Page 98 of Never Sleigh Never
“What does it say?” I lean closer, our legs brushing.
“Mount Holly, Minnesota, is bursting with Christmas cheer all thanks to the Holly Jolly Festival,” Brie reads. “Then she gushes about all the events—the cookie contests, the over-the-top decorations, the way the whole town turns into a snow globe come to life. Oh, and—” She grins. “There’s even a quote from Mount Holly hockey legend, Logan Crawford: ‘The Holly Jolly Festival is the best damn festival in the country.’”
A smile tugs at my lips. “Good. She added that part.”
Josie bolts upright. “Dad! She didn’t even mention the carnival.”
“That’s okay, Peanut. I actually wrote a strongly worded email to her to focus on the festival.”
Josie’s mouth drops. “But I wrote her too! I even entered the carnival in a contest so she’d come here!”
I sit straighter. “What?”
“When we moved here, I saw a Christmas magazine at Grandma’s. I filled out the form and sent her an email.” Josie’s bottom lip wobbles.
“Ohhh,” Brie murmurs, nodding. “So that’s why she showed up.”
I tug Josie gently between my knees. “Peanut, that was very sweet. But you can’t email random strangers on the internet, okay?”
Her chin drops. “But it was for the carnival.”
“I know. I love the thoughtful gesture, but you’re too young to be emailing strangers.”
“I’m sorry.” Her gaze drops to the floor. “Am I in trouble?”
“No. Just… don’t do it again.” She nods, and I kiss the top of her head. “Now, why don’t you pick the first movie?”
“Okay.” I pass her the remote, and she goes back to her spot on the floor. She scrolls through the various Christmas movies until she lands on Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch. “We forgot the snacks!” Josie hops up.
“Can you grab them?” I ask.
“I’ll help,” Brie says, following her into the kitchen.
I sink into the couch, a smile pulling at my lips. Never thought my life would look like this. I came to Mount Holly for Josie. To heal. To start over. What I found? Brie. Fierce, determined, stubborn as hell—and the best thing that’s happened to us. We’ve both grown and changed over the years. Sure, both of us will always be competitors, but now we’ll also be cheering for each other. She’s turned my world right-side-up again. Their laughter drifts from the kitchen before they reappear, Josie carrying a tray of cookies, Brie balancing two bowls of popcorn.
“We couldn’t pick between sweet or salty, so… both,” Brie announces.
Josie passes an English toffee cookie to each of us before setting the tray on the end table. Brie sets the popcorn down, then settles beside me.
I slip my arm around her shoulders, tugging her close. Leaning down, I whisper, “I think my kid likes you more than me.”
Brie grins, snuggling in.
And the truth? I wouldn’t have it any other way. Because having both of them here—my two favorite girls—is all the happiness I need.
Thirty-Two
The Best Damn Present
Brie
My lashes flutter open. Heat radiates around me—but it’s not mine. A heavy arm is draped across my waist, pinning me down like a weighted blanket. Except this one smells a whole lot better. Fresh and clean. Logan.
I roll carefully onto my other side to face him, and his arm tightens, pulling me closer like I might try to escape.
He nuzzles against my neck, voice still husky with sleep. “I like waking up and finding you here more than I want to admit. I vote we stay like this all day.”
A warmth blossoms in my chest. Waking up next to Logan is my new favorite thing and certainly something I could get used to. “But it’s Christmas Day. Isn’t Josie going to be bouncing on her toes to unwrap her presents?”
