The sound of the patio door sliding open made us all look up expectantly.
"Ladies and gentlemen," Adrian announced with theatrical flair, appearing with an elegant silver tray that caught the Christmas lights and scattered them like dancing stars.
The tray was laden with professionally crafted cocktails, steam rising from several of the glasses, and I could smell cinnamon, nutmeg, and something boozy.
"Only the finest liquor for my favorite little elves perched on their highest shelves."
He set the tray down on the small table beside the hot tub like a bartender.
"Spiked eggnog with nutmeg, vanilla, and enough bourbon to make Santa himself blush," he announced, handing Sierra a mug topped with whipped cream and a cinnamon stick. "For our sweetest bee."
Sierra accepted it with wide eyes, immediately taking a sip and sighing with pleasure.
"Cranberry Moscow mule with ginger, lime, and just a hint of rosemary," he continued, passing me another mug that was beautifully garnished with sugared cranberries. The rim was dusted with cinnamon. "For our shining star."
I took a sip and nearly groaned with pleasure. It was tart and refreshing, the cranberry balanced perfectly with the spicy ginger and the smooth burn of vodka.”
"And peppermint hot chocolate with chocolate bark, mint, and enough Baileys to make it perfect,” he finished, handing Isla a mug filled with rich, dark liquid topped with whipped cream and crushed candy canes. "For our heavenly angel."
Isla accepted her drink with a grateful smile, immediately taking a sip and sighing contentedly. "Adrian, you're a god among men."
"I know," he replied with a grin, finally stripping off his shirt and sliding into the water beside her. "It's a gift, really."
The addition of alcohol created a pleasant warmth that spread through my limbs, adding to the already intoxicating combination of heat and holiday magic.
Adrian hadn't been kidding about the strength of these drinks—I could feel the vodka working its way through my system, creating a soft, pleasant buzz that made everything seem more golden and magical.
Around us, the snow continued to fall in lazy flakes that caught the light and sparkled like tiny diamonds before disappearing into the darkness.
The Christmas lights strung around the patio cast everything in a warm, golden glow that made our skin look luminous and the steam shimmer like something out of a fairy tale.
"This is perfect," Sierra murmured, her voice already slightly slurred from the bourbon.
She was practically melting into Connor's embrace, her small frame completely relaxed against his massive chest. "I don't ever want to leave this moment."
"We don't have to," Connor offered quietly, his voice unusually soft. "We have all night."
"All week, actually," Jax added softly, his lips brushing against my ear in a way that made me shiver. "No schedules, no obligations. Just us and Christmas."
The conversation drifted into comfortable quiet as the alcohol worked its magic, loosening tongues and melting away any remaining inhibitions.
We talked about everything and nothing—childhood Christmas memories, Easton Christmas vacations, dreams for future holidays.
The drinks kept flowing, Adrian periodically disappearing inside only to return with fresh rounds that were somehow even more delicious than the last.
“I’m so happy,” Sierra smiled suddenly, her cheeks flushed pink from the heat and alcohol. “This is my first Christmas with family in a long time.”
"And now?" Connor asked quietly, his hand stroking through her wet hair.
Sierra smiled up at him, the love in her expression so pure. "Now I have you. All of you. And Christmas is magical again."
“Me too,” I agreed softly. "Christmas was always... complicated. It never felt like the warm, happy celebration you see in movies."
Jax's arms tightened around me, pulling me closer against his chest. "And now?"
I looked around at the faces surrounding me—Sierra's gentle smile, Isla's warm eyes, Adrian's affectionate grin, Connor's quiet understanding, and Jax's smoldering blue gaze that promised forever.
Steam rose around us like incense, the Christmas lights twinkled like stars, and soft carols blessed our little gathering.
