Page 56 of Cinnamon Strudel
“Merry Christmas,” Ruby greeted as Blue stopped to alert him to the step. Ruby cupped his cheek with one hand, kissing the other. “How was brunch with your brothers?”
“Good.” His voice was raspy, so he cleared his throat to mask his nerves. “Shoes off?”
“Yes, please. We have slippers, but,” she lowered her voice and closed the door behind them, “I saw a present with your name on it and Mom’s famous for knitting socks. We normally just toss the shoes to the side.”
He did just that, then took Blue’s harness and lead off.
“Uncle Moe,” a squeaky voice called.
“I’m sorry,” Ruby quickly apologised and took the harness. “We tried to tell Jude differently, but she insists on that name for you.”
Oh—the little girl meant him!
“I’m hanging the harness and leash on the wall to your right.”
“Thank you—woah!” He stumbled, a small body crashing into his legs.
“Jude, give him space!” That voice he recognised as Rhett.
“It’s okay.” Morgan reached down and found the girl’s curly pigtails. “Hi, Jude.” Then he offered her father a hand. “Hi, Rhett.”
“Welcome to the chaos.” The tiny arms disappeared, which meant that Rhett had tugged his daughter away. “C’mon let’s introduce Morgan to the others.”
A small hand grabbed his, and he walked after her. With Ruby’s hand on his lower back, she took the bag he was holding and encouraged Blue to follow them too. “Here comes Dad,” she quietly said.
“Ah, you’ve already met the tiny tornado.”
Ruby’s father slid his palm into Morgan’s hand. “Yes, nearly knocked me over with her sweet welcome.”
There was a tight yet tender squeeze before Nathan introduced his wife. Morgan shifted his hand, only to be wrapped in a tight hug by Ruby’s mother, Angela. “Welcome! We have been dying to meet you.”
“Can I pet Blue now?” Jude asked eagerly. “He has no harness on.”
Morgan chuckled. “I’m sure he would love some ear scratches.”
Jude cheered while two more seemed to approach and Ruby was quick to help him out. “Remi and Denise are in front of you.”
“A full house.”
Remi agreed with a grunt. “It always gets a little cramped in here.”
“Oh, you,” Angela scolded. “The house is big enough.”
Another hug, and Denise softly greeted him. “Merry Christmas.”
He turned to Angela and said, “Ruby mentioned you like flowers and I got some Fireball for you, Nathan.”
Remi’s voice came next. “Ah, gifts to win over the in-laws—clever man.”
“Wasn’t sure if the dog would be enough so I had to bring backup,” Morgan returned with a grin as he fetched the flowers.
“They’re beautiful. I’ll have to find a vase right away.” Angela bustled off to find a vase, and Nathan accepted the bottle of whiskey from Morgan.
“I see our daughter has spilled all our secrets.”
Ruby guided him to the couches, and Morgan was relieved to sit down. Jude plonked a present in his lap and as predicted it was a pair of socks. Ruby sat by his side next and handed him two more.
“Technically one is for Blue, but he seems quite happy sunbathing by the window.” It was a new tag, in gold of course and shaped like a heart. “I saw his old one was a bit worn.”
