Page 69 of Dragged Home for Christmas

Laughter rippled through the crowd.

Mike swallowed, his throat tight. “None of what we’ve achieved here would be possible without some very special people. If I had to name you all, we’d be here until tomorrow morning, and as it’s Christmas Eve, I’m sure you all want to be home in your beds before Santa arrives.” That raised a few chuckles. “Like Cherry said on the first night, you know who you are, and we love you.” Mike paused. “But right now I have five awesome people to thank.” He turned to face the others. “Come on out here, all of you. And yes, Ashley, that means you too. You’re part of this family.”

The clapping started again as five figures walked onto the stage, and the loudest applause came from the front row. Patrick had joined them, whistling loudly.

They stood in a line behind him, and Mike moved aside for them to step forward and take a bow, to enthusiastic clapping and cheering.

“Aren’t they amazing?” he declared, smiling at the audience. He took another calming breath, then waited for quiet once more. “Little did I realize when I came to P-town that I was about to find a new home.” He paused. “And a new love. Because waiting for me was someone who’s come to be the most important person in my life.”

Candy’s breathing hitched, and Mike walked over to her. In a moment of sheer comic timing, all the others took a step back, leaving Candy to stand alone.

He gazed into her eyes, his mic clasped in both hands.

“In case I forgot to tell you today… I love you.”

Candy’s eyes glistened.

The call began at the front of the stage, growing louder as it came from all sides, until one word filled the air,repeated over and over again.

Kiss! Kiss!

Candy laughed. “You’re about to smudge my lipstick, aren’t you?”

“Oh yeah,” he said with a smile. “But it’s okay. I’ll help you clean it off later.” He grinned. “When we lose the audience.” And as the crowd laughed and clapped, he took Candy in his arms and kissed her. Candy threw her arm around his neck, and on impulse, he grabbed hold of her waist, slid his hand to the middle of her upper back, and dipped her, surrounded by whoops and hollers.

At last it was all over. He stood with his new family on the stage, everyone taking their final bows. Mike gazed out at the audience, and his heart stuttered.

By the door, a single figure stood, wearing a long trench coat. He gazed at Mike, his chin held high, shoulders back, and a gleam in his eyes as he gave a knowing smile. He clapped his hands, his chest thrust out. Then, to Mike’s utter shock, he turned and walked through the door.

Thecloseddoor.

Holy fuck.

“Are you okay?” Candy whispered. “Because you look like you’ve seen a ghost.”

He smiled. “Don’t they say Christmas Eve is a good time for ghost stories?”

And this one had a happy ending.

Chapter 23

Christmas Day

Mike opened his eyes. He was spooned around Sam who was making the cutest little snores. Mike snuggled closer, breathing in the smell of bed-warmed skin, citrus, and Sam’s hair.

Best Christmas present ever.

He kissed Sam’s shoulder. “Hey, sleepyhead. Want to get up and see if Santa came?”

Sam let out a drowsy chuckle. “Hemight not have, butIdid. Three times.” He rolled over, grinning. “Want to make it four? I’m not a fan of odd numbers.”

He laughed. “In case you forgot, Anthony is making us a special breakfast this morning. Eggs, bacon, hash browns, sausage…”

“We don’t need sausage.” Sam slid his hand around Mike’s morning wood. “We’ve got plenty right here.” His eyes glinted.

Mike rolled his eyes. “Later. Besides, I want to see this present you said you were making.” He gave a mock gasp. “It’s socks, isn’t it? You’ve taken up knitting.” Mike chuckled. “Little rainbow-colored socks, right?”

Sam laughed. “Not even close. But seeing as I’m not about to get lucky this morning, we might as well get up.” He lay on his back, however, gazing at their surroundings. “You happy to stay in this room?”

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