Page 105 of Once Upon a Holidate
Right on time a large black limo pulled up. The plan was to enjoy the cocktails and not go back to work afterward. The limo was going to take them home, so no one had to worry about driving.
Natalie jumped out of the car and hurried up the front path to help with the box while Wynn closed the door behind herself and made sure it was locked.
“Hi,” Natalie said cheerfully. “I’m ridiculously excited about our lunch.”
“Me, too. I love our regular get-togethers, but this one is special.”
Natalie glanced at the house next door. “I wish Joylyn had been able to join us.”
“Me, too. I texted her this morning, just to confirm she was still tired. She said she was feeling too lazy to get herself together enough to come with us.”
The driver held open the back door for them. Wynn took the box from Natalie so her friend could slide in.
“She’s really pregnant,” Natalie added, when they pulled away from the curb. “That has to be exhausting.”
Wynn was sure that was most of the reason Joylyn had elected to stay home, but she also had the thought that her new friend didn’t want to intrude on what was a special event. Wynn had told her she was more than welcome, but Joylyn had insisted she was not up to the day.
They drove to the animal sanctuary and picked up Carol, then made their way to Weddings Out of the Box, where the lunch would be held. Drew was dropping off Silver with her supplies, and Cade had agreed to deliver Bethany to the lunch.
When they arrived, they found Silver, Bethany, Renee and Pallas in the large open area where most of the weddings and receptions were held. A long table had been set up by the windows. A green, red and black plaid table runner topped a white tablecloth. Long, low centerpieces of red and white roses were accented with pinecones and greens.
A second table had been set up to hold the Secret Santa gifts.
Wynn carried her cookies to the kitchen area. Servers were at work, getting the prepared food ready for the lunch. She returned to the main room and greeted her friends before adding her gift to the pile. The rules of Secret Santa were simple—the gift had to be inexpensive and fun. Everyone drew numbers out of a hat, and that was the order the gifts were chosen. If you were last and ended up with your own gift, you got to take a gift from someone else in exchange for yours.
Wynn had found a cute wooden penguin at an estate sale. The little guy looked like he was about to burst into penguin laughter at any second, and she knew he would be right at home on anyone’s desk.
“This is so fun,” Pallas said. “Merry Christmas, everyone. As you can see, we’re going to have a delicious lunch. We’ll start with Silver’s cocktail. I can’t wait to find out what it is. Then butternut squash soup with cheddar biscuits. Blueberrychicken salad with more biscuits, and Wynn’s sugar cookie tarts for dessert.”
Everyone moaned.
“That sounds amazing,” Bethany said. “I’m not sure my soup is up to the challenge.”
“At least you got to bring something,” Natalie said with a pout. “I didn’t bring anything.”
“You were away at a show,” Renee pointed out. “You got home at midnight last night. When were you going to make a dish?”
Wynn patted Natalie’s shoulder. “Next year you’ll get the entrée.”
Natalie brightened. “I’d like that.”
“Cocktails,” Silver said, picking up a tray of champagne glasses. “This is called a Wallaby-Darned.”
Carol laughed. “Seriously?”
“That’s what they tell me.” Silver served each of them. “The basic ingredients are champagne, vodka and peach schnapps.”
Renee leaned close to Wynn. “That explains why we all have rides home,” she murmured.
Wynn laughed. “They sound delicious.”
They took their seats at the table to talk for a bit before the meal service began.
“I heard the baby shower was so fun,” Pallas said. “I wish we could have been there.”
“It was great.” Wynn took a sip of her cocktail and decided it was so good, she was going to have at least two. “Joylyn was so appreciative of everything. Thanks again for the loan of the table and chairs.” She looked at Carol. “And thank you for helping me.”
Carol waved away the words. “It was fun. I never get to do the party stuff. Plus we never get to help you. You’re always helping us.”
