Page 77 of Wrapped Up with the Three Scrooges

“Get a room!” Levi called. “Actually, wait—we have several rooms. Dibs on the next make out session!”

“You can’t call dibs on make out sessions.” Max came out of the kitchen, sampling what appeared to be his third appetizer. “We established that rule after the Great Hallway Incident of last March.”

My cheeks heated at the memory. “We agreed never to speak of that again.”

“Speaking of things we’re not speaking of...” Levi grinned wickedly. “Remember when-”

“The geometric precision of these hors d’oeuvres is suboptimal,” Blake interrupted, having apparently finished with the garland. “Would you like me to reorganize them?”

“Yes,” I said quickly, grateful for the distraction. “And maybe you could help Max stop eating them before the guests arrive.”

“I’m testing for quality control.” Max popped another one into his mouth.

I put my hands on my hips. “You’ve quality controlled half the shrimp already!”

Before Max could respond, the doorbell rang, and Ronan went to open it. Janet bustled in wearing a sweater with an LED Christmas tree that lit up.

She paused, taking in the decorated space. “Well, would you look at this? A far cry from last year’s warehouse party.”

I looked around our transformed living room, feeling a surge of pride. The massive Christmas tree sparkled with ornaments collected over the past year, each one holding a special memory. Garland and lights transformed the modern space into a cozy winter wonderland, and the fire crackling cast everything in a warm glow.

“Wait until you see the backyard.” Levi was practically bouncing with excitement as people started to arrive.

The next few hours passed in a blur as the house filled with laughter and conversation. I moved through the crowd, making sure everyone had drinks and food, occasionally catching glimpses of my guys doing their thing. Max had a group in stitches with his story about the time a client wanted everything wrapped in pine needles. Ronan was having what appeared to be a serious discussion about tape strength with some of the warehouse staff. Levi flitted from group to group, charming everyone as usual.

“Your house is gorgeous,” Sophie gushed, joining me by the drink table. “And I can’t believe how different everyone is now. I knew I liked you the second you walked in to Wrap It Up.”

“Aww, Soph, don’t make me cry.” I elbowed her playfully.

“And the guys...” She glanced over to where Ronan was now laughing at something Levi had said. “They’re like different people. Well, except for Max stuffing his face. Some things never change.”

I watched as Max did, indeed, sneak another shrimp. “They’re still them. Just happier versions.”

“Because of you,” she said softly. “You changed everything.”

“Wechanged everything.” I couldn’t take all the credit since they had to be open to change for it to happen.

After the last guest had left, I collapsed onto the couch between Max and Levi while Ronan built up the fire.

“That went well,” I sighed contentedly as Max pulled my feet into his lap and started massaging them.

“Very well,” Levi agreed, playing with my hair. “Though I think we need to talk about Max’s shrimp addiction.”

“I don’t have a problem,” Max protested. “I can stop anytime I want.”

“The empty platter suggests otherwise.” Ronan joined us on the sectional.

I snuggled deeper into their warmth, feeling overwhelmed with love for these three ridiculous men. “Can you believe where we were this time last year?”

“You mean when you were living in a motel with a conspiracy theorist?” Levi chuckled.

“Hey, Gary’s doing great now. Did I tell you he started a YouTube channel about alien-proofing? He’s making bank. He also unwrapped our gift on a live and Sophie said we got an influx of customers because of it.”

I suddenly felt tears prick my eyes.

“Hey,” Max said softly, squeezing my ankle. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing’s wrong. That’s just it.” I wiped my eyes, laughing at myself. “Last year at this time, I had nothing. No job, no home, no...” I gestured to encompass all of them. “And now look at all this. Look at what I have.”

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