Page 11 of Naughty Christmas Wishes

Her last comment makes me laugh out loud. "Yeah, Rudolph was the lead reindeer too. It’s a demanding job delivering presents to all the kids." I give her a smirk and a smartass expression.

She just winks at me and calls out to her sisters. "Ladies, let's get on the road already. It’s a long drive and everyone’s waiting for us." My landline begins ringing and Ruby gets excited when she spots the answering machine. She walks over to lean on the counter. “Hurry up, we’re leaving in T minus five minutes,” Ruby says then shoos me away.

I panic because that’s not enough time. I find tupperware to take the meal I just made with us. Thankfully, I always make way too much pasta so I can share with everyone. Why did I make the extra garlic bread? I shrug and grab a reusable bag to pack everything up.

The phone starts ringing again and I just ignore it. I run across the room to get my purse then head to the bathroom to pack some essentials. When I’m done, I stop outside my bedroom door in utter shock at the sight inside.

"No way! Why are you guys only bringing Christmas colors?" I point at all the clothes stuffed in the small open suitcases they have packed for me. These people are a little nuts about the holiday spirit. The twins just close them and smile at me acting all innocent, but they’re far from it. I motion to the clothes everywhere and they just watch me. I mean even my bed looks like the closet threw up on it. “Was this really necessary?”

They shrug at the same time doing that cute twin thing. "We know what's best because we’re fashion experts." They say in unison before each of them grab a suitcase. Today they're wearing matching tan dresses with white long fur boots. The outfits totally scream reindeer vibes and they look adorable. The sisters push me out of the room and I flip the light off.

Ruby's frowning when we return to the kitchen and I don't say anything because she smiles when she sees us. "I'm so excited about tonight. This is going to be the best Christmas ever." The twins cheer, holding up my bags agreeing with their older sister.

"I don't want your pity though. I've been doing fine on my own the last few years." My mouth forms the words, but deep down I don’t want them to leave without me.

"We don't pity you." All the sisters speak together.

"Come on, we’re going to have a blast. Throw this on with your outfit too." Ruby hands me a scarf covered in snowmen that matches my jeans and shirt perfectly.

I stare at it for a minute, frowning. I bought this on a whim last week when I was out. It was an unexpected purchase since I never wear Christmas stuff. Even Ram had questioned the accessory. Strangely the design seems familiar and perfect for my current situation.

"Fine, but you'll tell me if I wear out my welcome, right?" I ask them while putting the scarf on. I grab the food from the kitchen and look around one last time for anything I’m missing.

"Never," All the sisters say giggling and walk out the door.

****

I glance out the passenger window confused by all the signs. When we pass the next store it's confirmed so I ask. "Why does everything say North Pole on it? I’ve never been to Big Bear but that one time with you. I’ve never heard it called North Pole before.”

"Our village is called North Pole." One twin informs me rolling her eyes like I should know this already.

"Why do you think we like Christmas so much?" The other twin says and they high five.

"Our village is actually located in Snow Bear which is on the other side of Big Bear. This is private land unless you’re invited or live here. However, most of our businesses are on the mountain borders so we can get tourist money too." Ruby takes the next turn around the sharp corner.

Well, wherever we are, it's stunning up here.

We pull into the bowling alley parking lot and my eyes go wide. This place is lit up and packed with vehicles. Of course, my gaze finds the familiar white SUV. I look at Ruby in a total panic. "I don't know how to bowl." Then I point at the SUV. "Is that Iceman's?"

"Iceman?" The twins ask together confused.

"That’s what Joy calls Frost." Ruby tells her sisters laughing at the double gasp.

The twins' faces morph into a mask of disbelief and wonder. Then they grin joyfully at me. "Can we be there when you call him that?"

I'm getting used to them talking in unison. I nod because I'm not sure what the big deal is. Ruby parks in the space next to an old green mustang GT. It's beautiful and I stare in awe. We hop out when she turns off the engine. Ruby’s car is cute and of course it’s candy cane red. My eyes return to the green mustang though.

"That’s my favorite old car and I’ve always wanted one." The twins gasp again and I glance over amused. All the women look back at me shocked by my comment and I frown. "What?"

"We know," the twins say. Ruby elbows them and they whine pushing her back.

"You guys want one too? I’ve wanted one ever since I was a kid" They all shake their heads quickly. I sigh and start walking to the entrance wrapping the scarf around my neck. I open the door to the scent of…well, Christmas. All the smells assault my senses. Like Cinnamon, hot chocolate, peppermint, pine and fresh winter snow. I have no idea why I think I know what fresh snow smells like but I do.

I swear the smell of chocolate chip cookies gets stronger.

I turn around confused when I don’t hear the women behind me. All three sisters are standing where I left them staring at me like I have two heads.

"What now?" I’m ready to go inside and leave them behind. I need some cookies, dang it. My tone seems to break the trance because they all begin walking towards me as one.

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