32
Melody
Iwake to the sound of gentle breathing surrounding me. For a moment, I just lie there, soaking in the warmth of being nestled between Gabe and Everett, with Finn sprawled directly on top of Gabe.
The last couple of days have been a complete blur.
After the tree thief takedown, I was practically a town hero. The local paper even ran a story: “Twerking Omega and Christmas Llama Save Snowflake Valley.” Charlie had it framed.
December 23rd was our recovery day. My body ached from the impromptu llama rodeo, so the guys insisted I spend the entire day soaking in the hot tub while they took turns bringing me hot chocolate and massaging my shoulders. I didn’t protest… my lady bits needed time to heal.
Yesterday, Christmas Eve, we spent at the retirement home with Granny May and Everett’s family. Watching Granny May and Harold together made my heart swell. They’re so clearly inlove, finishing each other’s sentences and touching hands when they think no one’s looking.
Charlie kept making inappropriate jokes about “senior sex” that made Harold blush and Granny May cackle.
And now it’s Christmas morning. My first Christmas with my mates.
I carefully extract myself from the warmth, trying not to wake anyone.
Oxford is waiting downstairs, looking expectant.
“Merry Christmas,” I whisper, scratching behind his ears. “Let’s get you some breakfast.”
I feed him, let him out, and start the coffee.
I’m just pouring the first cup of coffee when strong arms wrap around my waist from behind.
“Merry Christmas,” Everett murmurs against my neck, his voice still rough with sleep.
I lean back into him, covering his hands with mine. “Merry Christmas.”
“Why are you up so early?”
“Couldn’t sleep. Too excited.” I turn in his arms, offering him the coffee. “Here. I made it strong, just how you like it.”
He takes the mug, but doesn’t drink, instead setting it aside to cup my face in his hands. “Best gift I could ask for.”
“It’s just coffee,” I tease.
“I meant you. Here. With us.”
My heart does that flip thing it’s been doing ever since I’d first laid eyes on Everett. That feeling of falling and flying at the same time.
“I love you,” I whisper.
Everett’s eyes widen, then soften. “I love you too. So much.”
He leans down, kissing me with a tenderness that makes my toes curl against the cool kitchen tile. The kiss deepens, his hands sliding down to my hips, pulling me closer.
“Mmmm, is that coffee I smell?” Finn’s voice breaks the moment as he shuffles into the kitchen. “And making out? Without me? On Christmas morning? The audacity.”
I laugh against Everett’s lips before pulling away. “Merry Christmas, Finn.”
“It will be once I get some caffeine and kisses, in that order.” He makes grabby hands at the coffee pot.
I pour him a mug, adding the ridiculous amount of sugar he prefers.
Heavy footsteps on the stairs announce Gabe, hair rumpled, eyes still heavy with sleep, but he smiles when he sees us.
