Page 38 of Decked Out with Ivy

“No buts. Make up or bake your own damn cookies.”

“Yours are the best,” Rome said in his charming voice as he bear hugged his mother.

Aunt Claire let out a screech as he hoisted her off the floor. “Put me down, you ogre,” she said through laughs.

“Put your mother down!” Uncle Richard called out from the living room where he and Dad were watching football.

“And he wonders why he can’t keep a girl,” Cynthia said, shooting below the belt.

“Because I love my mother?”

“No, because you think you can get away with anything by flashing a smile.”

“Did you ever think I don’twantto keep a girl? I’d rather keep my options open while I’m having fun in the process.”

“Ew.” Cynthia waved her hand dismissively. “Spare me the details.”

“Yes, please,” Aunt Claire said. “And maybe keep it in your damn pants until you find the right woman.”

Rome looked at Trey, and without a word, they both broke out into laughter. “Yeah sure,” Rome finally said.

“Speaking of women,” Ivy said. “Louise mentioned you stole her spot at the brewery the other day.” She smiled, happily adding fuel to the fire, especially when they were teaming up on Rome. It was one of her favorite pastimes.

Aunt Claire smacked his shoulder, though it looked like she was attempting to hit his head and fell short. “What is wrong with you? Louise is a sweet girl, and you’re always so mean to her.”

“Mean? Because I parked my truck in a public parking lot?”

“Youstolethe spot. At least that’s what she said.”

“She’s a liar.”

“Team Louise,” Cynthia said.

“You’re just mad my log cabin gingerbread house is going to be better than yours.”

“I was going to do a log cabin, too,” Aunt Claire announced, and both Rome and Cynthia groaned.

“Seriously? You too?” Cynthia asked, tying her blonde hair up in a bun, proving she was ready to win this thing.

A knock echoed through the house, and Ivy gasped. Cody was early. She hadn’t given her family the talk yet in hopes of convincing them to behave themselves. Of course, today they were already hyped up on their bickering, which meant it was only going to get worse.

“I’ll get it,” Rome said, and Ivy latched onto his arm, using her entire body to keep him from moving. At six-four and two hundred pounds, it was a miracle he stopped.

“What is your deal?” he asked.

“I’ll get it,” Ivy said. “Go set up the video call with Poppy.” Poppy was still away on business but wouldn’t miss gingerbread night for the world.

“Is it that actor?” Rome’s sharp jawline seemed to sharpen even more, if that was even possible. Both her cousins looked like they had been chiseled out of stone, though Rome, with his elongated face and higher cheekbones, looked like he could cosplay as a nutcracker.

“Yes, and I am begging you not to threaten him.”

“Where’s the fun in that?”

“He is not here for your entertainment. He is here to build a gingerbread house and hopefully survive our family to tell about it tomorrow.”

“Is that a challenge?”

“No, now go away.” Ivy shoved at his chest, not even moving him a centimeter, but luckily, Rome turned toward the kitchen.She straightened her shirt, took a deep breath, and opened the door.

---