodded excitedly, letting her arms fly out to her side. "I hope there's room for my bike. Mom said I could ride it around Christmas Town when it gets warm."
"There's a bunch of trails just past the square," Angela said.
"That will be fun." And better than staying inside playing video games.
"Did you make lunch?" Angela asked, moving toward the kitchen.
I held my hands out, stopping her. "Why don't we eat in the living room so we can see the tree? You have a seat and let me get everything. Then I'll make hot chocolate." I didn't wait for them to respond, just grabbed the sandwiches and the grapes.
I handed them everything and grabbed napkins. "Now hot chocolate."
Angela watched me with an amused expression on her face. I had to keep them out of the kitchen for a little while longer. They probably assumed my brothers left after they delivered the tree.
I poured the milk into mugs and heated them in the microwave, keeping an eye on the girls. When it beeped, I added scoops of hot chocolate mix. I took the mugs into the living room, setting them on the coffee table.
Ayla reached for the mug. "Marshmallows?"
I ran to the kitchen and grabbed the bag of marshmallows, setting it on the table between the mugs. "There. You should have everything you need."
Angela arched an amused brow. "Did you eat?"
That made me pause and think. "Actually, no."
Angela set her empty plate on the coffee table, and stood. "I'll get it for you."
I held up both hands, and her brow creased. "I got it."
"You're acting weird," Angela called after me.
I grabbed my plate and sat on the floor in the living room.
Angela was giving me a wary look. "I thought I heard something outside. Are your brothers still here?"
I shrugged, racking my mind for a good enough excuse. "They're doing some landscaping stuff to get it ready to sell."
Her eyes dimmed. "Let us know when you need us out of here so you can show it."
I shook my head. "I'm not in any rush. They're doing it today because they came to help with the tree."
"How many brothers does it take to haul a tree?" Angela asked, her tone amused.
