Page 59 of Christmas Treasures

“This is about Max right now,” Abby said, shoving Logan with her elbow.

Logan clutched at his side as if she’d hurt him. “Fine. But I’ll get it out of you later.”

Max exhaled. “Do you guys really think I should reach out to her? Say I’m sorry? I didn’t really handle it well in the moment.”

Dad met Max’s gaze. “I say write her a note. Apologize for not asking first. Explain that you understand now. Bring flowers. Not a Christmas bouquet, mind you. And invite her to your Ugly Sweater Party. No pressure, just a door that stays open.”

Abby smiled. “Your dad’s right. This puts it in her court. If she’s still interested, she’ll accept your apology.”

“After she cools down, I bet she’ll feel terrible for acting that way in front of Bianca,” Laney said. “At least that’s how I would be.”

“You’ve never done anything close to that,” Nolan said, wrapping an arm about his pregnant wife. “You’re too full of sunshine and rainbows for that.”

“I did throw a shoe at my ex-fiancé’s head. That was very edgy,” Laney said, laughing.

“Only because he was in bed with your bridesmaid,” Nolan said. “That was an extreme situation. But yes, I agreeto keeping the door open. And apologizing without trying to make an excuse for your behavior will go a long way.”

“Unless she’s really that broken,” Logan said. “Some people aren’t able to react with emotional maturity. They just don’t have it in them. For whatever reason.”

Luke popped a top off a beer and handed it to Max. “Yeah, look at my ex-wife. Left her own infant. No reasoning with her did any good at all.”

“If she doesn’t forgive you, what are we going to do about pizza?” Logan asked.

“Logan, honestly, your brother’s in pain,” Mom said.

“What? Charlie’s pizza’s really good,” Logan said. “You all were thinking it, but I’m the only one who’ll say it.”

“No one was thinking anything of the sort,” Nolan said, chuckling. “We’re all being supportive of Max, not thinking about pizza.”

“That veggie oneisreally good,” Laney said, rubbing her round tummy. “The baby loves that one.”

“We could order anonymously,” Logan said. “I could have my secretary pick it up for us.”

“Logan Hayes, that’s enough,” Mom said. “You know Santa’s checking his list right now, and I’m afraid you’re about to move over to the naughty side.”

“I’m pretty sure he’s already there,” Luke said.

Laughter rippled through the kitchen.

“Do you think she thinks you’re only after her for her money?” Logan asked, suddenly serious. “Because I could put together a prenup for you guys.”

“I don’t think so,” Max said. “I told her point blank I wasn’t interested in her money but maybe I should have said more. Given her more reassurance. God, I’ve messed up everything about this.”

“Whatever her reaction is or isn’t will tell you what you need to know,” Dad said, returning to the subject at hand. “And if you get more serious, I’m sure you’ll have a conversationabout money. And you certainly don’t want to bring up money and lawyers at this stage.”

Logan held his hands up. “I’m just saying—I’m here if you need me.”

“It’s all so much more complicated because of Bianca.” Max ran his hands through his hair before picking up his beer.

“Welcome to parenthood,” Luke said. “I hate to break it to you, but you’ll never make another decision in your life without thinking about if it would be good or bad for Bianca.”

“For sure,” Abby said. “But if it’s right between you, it will all work out as it should. Families are made in all different kinds of ways. We’re the perfect example of that.”

“If she says no to the sweater party, does that mean you’ll cancel it?” Logan asked, sounding hopeful.

“That hurts, bro,” Max said, tapping his chest.

“He doesn’t mean it,” Laney said. “Your sweater party is the best night of the year.”

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