Page 41 of A Not So Merry Ex-Mas

Mike:From the sound of those tworealgood

That has me full-on laughing. I cover my mouth, not wanting to wake Noelle.

Mike:Guess I’ll just talk to you when I see you.

Mike:

Mike:Are you really asleep?

Mike:

I rub my face and shake my head, a grin forming on my lips. Mike doesn’t realize it, but sometimes he’s as badas the women.

I click his contact and hit the call button. It rings five times before a groggy, annoyed voice picks up.

“Do you know what time it is?” The grin on my face gets wider as I pull out the coffee maker and prepare to brew a pot.

“Yeah, it’s pretty early.” I place the filter in the basket and pop the can of coffee open, adding a few scoops and sprinkling some cinnamon on top.

“Mike!” I hear a groan and swallow the laugh threatening to escape. Mel most likely threw a pillow at Mike now that she knows it’s me and not someone from the station.

“Sorry, sweetie,” I hear a door open and close. “Was your intention to call and get me in trouble with my wife?”

“I think you do a good job of that all on your own and don’t need my help.” I fill the carafe with water and then pour it into the reservoir before turning on the power. “You sounded like you wanted to talk.”

“Last night!” He whisper-yells, and I bite my lip to keep from laughing out loud. “You didn’t need to call me at 5 a.m. when you woke up.”

“What time do you think you’ll be leaving?” I walk over to the fridge and grab the milk.

“Probably around 9 or 10.” He smothers a yawn. “Or whenever Mel tells me we’re leaving.”

“Sounds good. I’ll let you go back to bed.”

“See you later,” Mike yawns again before calling out. “Cole! Please make sure Noelle has the cookies ready when we get there. Mel has been talking nonstop about those cookies. And after making me wake her up, the least you can do is not make her mad at me because you’ve been busy kissing the baker.”

“I’ll do my best, but I can’t make any guarantees.” I nearly spit out my coffee when I hear Mike groan on the other end. “Send a text when you’re on your way up.”

I hear Mike yell my name just as I hang up. My phone immediately vibrates.

Mike:Cookies better be done!

Cole:I’ll make sure the cookies are done.

Mike:

Cole:Geez. Remind me to never wake you up again.

Cole:The cookies will be ready.

Mike:Thank you!

Bringing my coffee, I head into the living room and work to get the fire going again. Putting my coffee on the mantle, I grab some logs and place them on the barely lit embers. Stuffing kindling between the open spaces, I strike a match and put the flame on all the kindling. The gentle crackling sound tells me everything is doing its job.

I grab my mug and head to the couch to make myself comfortable. This time of morning is one of my favorites. I love the sense of peace that comes with the silence before the day begins. I glance out the window at the dark sky and admire the blanket of stars that glisten in the cold weather.

A door opens down the hall, and I hear footsteps on the floor. A smile crosses my face as soon as I see Noelle’s shadow.

“What are you doing up, Bug?” I ask, extending my arm and wrapping it around her as she snuggles up close to me. “I hope I didn’t wake you.”

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