Page 75 of Tis The Season for Secrets
“I told you I’d punish you if you ran off again,” Will whispered in her ear, and kissed her cheek.
Juliet glared at him, then swatted him playfully. “I can’t believe you did this!” She took a long, deep breath as she realised there was no inquisition or firing squad waiting for her.
“I’m sorry to give you such a shock! I knew they were planning a welcome home breakfast when I called my family to let them know you’d signed the papers, but I didn’t know they were going to stop by. They can have a funny sense of humour,” Eloise apologised, looking at their escorts, who were looking rather sheepish.
“Sorry, Juliet, we just couldn’t wait to meet you. I’m your aunt Debbie, and this is my husband Stuart, we are so happy you’re here.” Debbie engulfed Juliet in a hug.
“Thank you. It’s nice to meet you,” Juliet answered, not knowing what else to say as Debbie stared at her like she was some Christmas miracle.
“No need to thank us– we’re family.” Stuart clapped her on the shoulder.
“I know a surprise party is a little overwhelming, but word spread fast and everyone in the Heart family wanted to meet you, as well as the council members,” Will whispered as the others left to join the table. The room clapped as they made their way to the head of the table. Juliet swallowed her nerves, wondering if they’d be so happy to welcome her if they knew what they’d all been up to for the past month. Others greeted Eloise with big hugs, and she guessed they were more of her mom’s family.My family now.
“You’ll catch flies if you don’t close your mouth,” Will teased, pulling the chair out for her.
“I’m just trying to take it all in. I can’t believe you let me think I was in trouble! You frightened the life out of me!”
“Eloise called her family to tell them you’d signed the papers, and we all wanted to do something to welcome you. We thought breakfast would be a good start, and she was going to bring you over herself. She didn’t know we’d turn up, but she played along. I figured, given how intimidating they can be in their guardian uniforms, that they’d make the perfect cover for our surprise.”
As if they could sense her watching, the couple smiled and waved at Juliet. She waved back shyly, trying to take it all in. She wasn’t used to people being so happy to see her.
Mason sat at the head of the long table, which was long enough to fit at least fifty people. There were a few faces she recognised – Lyla and Mrs Klaus included – but most were new. Will took out a chair for her to sit beside Lyla, opposite Eloise and her sister.
“Did you know about this? Why didn’t you tell me?” she whispered to Lyla.
“I wasn’t going to ruin the surprise!” Lyla said. “Besides, this was all rather rushed, so I didn’t have a chance. I didn’t know they were going to send guardians to frighten you.” She beamed, eager to explain.
“How was this even pulled together so quickly?” Juliet felt a little embarrassed they’d all gone to so much trouble for her.
“Mason and Will called an emergency meeting last night with the council when you were at your mum’s. Once your mum got your signature, we had what we needed to make your citizenship official. This morning, there wasn’t much to arrange; since the council members and heads of departments and their families, and the Klaus family, always gather on the morning of Christmas eve, we only needed you to make it the perfect welcome party. It’s tradition for them to celebrate another successfulpreparation of the season. It also allows everyone to gather and take a breath before tonight’s madness.”
Juliet was relieved this hadn’t all been done for her; it took some of the pressure off. Still, the welcome made her emotional.
“You weren’t in trouble. Will wanted to play a little joke on you, and the Klauses love a good prank, but I’m sorry they scared you,” Lyla was saying when the clinking of glasses interrupted them.
Mason rose from his seat, and the hall drifted into silence. Juliet saw for herself the power he held, and she wasn’t surprised he’d been able to get her citizenship approved so last-minute. She guessed the rush was to prevent her dad from having any chance to make some trouble. She relaxed into her chair, grateful for his and everyone at the table’s support. There was no other way she wanted to spend the holidays.
“I want to thank you all for coming this morning,” Mason said. “Another year of bringing hope to the world wouldn’t be possible without everyone at this table, and this town. This is only my second year in my father’s seat, and I want to thank you all for your trust and wisdom. I won’t prattle on for too long, because I’m sure you all want to tuck into this fantastic breakfast. As you might have noticed, we have a new addition to our Yule family. I hope everyone will raise a glass and help me welcome Juliet Heart to the table. This season is all about bringing people together, and I’m delighted that she has found her way home.”
Hearing the last name Heart instead of Frost felt like a new skin that would take some time to get used to. But as everyone toasted her, Juliet couldn’t help but feel like she was at home. Will handed her his napkin for her teary eyes and placed a steadying hand on her thigh.
“I thought this might be too much, but Mason really wanted to give you a big welcome. I think he’s trying to make up forLyla’s welcome, which wasn’t so pretty. We can go if this is too much,” he said thoughtfully.
Juliet shook her head. “I can’t believe you arranged all this for me.” She wanted to squeeze the life out of him, in a good way. Maybe not in public, though.
“You shouldn’t have to hide, not when Yule is your home.” As he looked to Eloise talking with her sister, he added, kissing her hair, “This is your family now.”
“To Juliet!” Mason concluded, bringing their attention back to the table.
There was a loud cheer, and Eloise winked at her before everyone clinked the champagne flutes filled with orange juice. “Welcome home,” she said across the table.
That did it. “I’m such a blubbering mess,” Juliet croaked. Thankfully, the rest of the guests were too busy digging into their breakfast to pay her any mind.
Will kissed away the tears. “It’s a lot to take in, and just wait until the rest of the village hears there’s a new legacy in town. You’ll be drowned in baked goods, knitwear, and suitors.”
“I can’t get enough layers,” she said, thinking she’d never adapt to the cold. “Dessert? Say no more. Suitors… hmm. Might be good to have options.” She sipped her juice.
In revenge, Will’s hand drifted to her upper thigh, and she squirmed, not wanting Lyla to see what he was doing.
