Page 61 of Lost Lyrics

Chapter 16

SUTTON

There was only one thing I enjoyed as much as planning my wedding...and that was Christmas. The magic in the air, the streets, and shops full of decorations and twinkling lights, and carols playing in every store gave me a high. It was impossible not to be caught up in the cheer. I loved shopping, giving gifts, and spending time with friends.

This would be my last Christmas as Sutton Summers. Next year, I’d be Mrs. Glover.

The big day was getting closer and so much had to be done. Flowers, table settings, and decorations had to be finalized. Cake had to be ordered. Dresses were being made. The guest list kept growing longer and longer.

But today wasn’t about our wedding. It was Christmas. At Cole’s.

Loaded with gift bags and presents galore, Flint and I entered Cole’s house. My mouth fell to the floor as we entered the foyer. Cole’s entire entrance and living room and been transformed into a winter wonderland, covered in green garlands, twinkle lights, baubles, fake snow, and gold wreaths. The most stunning Christmas tree covered in lights and decorations stood by the gas fireplace and nearly reached the top of the atrium. Therewere Santa Clauses and elves, reindeer, angels, and nutcracker statuettes dotted around the room.

“Cole?” I crossed the room, fell to my knees, and placed our presents under the tree. “This looks amazing. Is all this for you or the kids?”

“Me, of course.” He grinned goofily as he helped me with my gifts.

Flint placed his load of boxes wrapped in bright, festive paper next to mine. “Dude?” He stood and slapped Cole on the back. “Christmas will always be at your place from now on. You don’t do things half-assed, do you?”

“Nope.” He straightened his Santa hat and flicked the pom-pom over his shoulder. “Plus, I have a girlfriend who likes to organize everything.” He waved to Ava, who was cooking up a storm for lunch in the kitchen.

I should help her, but I’d probably burn something. Like I’d done to the pumpkin pies on Thanksgiving. I didn’t want to ruin any of her delicious dishes again. It was best if I stayed clear of the kitchen.

“Are the others here yet?” Flint scanned the games room and the yard.

“Not yet. They’ll arrive soon.” Cole jutted his chin toward the garden. “The kids are outside playing with their new swing set from Santa. I do not rate putting that up in the dark and fucking cold on Christmas Eve. I followed the instructions, but somehow I have six spare bolts, three washers, plus the packet of spares. It hasn’t fallen yet. So win, right?”

“Totally.” Flint chuckled. “Why didn’t you pay someone to put it together?”

“I’d thought it would be easy, but I had to get Sloane out of bed to help me. I’ll blame him if it breaks.” Cole yawned, no doubt tired from his late-night construction efforts and early start to the day with the excited kids. “How are your folks?”

“Good.” Flint flopped onto the sofa and stretched out his legs. “Sutton and I managed not to kill anyone with our cooking.”

I eased in beside him and patted his stomach. “Babe, you cooked. I watched. That’s why everyone is still alive.”

Steven, my brother, his girlfriend, Kate, and Flint’s parents had come to our place for Christmas Eve. We’d all drunk way too much wine over dinner and presents, but it had been an awesome catch-up.

The door swung open, and Lewis and Tia charged toward us. I burst out laughing.

“Ho. Ho. Ho,” Lewis hollered, dressed up as Santa, carrying a sack full of presents. Tia wore an elf outfit that stretched tightly over her baby belly.

Tia deposited more gifts by the tree and Lewis put down his bag. A loud shriek pierced the air outside. Charlotte and Josh rushed inside, ran over to Lewis, and collided into his legs.

“Uncle Lewis, did you bring us presents?” Charlotte looked up at Lewis with big, bright green eyes.

No fooling them. He wasn’t Santa.

“I did.” He tickled Charlotte’s tummy, then drew both kids into a hug. “But you have to wait until after lunch for your gifts.”

“Okay.” Josh pushed out of Lewis’s hold and grabbed Charlotte’s hand. They ran into the games room on the other side of the kitchen, where toys and books lay spread across the floor—no doubt their haul from Santa this morning. With more gifts waiting for them, those two kids would be spoiled even more.

Flint and I jumped off the sofa to say hi.

Lewis stepped over to me, lowered his beard, and kissed me on the cheek. “Happy holidays.”

“Merry Christmas.” I straightened his Santa hat. “I love the outfit, Santa.”

He grinned but scratched his cheek and chin. “It’s itchy andhot. But it’s all for the kids.” He was as bad as Cole—a big kid at heart who’d do anything for them.

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