Page 57 of A Holly Brown Christmas
Rather than stand on a ladder or even a step stool, Holly stood on her tiptoes, trying to hang a strand of lights above one of the lower windows. She felt festive in her red sweater dusted with glitter and her hair was pulled back with a sparkly green ribbon. She could feel Lucas watching her from behind, one hand holding the other end of the lights, the other resting loosely on her hip to steady her.
“You know,” he says softly, “we have a ladder.”
“I am the ladder,” she countered, finishing the loop and taking a step back. She turned to face him, their bodies close now. She couldn’t help but reach out and rest her hand on his chest.
They both paused—taking each other in. Lucas leaned in without a word, brushing a stray hair from her cheek, his fingers lingering just long enough to make her breath catch.
“We’ve got, what, fifteen before this place is swarming with elves?” she says.
Lucas glanced at the clock. “Twenty. If we hide down in the media room and pretend not to hear the doorbell.”
She grinned. “Maybe we should just lock the door. You know, this way no one just walks in and disturbs us.”
He didn’t need convincing. He gently pulled her toward the couch that was pushed into the corner—out of the way, behind the village-in-progress. It wasn’t exactly private, but it was quiet and safe, for now.
They sank onto the cushions, Holly’s legs draped over his lap. It didn’t matter that they’d only rolled out of bed thirty minutes ago after being naked and tangled up together. It was like they were two magnets who couldn’t stay away from each other. She rested her head on his shoulder while his fingers absently traced slow, lazy circles on her thigh.
“Think they’ll notice that we didn’t finish all the stuff we were supposed to before they arrived?” she murmured.
“Not if we hide your agenda,” he replied, kissing the side of her neck. “And bribe them with cookies.”
She looked up at him then, her eyes meeting his, more serious now. “Lucas?”
“Yeah?”
“I know things have been crazy this past month, and we haven’t had a lot of quiet time for things like… this.” She ran her hand along his chest, resting it over his heart. “But I need you to know—these little in-between moments? They’re everything to me.”
Lucas leaned in and kissed her—slow, deep, and tender. A kiss that says I know. Me too.
When they parted, breathless, he whispered, “Then let’s make this one count.”
They sat there in silence for a while, foreheads resting together, tangled in the warmth of each other and the soft, peaceful light of a moment that wouldn’t last—but would be remembered.
Outside, a car door slammed, and voices approached.
Holly sighed, forcing a smile. “Time’s up.”
Lucas carefully maneuvered her off his lap before standing and offering his hand to her, helping her up. “Let’s make it the most festive, sparkliest chaos this house has ever seen.”
She grinned, squeezing his hand. “Lead the way!”
Within minutes, the house was full of loud, boisterous chatter, and Holly had to stand on the stairs in the two-story foyer to call out and get everyone’s attention. When all eyes were on her, she smiled.
“Hey! It is so good seeing y'all here. As you know, we are going to put on the Christmas party that Mr. and Mrs. Brooks usually do every year. I’m sure most of you are aware of their personal situation and that the party was going to be canceled this year. However, Lucas did not want to see that happen and we have been working hard for the last month to try to get everything done ourselves. Unfortunately, it was more than we could handle, so we are incredibly thankful for all of you being willing to come tonight and help.”
There was a short round of applause that she basked in.
“Because of the shortage of time, we'll get right down to work. One of the first things to ensure a successful party—one that meets Mrs. Brooks’ expectations—is strict attention to details and direction. I have everything mapped out, and I'll keep my directions simple. There are stations set up all over this floor and the lower floor—the basement. I’ve left directions at each station, but know that you can reach out and ask if you don’t understand something. It's the spirit of the volunteers that counts, the interest that you show in the details and wanting this to be the best holiday party we’ve ever had! Am I right?”
Everyone cheered and Holly felt like they were off to a great start!
“We’re having pizzas delivered in an hour, so let’s get started!”
“Holy crap! It looks amazing! It looks exactly how Mom always has it!” Anna said with wonder as soon as she walked in the door on Friday. “Well, except for the tree. This one’s a little different, but I think I like it better. There are more decorations on it.”
Lucas nodded. “It came pre-lit, but we had to order the ribbon and giant ornaments because they were always supplied by the decorator Mom used. Come on. Let me show you the rest of the house.”
Anna’s husband and kids followed along, and everyone agreed that the place looked like it had been done by professionals. “I can’t believe you got all the employees to volunteer to help with all of this!”
