“It means it’s a Christmas miracle. The only thing missing is some nutcrackers, some very loud Christmas music, and some mistletoe.”
“And your family.”
She grinned. “We can arrange that, at least. Look, we don’t have to say what it means. We just have to live in the moment, right? We did a pretty good job of that at the lake, and we can do it again.” She tugged him intoa walk, looping her arm through his. “My family is going to drive you crazy, you know.”
He laughed. “I know.”
“And tonight, we’re all supposed to go to a sing-along at Carol’s house. If you think my family is too much, wait until you get a load of hers.”
Harrison chuckled as he moved his arm to her shoulders, pulling her tightly against his side. “I can’t believe I’m going to say it, but I can’t wait.”
“No, no, I’m warning you—it’s a total shit show,” she said, her arm going around his waist. “But there will be booze.”
“Another Christmas miracle. What will they say about us?”
“Oh, a lot,” she assured him. “But who cares?” She laughed. She felt buoyant. She didn’t know until she saw him how much she needed Harrison right now. Or how much she’d really missed him—terribly, deeply. He was the best of all Christmas gifts, even better than the cashmere-lined leather gloves from Julie she knew were under the tree.
31
Despite her assurances that it was fine, totally fine, that he come home with her, Harrison immediately suspected he’d come at the worst possible time, because when they walked into Amy’s modest cottage house with the wreath on the door and a jingle bell on the handle, he could hear her kids arguing from somewhere in the house.
“Hello!” Amy called out as she dropped her keys into a plate on the entry console.
“Mom!” the youngest one shouted, and a moment later he was in front of her. “Jonah took my Santa hat that I was going to wear to the party.” He then noticed Harrison and pulled a face. “Why is he here?”
“Okay, rude,” Amy said.
“What is he doing here?” The older kid had arrived, wearing a Santa hat that was too small for his head.
“Could you two please not be so rude and say hello? This is Harrison, remember? He’s my friend and he’s here for Christmas.”
“Oh,” said Jonah. “Why didn’t you just say that?”
Ethan took the opportunity to make a leap for his hat, snatching it off his brother’s head. “Connor’s wearing one, too!” he shouted as he dashed off with the prize.
“Great, then you’ll both look stupid,” Jonah shouted after him. “God, he’s so annoying,” he added as he slunk off.
Suddenly the door opened behind Harrison, and Kevin entered, wiping wet snow from his shoulders. At least he grinned when he saw him standing there. “Well, hello, golfer dude. Didn’t know you were coming tonight. No one tells me anything.”
“Right. Do we have everything?” Amy asked her brother.
“What do we need other than a good attitude and a drink?” Kevin asked. But at Amy’s frown, he nodded. “Yes. We have everything. Is he going with us?”
Amy looked up at Harrison. “You sure about this?”
“I’m sure.” He wasn’t sure. He was actually a little scared.
“Then let’s get this train moving,” Kevin said, and shouted up at the boys to come on.
The party was massive. The house was a decent size, but people were spilling out the front door and onto the covered porch. It had all the markings of a terrible fire hazard.
The Casey boys, having already forgotten Harrison’s presence, disappeared into the crowd, followed by Kevin, who was carrying two large brown bags overhead and shouting at people to clear a path to the kitchen.
Amy and Harrison brought up the rear, stepping just over the threshold. “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” was playing at full volume, and some people were dancing. “Wait,” Harrison said, taking Amy’s coat. “Isn’t that your parents dancing under the mistletoe?”
Amy looked to where he pointed just as her father laid a big kiss on her mother, bending her over backward. “Do they have to do that in public?” she protested. “I know what you’re thinking. It’s true they may be back together. But no one knows for sure, including them.”
“That kiss would say they know for sure. But thanks. My new rule of not interfering won’t allow me to inquire directly, but I was dying to know.” Just then, Barb and Bob kissed again.
