Page 46 of A More Than Mayhem Christmas

“Victory!” Logan yells, arms in the air.

“Are you fucking kidding me?” Cameron groans, looking over at Dylan, who is… fast asleep, sitting upright in a chair.

Cam busts out a guffaw, and Logan coos, “Aww, poor Grandpa Banks. It’s way past his bedtime.”

“He was awake, like, a minute ago,” Jake chimes in.

“Yeah, this is completely normal for him,” Riley says through a yawn. “I think it’s time to call it a night.”

Logan steps up to her, his hands up in a prayer position. “Pleaselet me push his ass into the lake.”

“No!” Riley laughs, passing him to get to her husband. She shakes him awake, saying, “Let’s get you home, Grandpa.”

Dylan grumbles, like a true old man, and comes to a stand.

“You owe me two dollars and fifteen cents,” Logan reminds him.

“Yeah?” Dylan grunts. “Take it out of the moneyyour momowes me.”

Logan pouts, exaggerates a sob. “I don’t have a mom, you asshole.”

For a second, Dylan almost looks sorry for his slip. But before he can apologize, Loganattemptsto push him into the lake. Dylan is the biggest of all the boys, so Logan’s efforts are futile, but it sparks a comical rage in Dylan, and the next thing you know, Dylan’s chasing him down the dock, and the other boys follow, cursing each other while laughing hysterically.

The girls and I take our time, lagging behind them.

“You’ll let us know if you need any help with the wedding planning, right?” Amanda asks.

“Of course.”

“And don’t pay for anyone to move or carry anything,” Lucy says. “That’s what all my brothers are for.”

“I don’t want to exploit them,” I laugh out. “And thank you for letting me have it here.”

“Please, we’re honored to host it.”

I look past Amanda next to me and toward Heidi. “You’ll fly home for it, right?”

“Girl, I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”

“How long are you in town for?” Riley asks her.

“I haven’t booked a flight home yet, so…” she trails off.

Lucy says, “You should all come over in a couple of days once we’re settled into the new house. And you can give your presents to Katie in person. She would love that.”

“Iwould love that,” Heidi says. “I was sad I didn’t get to see her.”

“You know you’re welcome to come over whenever.”

“Yeah?” Heidi asks.

“Heidi!” Lucy snaps. “You’re always welcome. You never need an invitation.”

“Okay.” Heidi smiles over at her. “I’ll keep that in mind.”

Lucy says, “It’s decided. Two days from now. Our new house. We’ll order takeout. Everyone come.” Her next words are for Heidi. “And I’ll make sure to invite Rooooman.”

“Holy shit, that was some kiss,” Amanda cracks.

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