Page 65 of All I Want for Christmas
23
Max
Nashville, Tennessee
December 22
Max woke up hazy, with absolutely no clue what had happened. It had been a long time since he’d had a hangover, and he lay still for some time with his hands over his eyes.
“Happy Birthday, baby brother,” Becca said, from the doorway. Max squinted at her in the semidarkness as she set a wrapped present on the bedside table.
“It’s a book. Two hundred knitting patterns. Figured based on everything that’s been going on, you’re probably up to your eyeballs in yarn.”
“Becca, it’s the middle of the night.” Max put his hands back over his eyes. His voice was hoarse, like he’d been singing for hours.
“Actually, Maximillian—it’s almost nine.”
Max let out a groan. He was normally at the studio by seven.
“Dad wanted me to make you that disgusting tomato juice and raw egg concoction, but I brought you some OJ instead.”
“Thanks, Becks.” He sat up gingerly and took a sip, the cold sweetness soothing on his throat. “And thanks for the book.”
Becca went over to the windows and opened the blinds, letting in the morning light.
“Whoa!” Max shielded his eyes with his arm. “Give a guy a chance to come to before you do that.”
“No time for that. Bobbi called. She said, ‘Get his ass to the studio in whatever manner you see fit.’ ” Becca put her hands on her hips, and it was then Max noticed something new about his sister.
“Um, don’t take this the wrong way, sis, but you look... different.”
She threw a pillow at him and he ducked, spilling juice on his bare chest. “You know better than to ever comment, in any way, on a woman’s figure.”
But then she smoothed her sweater over her stomach, smiling. “I honestly can’t believe it took you this long.”
Max’s eyes widened. “Is that... Are you...?”
“Pregnant? Sure am.” Becca rubbed her belly, grinning. “You’re going to be an uncle, Maximillian. Which means it’s time to grow the hell up. I expect you to be a good role model for this peanut.”
“Becks, how did this happen?”
Becca raised an eyebrow. “Do we need to talk about the birds and the bees?”
“Hush up.” Max scowled at his sister’s teasing. “What I meantis that you aren’t married.”
“So what? Since when are you so old-fashioned?”
“Does Dad know?”
“Of course. I told him straightaway. He’s pretty excited to be a grandpa. Already planning a trip across the pond for when the baby’s born.”
“Well, I’m really happy for you, Becks. Though I still think your guy, Stanley, should get down on one knee, and soon by the looks of it.”
Becca laughed. “Maybe worry about your own love life, huh?”
“Don’t remind me,” Max grumbled, and pushed the covers back, then swung his legs over the edge of the bed.
“Get dressed. I’ve walked Patsy and there’s breakfast waiting. See you downstairs, birthday boy.” Becca shut the door behind her.
