Page 26 of Honkers Under the Holly

“So,” April leaned forward, “what do you say? Ready to help us change the fashion world?”

I thought about all the girls like me who needed to see themselves as beautiful. About Mac, who loved me exactly as I was. About Sir Honksalot, who had somehow turned our chaos into something magical.

“I’m in,” I said. “But you should know?—”

A chorus of excited voices drowned out my attempt at honesty. As April began outlining their vision, my phone buzzed again.

Don’t worry about the trending stuff. We’ve got this. Also, Sir Honksalot says hi. At least I think that’s what he meant. He might have just been asking for more treats.

I smiled. We did have this. Somehow.

Even if “this” now included a national fashion campaign built on a misunderstanding about my love life.

When the car from the airport dropped me back at the mansion,I found Mac on the front porch, watching Sir Honksalot arrange tinsel in the little evergreens on the steps with surprising artistic flair. Red and gold strands draped elegantly over the branches. There was also a brand new wreath hanging above the door.

“Is Sir Honksalot wearing the scarf and Santa hat from the photoshoot?”

“Your goose has opinions about holiday outfits and home decorating,” Mac said, pulling me into his arms.

“Our goose,” I corrected, loving how his chest rumbled with laughter. “And apparently he’s developed a signature style.”

“How was the meeting?”

“They want me as the face of their launch campaign.” I snuggled closer, breathing in his familiar scent. “It’s amazing, Mac. They’re featuring women of all different careers and backgrounds who happen to be plus size. Athletes, executives, artists... showing that curves aren’t something to overcome, they’re just part of who these incredible women are.”

“That’s perfect for you.” He pressed a kiss to my temple. “But I’m sensing a ‘but’ coming.”

“The Bandits’ PR lady called while I was at the airport waiting for my flight back.” I pulled back to meet his eyes. “They want us—me and Tommy—to do some public appearances. Play up the ‘romance’ angle.”

“Ah. Yeah, they called me too.” His hands stayed warm on my waist. “And how do you feel about that?”

“Weird? I mean, everyone thinks I’m engaged to Tommy, but I’m actually in love with you, and it feels wrong to?—”

“Help both our careers?” His smile was soft. “Sara Jayne, I know who you come home to. Who you love. If playing along with this misunderstanding for a while helps launch yourmodeling career and gets Tommy the sponsorship deals he deserves... I’m okay with that.”

Sir Honksalot chose that moment to present us with a perfectly arranged piece of tinsel, looking ridiculously proud of himself.

“See?” Mac took the tinsel and draped it around my neck like a sparkly scarf. “Even our goose agrees. And he’s very particular about his tinsel gifts.”

“You’re sure?” I wound my arms around his neck. “Because I don’t want to do anything that might hurt us.”

“The only thing that could hurt us would be passing up opportunities we’ve both worked so hard for.” He kissed me softly. “Besides, Tommy’s like my brother. If I have to pretend my girlfriend is engaged to anyone...”

“Your girlfriend, huh?”

His eyes darkened. “Well, I was thinking more like ‘love of my life’, but I didn’t want to sound too cheesy.”

“I like cheesy.” I rose on tiptoes to kiss him properly, only to be interrupted by an indignant honk.

Sir Honksalot stood watching us, head tilted, another piece of tinsel held expectantly in his beak.

“I think,” Mac laughed, “our goose is trying to tell us to focus on his artistic vision.”

“Clearly, he gets his diva tendencies from Tommy.”

“Speaking of Tommy...” Mac’s phone buzzed. “The team wants us at the Christmas Day game. Owner’s suite. It’s kind of a big deal.”

“Fancy.” I accepted another piece of tinsel from our feathered decorator. “Think they’ll let us bring Sir Honksalot?”

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