Page 138 of Light My Fire Three Times
“I think we’ve found a new holiday tradition, boys,” Karl says with a grin, throwing a pointed look at Jesse. “It’s called ‘Let Jesse Decorate and Pray for the Best.’”
I smirk. “I’ve seen crime scenes with more symmetry than this tree.”
Jesse glares over at me, but it’s a weak one.
“Hey, I tried,” he mutters, hands still on his hips as if he’s expecting to be judged by some expert committee.
I chuckle. “You tried, alright. But we’re gonna need to rewrite the rulebook if we’re keeping this.”
Karl snorts and reaches for another ornament, holding it up, about to launch it across the room. “I mean, it’s festive in its own… special way. But it’s kinda giving me ‘last-minute shopping’ vibes, Jesse.”
Jesse rubs the back of his neck. “Okay, okay, so maybe I’m not the best decorator. But Iamgood at buying gifts.”
I raise an eyebrow. “She’ll love it because we did it. Not because it’s actually decorated right.”
“I think she’ll appreciate the effort,” Karl says, putting his hands up in defense, “though if you ever get the urge to add some random tinsel to the walls, maybe call in some backup first.”
Jesse rolls his eyes but can’t help the half grin that cracks on his face. “Alright, alright. I’m not the expert here. But I did my best.”
I check my watch. “Right, we should go. Surprise Olivia with breakfast.”
Karl nods. “Don’t burn breakfast while we’re gone, Jesse. Let’s start the day on a good note.”
Jesse shoots him a look, but it’s clear he’s trying to suppress a chuckle. “I’m a professional, Karl. I’ve got this.”
“Famous last words,” Karl mutters, opening the door and stepping out into the cold.
I follow him, and the frigid air hits me with a slap in the face. Snow’s already begun to accumulate on the ground, thickening the quiet of the morning.
The whole world feels like it’s holding its breath, waiting for something. I pull my jacket tighter around me and glance over at Karl.
“You think she’ll like the surprise?”
Karl gives me a sideways glance, his usual flippant smile replaced with something closer to understanding. “Man, she’ll love it. She doesn’t need the perfect decorations or the world’s best breakfast. She needs us to show up. We’re doing that.”
I nod, chewing on that for a second—Karl’s right, even if it’s hard to admit.
Olivia’s not asking for perfection. She’s not the type. But there’s something about today, about us all coming together, that feels different. More… real.
We climb into the truck and drive through the snow-covered streets, the tires crunching as we head toward Olivia’s place.
Her house looks warm, a welcoming glow spilling from the windows, the porch light casting a golden hue over the snow-covered ground.
I stop the truck and glance at Karl, who’s already grinning. “You ready for this?”
He winks. “Always.”
We get out and walk up to the door, and I knock three solid taps.
A moment later, Olivia opens the door, her hair a little messy from sleep, her eyes soft and warm as she looks between me and Karl.
“What’s going on?” she asks, looking a little confused.
“Morning,” I say with a smile. “We’re here to take you out for a little adventure.”
She raises an eyebrow, clearly suspicious. “Adventure? At this hour? On Christmas Day?”
“A Christmas Day adventure,” Karl confirms, leaning in a little closer to make it sound more mysterious. “And you can’t back out now. It’s already in motion.”
