Page 17 of Mistletoe Mischief

“Yeah? What’s her assistant’s name?”

“Ryler,” Pike said as they cleared the hill and crossed the gravel parking lot toward the main house. He tapped out a response and hit send.

Keep heading north. You’ll find them.

RYLER

“What in the charming Sons of Anarchy town have you brought me to?”

Ryler ignored Alia’s apt description of the adorable town, taking in the close buildings and elaborate window displays of each business they passed. Alia’s exclamation was brought on by the group of men sitting outside of the coffee shop called Kiss My Donut, their long, graying beards nearly identical.

“Oh, stop being dramatic. This is beautiful.” Although Ryler had doubts on the drive up that the place existed, Mistletoe was everything she’d been hoping for. Pike’s assurance that the trees were there did not disappoint. Pine trees rose up on both sides as they exited the town limits, the GPS announcing, “In one thousand feet, make a right onto Blue Spruce Way.”

“The mutant cannibals watching us from the trees are laughing,” Alia sang as Ryler took the turn.

“Alia,” she laughed, flicking her cousin’s arm. “I’m going to make you walk to the house.”

“Um, you can’t. If the cannibals and biker gang don’t get me, a bear definitely will,” Alia said, pointing to a large sign that read Bear Country with a huge paw print on it. “You know I look like I’m filled with sweet cream.”

“I don’t want to know what you mean by that.” Ryler laughed.

“I wish the guys would have just flown out here with us.” Alia’s voice trembled slightly, and Ryler’s head whipped her way.

“I’m sorry, did you just say you wished Neil was here? Don’t tell me after years of trading barbs and insults, he’s finally grown on you.”

Alia snorted. “Of course not, but having men around can be helpful. Someone to carry bags. Fetch firewood.” Alia lowered her voice, but Ryler heard her clearly. “Trip them to give ourselves more time to escape from doom.”

Ryler shook her head, grinning. Alia tended to ridicule her boyfriends, and the strangest thing about it was the meaner she acted, the more they loved her.

“If I didn’t know that your animosity toward Neil was one hundred percent genuine, I’d think you were into him.”

“Which would make you delusional, and I would worry for your sanity,” Alia snapped.

“Relax, I’m only teasing.”

“You have arrived at your destination,” the robotic voice announced as the trees cleared and the gorgeous log home came into view. Ryler pulled up to the two-car garage and parked, twisting in her seat to face her cousin with a grin.

“This is perfect. The profile said it even comes pre-decorated with outdoor Christmas lights. We can get a tree and order some ornaments and garland—”

“When did you become Old Saint Nick?” Alia asked.

“I just think it will be fun to celebrate a traditional Christmas.”

“I think the closest I’ve had to a real Christmas was that first year you came to live with us. Remember we cut down a tree in the front yard and dragged it inside? Mom and Dad came home from that gallery opening and were so pissed off. I think that is the only time I’ve ever seen my mom frown.” Alia used her fingers to pull her skin up to her hairline. “Wrinkles.”

Ryler burst out laughing, remembering that Christmas. After that, her aunt and uncle bought a fake tree, and the staff erected it every year for them, but it never felt like the holidays with just the two of them. Which didn’t bother Ryler because Christmas became a special memory of her parents.

“This year we’re going to make new memories,” Ryler said, stepping out the driver’s side. “We’re going to look up traditions and try them all out, and it will be the start of something we do every year.”

“Alright, Santa Ryler,” Alia teased, opening up the passenger door. “Let’s get inside before we’re carted off by Fae folk.”

“Please, nothing ever happens when the characters first arrive at the rural destination. We have a few hours at least.” Ryler stretched her arms over her head. “Let’s check out the house before we bring in the luggage.”

Alia looked up, squinting at the trees. “It’s getting dark. I say we bring them in now.”

Ryler rolled her eyes but didn’t argue, grabbing her backpack and large roller from the trunk. Alia grunted as she hauled the first of her massive suitcases out of the back.

“I told you this place had a washer and dryer,” Ryler called over her shoulder. “You didn’t have to bring your whole closet.”