Page 55 of Mistletoe Misses
Until I hear activity next door, I keep busy quietly cleaning and measuring for new cabinets in the kitchen and bathroom. I’m writing down the last size I need to order when my phone chimes with a new text message.
Aaron:Dude, you said you’d be here.
Me:You’re home already? I thought you weren’t arriving until the party.
Kendall:Surprise!
Me:Best one ever. I’ll be there as soon as I can.
Cooper:Don’t bother.
Me:What does that mean?
Aaron:He’s just messin with ya. We couldn’t wait.
Me:Wait for what?
Kendall:Surprise!
The thunderous noise of three sets of boots pounding on the back staircase has me tucking my phone away and rushing toward the storm.
Kendall emerges first and launches herself into my arms, wrapping me in unconditional love. A few seconds later, Aaron adds himself to the hug, making Ember Falls finally feel like home again.
“What is this?” Cooper asks, strolling into the apartment.
“A hug. Might do you some good to get one occasionally,” Kendall scolds, always on Cooper for following in my grumpy footsteps and embracing it ten-fold. The things soldiers see and do in the Army can do that to a person, and he’s served longer than me.
“I get and give plenty of hugs, thank you.”
“To someone other than Mom and Izzie,” she clarifies with a wink.
“Whatever. Anyway, I was referring to this … Is it an apartment?”
Stepping back from my two siblings, my arms open to the small living room. “Welcome to Nana’s nest egg.”
“I love the color,” Kendall says, guiding a hand over the light gray walls.
“Does she need money or something?” Aaron asks.
“Yeah. She’s barely making what’s required to keep the lights on—I checked the books—and she hasn’t done any building maintenance in years. You’ll never hear her admit any of that, though.”
Cooper inspects my handiwork in the kitchen. “Not bad. Can we help?”
“I’d love that, but not today. We have a party to go to, and I want to hear about college life.” I insert myself between Kendall and Aaron and drape an arm over their shoulders. “Coop can drive while you fill me in.”
“Great.” Cooper complains. “Now I get to hear it for a third time.”
“You’ll live. Let’s go.”
Chapter 13
Maddox
At the Sunday gathering later, Kendall finds me alone on the living room couch and plops down beside me. She takes me in, covering my entire body with her eyes. It’s great to see her usual sass hasn’t suffered while I’ve been away.
“I have to say, big brother, I didn’t expect to see you so relaxed withherhere.”
“To whom are you referring, little sister?”
