CHAPTER 4
Spencer
“Blake?” I called from the top of the steps. “Are you ready?” He had been up since five working on something for G. I didn’t want to point out it was Christmas Eve day. I knew he needed to busy himself with work. Last night seemed to shake him slightly.
“Yeah, I’m ready.”
I threaded my mother’s diamond earrings on and hurried down the stairs to grab my phone and purse.
“You look good.” Blake’s gaze dragged up my body, and I could almost feel the heat from it.
“Thanks.” I glanced in the mirror at my tight jeans, knee high boots, white sweater, and bracelets stacked up on one wrist.
Blake came up behind me, his eyes dancing in excitement.
“Don’t even,” I warned but couldn’t help but lean back into him when he pressed me to his front.
“I’ll behave for now.” He winked. “Let’s get going.”
Blake had already used the snowblower on our driveway, and apparently on Kim and Shannan’s, who had already left for G’s holiday brunch. Someone was eager this morning.
Fifteen minutes later, we were standing outside G’s bright red door with a plate of homemade Nanaimo bars, his favorite.
Blake opened the door and let me walk in first, always such a gentleman. I got two feet in the door before I came to halt, completely taken back by the decorations that were in front of me.
“Holy…” I whispered at the dozens of sparkly snowflakes that hung from the ceiling, the endless yards of garland that outlined every doorframe and window, and the pissed off cat in the corner dressed in a little Santa suit. I made a mental note to get one of those for Lloyd the next time the little bugger ticked me off.
“Merry Christmas.” Lisa popped out of nowhere, looking amazing in a holiday dress and her signature red heels.
“Merry Christmas.” I laughed as Blake zipped by me while I handed Lisa the treats. “Did you do all of this? It’s positively amazing.”
“I did a little.” She winked and directed me to the kitchen. “May I get you something to drink?”
“Sure.” I looked around and spotted everyone in the living room. Lisa poured me an orange juice with a splash of grenadine. “Thanks.”
“I wanted to give you this now.” She reached back to grab a thin box.
“Oh, Lisa, thank you. You didn’t need to do that.”
“Please.” She waved a hand for me to open it. Nestled inside the silver tissue paper was a silver chain with two hearts linked together. Engraved on the edge were the wordsmotheranddaughter. “It looked too cluttered to put ‘stepmother’ or ‘second mother,’ but I just want you to know we will always be connected and that I love you as if you were my own daughter.”
“Oh, Lisa.” I came around the counter and hugged my aunt. She had always tried so hard to be the mother figure in my life since my own mother had been taken from me. “It’s beautiful. Thank you!”
“So,” she turned me around to fasten the chain, “I heard your night was pretty eventful.”
“A little, yeah.” I laughed, admiring the pendant. “I’m just so glad she’s all right. Kim was close to a heart attack.”
“Poor thing.” She looked over my shoulder then lit right up. “Well, then, let’s make sure this is a Christmas to remember.”
“Cheers to that.” I took a sip of my drink and followed her into the living room where everyone was sitting around facing the TV. Kim had Shannan’s hand, G waited for Lisa to join him, then he tucked her under his arm. AndJaci?I had no idea she was coming to this. She beamed at me and swooped me into a hug.
“Merry Christmas Eve!” I hugged her back tightly, so happy she was there. She then nodded at Henry, Blake’s brother, who apparently had come home for Christmas, and their parents were here too. Wow!
I hurried over and gave Henry a hug. “What are you doing here?”
“I couldn’t miss Christmas.” He grinned and moved to let me greet his parents. Henry turned me around to see Blake coming toward me.
“Can I give you my present now?”
