Page 67 of A Holly Brown Christmas
The house looked amazing. The staff was impeccable. And the food was delicious. Everyone was having a wonderful time so far. Mrs. Brooks hadn’t shown up yet, but Mr. Brooks arrived a couple of hours ago and had been positively delightful.
“Holly! You’ve worked wonders here! Camille always made it sound like it was a terrible chore to put this party together, but I’m looking around and seeing that you accomplished it in just a handful of weeks, I am thoroughly impressed!”
“Thank you,” she said shyly, just as Lucas moved in close beside her and wrapped his arm around her waist.
“Lucas, everything looks great! When you sent me that email and text, I was a little annoyed that you went behind my back to do this, but I have to admit, I’m glad you did. I always loved this party. It’s nice to socialize with our team outside of the office.”
“Thanks, Dad. I couldn’t have done it without Holly.”
“The two of you make a great team, and I hope I’m not reading this wrong, but…a lovely couple. Good for you!”
They both smiled.
“So, how did the big boat parade go?” Lucas asked his father.
“Well…funny story,” he began, raking a hand through his silver hair. “I ended up not buying the boat.”
“Really? How come?”
He shrugged. “It just didn’t feel right. I got a little caught up in the moment with my friends. So I helped a buddy of mine decorate his boat. He won, but he gave me credit, so…” Another shrug. “It was fun. I missed being here with you kids and the grandkids.” He glanced around. “Where are they? They’re usually sitting on the couch like they’re afraid to make a move.”
“Oh, I set them up with their own party down in the media room,” Holly explained. “They’re having a movie marathon with pizzas, popcorn, and drinks. We set up some games too. I doubt we’ll see them until the party’s over.”
“That’s brilliant! My goodness, Holly! You really have it all under control! I am thoroughly impressed!”
“My, isn’t this cozy?”
Uh-oh…
Camille Brooks had arrived, and just like yesterday, she did not look pleased.
“It looks like the new hostess is getting all the praise,” she said in a snide tone.
“Camille, relax. The girl worked hard and it shows. Look around! It’s exactly the way you always did it! You set a great example and she followed it.”
For a moment, Camille looked a little stunned by her husband’s words.
And she had to hand it to him, Spencer Brooks seemed genuinely sincere. Which was probably why his wife looked stunned.
“We’re all thrilled that you’re both here,” Lucas said. “And I hope that you can put your differences aside for the night and enjoy yourselves.”
His father smiled before clapping him on the shoulder. “I fully intend to. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to mingle.” He glanced at his wife, holding out his arm to her. “Care to join me?”
“Oh, um…”
“Go on, Mom. It’ll be alright,” Lucas quietly urged. “I promise.”
Then they stood back and watched as his parents regally walked down to the lower level.
“I’m almost afraid to move or say anything and ruin the moment,” Holly murmured.
“I know the feeling. Fingers crossed that everyone behaves.”
And they did.
For a little while.
The two of them had gone downstairs to enjoy the fruits of their labor, but an hour later, Holly went up to the kitchen to check on her cousin, and to make sure everything was going smoothly.
