Page 20 of Loving Words
Harrison pounded again. “Kennedy Lee, don’t make me come in there and drag you downstairs.”
I snorted to myself at his words. He wouldn’t dare.
“All right, you’ve left me no choice.” The doorknob squeaked when he turned it. I didn’t move fast enough to avoid his hands. He found my ankles under the comforter and pulled.
“Harrison, you asshole!” I grabbed at the bed, only to slide toward him with my hands full of bedding. I kicked out at him.
He let go right before my ass would have fallen off the end.
“Don’t you ever do that again.” I sat up, my feet hitting the cold floorboards, and rubbed my eyes. “Gran would have fed you without me.”
“No she won’t, Kennedy. It’s Christmas Eve morning.”
I smelled the biscuits before he finished his sentence. Harrison was right. No one ate breakfast until everyone was at the table. It was one of Gran’s many traditions.
“Shit, I’m sorry.” I glanced at the clock. “Dude! It’s only six thirty. Breakfast isn’t until eight.” I whined.
“Not today. Gran got up early. The biscuits are ready, along with the eggs, American fries, sausage, bacon, and the breakfast casserole.”
“Fine, I’ll be down in a couple minutes. Make sure the coffee is fresh. I’m going to need a few gallons to make it through today.”
He turned and bounded out my door and back down the stairs. I did what I needed in the bathroom, brushed my hair, and twisted it up into a messy bun. Slippers and my fluffy Christmas robe complemented the dark circles and bags beneath my eyes. I shuffled downstairs, the volume of voices getting louder as I approached the kitchen.
I cringed when I heard Harrison’s loud hiccup of a laugh. I loved him. I really did. I loved my brother. I repeated it to myself as I walked, to keep from strangling him. First he woke me up, then he basically pulled me out of bed. And now his infernal laugh was grating on my non-caffeinated nerves. I wondered if I could sweet talk someone into bringing my coffee to the table, so I wouldn’t have to join the loud chaos before caffeine.
“Kennedy, there you are!” Gran greeted me at the doorway with a big mug and a hug. “I told Harrison to let you sleep.” She wrapped an arm around my waist and walked me into the kitchen. “You probably need it.”
I sipped at the liquid heaven in my mug and nodded. “I didn’t sleep well.” I leaned against the counter and drained my mug.
“Interesting.” Gran took my mug to refill. “Jack didn’t sleep well last night either.”
His eyes met mine as I finally acknowledged him. A mischievous smile tilted the corners of his lips. Our kiss last night was still vivid in my mind, my lips tingling as my mind wandered.
“Had a few vivid dreams that woke me up. It happens sometimes if the last scene I write before bed is sexy and spicy, even more so if I haven’t finished the scene.” He winked at me.
I felt the heat of a blush on my neck. “Sounds like maybe you should have stayed up a bit longer to wrap things up. Maybe you would have slept better.”
“Enough chitchat. Let’s eat,” Harrison said and brought a couple of the warm plates of food to the table. Gran’s oversized biscuits were the last thing added. They sat in the middle of the table on a large, elevated tray. The table was in its small configuration. We would adjust it and add in the middle leaves tomorrow, before our full-fledged Christmas dinner.
I filled my plate with the American fries, bacon drizzled with maple syrup, and a biscuit that took up half my plate. Harrison took two biscuits right off the bat. I knew he could eat those plus another full plate of everything else. That seemed to be one of his traditions.
Jack and Harrison were talking about something that had Harrison laughing again. I tried to tune them out but still cringed every time that laugh came from his mouth. Two cups of coffee and I was still annoyed.
“Harrison, can younotlaugh like a jackass for one conversation?” I snapped and rubbed my temple as I debated another biscuit. I’d probably need the sugar to make it through until lunch.
“Why don’t you boys go get the tree decorations and bring them into the living room?” Gran asked. “You know where they’re stored, Harrison.”
“Okay. Still in the closet in your room?” he asked.
Jack glanced at me, his eyes wide for a minute, and it took all I had not to spit out the sip of coffee in my mouth. He mouthed to me,I hope she put it away!His animated face switched from fake fear to concern to mischievous devil all within seconds.
“Yes. While you do that, Kennedy, would you help me put this food away and load the dishwasher?” Gran asked, raising an eyebrow in question.
“Of course,” I replied.
It took two trips for us to get everything back into the kitchen. One for the plates and glasses and another for the actual food. I transferred the leftovers into storage containers while Gran rinsed dishes and... loaded the dishwasher?
She saw the question on my face. “Yes, I do use it occasionally. With all the cooking these next two days, it will be more efficient. It will give us more time to enjoy the magic of the season.” She dried her hands.
