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“Another round, fellas?” our server, Kerr, asks.
“Not for me. I have to drive,” Sammy says.
“And I have to play Joseph tomorrow afternoon,” Bran says as he shakes his head.
“And I have to read to Cobie when we get home,” I agree.
Kerr looks over at the girls, who are now standing at the foot of the stage. “For them?”
“Yeah, why not? Let them have their fun,” Bran says.
We sit back and watch the females drink and dance and cut loose.
“Sammy, Dad and I could use an extra pair of hands to help get our boat parade entry ready for next weekend,” Bran says.
Sammy shakes his head. “Nah, man. Bob and Keller would roast me if I helped you guys.”
“Come on. They have more than enough help,” Bran points out.
“I know, but you’re talking about my father- and brother-in-law. You know how serious they take that contest,” Sammy defends.
“Hannah is Norah’s cousin, and that makes her your cousin-in-law. I plan to put a ring on her finger this Christmas, so that makes us practically related,” Bran explains.
“You’re reaching,” Sammy grunts.
“Fine,” Bran spits and turns his attention to me. “How about you? Want to help me bring down the mighty Harrises this year?”
“Sorry, man. I’m leaving the day after tomorrow,” I remind him.
“Damn, that’s right.”
“I’d love to come by and photograph your progress before I go though.”
“Sure. Stop by Smitten in Lake Mistletoe Event Services sometime after the nativity tomorrow.”
“Smitten in Lake Mistletoe?” I ask.
“It’s Hannah’s business. She has space in the back, and that’s where we’ve been working on it. I don’t have anywhere at the tree house, and I can’t trust Keller to keep his hands and eyes to himself at our shop,” he clarifies.
“Tree house?” I query.
“Yep. My house is built up among the pines and foliage on the side of the mountain. It’s a grown man’s tree house,” he elaborates.
“Gotcha.”
“Wait, did you say you’re proposing?” Sammy circles back.
“Yep. I picked the ring up this morning. Her mom is coming in on Christmas Eve, and I plan to pop the question then,” Bran answers.
“Congratulations!” Sammy barks.
Bran brings a finger to his lips.
“Sorry,” Sammy mumbles.
Daniel tugs Dawn onstage as the music slows.
Bran stands. “That’s our cue, fellas,” he says. He makes his way through the crowd that’s gathered on the floor and takes Hannah by the hand, pulling her into his arms.
