I raise my brows and study the twenty-foot tree in front of the windows. I still don’t know how the
fuck Ransom got it up here. I’m guessing a helicopter. It’s so big, we can’t actually reach the top half
to decorate it, so some of my brothers have decided that throwing the ornaments from the second floor
is the best way to solve the problem.
“I don’t think they need our help. Honestly, we’d just be in the way, wouldn’t we?”
She bites her lip and watches as Maverick leans dangerously over the rail to toss a popcorn
garland he made. We had to buy a popcorn maker. And a needle and thread. And popcorn. And watch
a tutorial, but he was really damned motivated. Something about having the women in our lives, and
especially Mia has motivated us to celebrate Christmas like we never have before.
“I have to hand it to you. You guys can sure make things complicated. I don’t think this is what
Holly intended when she suggested a tree.”
She may be right there, but she might as well learn now. This is how we do shit. We go big. We go
loud. We go over the top. In all things.
And I can’t be mad about it, seeing the wonder on Maya’s face at every ornament, every cup of
cider, every strand of popcorn. Somehow I don’t think my woman has had enough merry Christmases,
and I want to make up for it, in a big way. I can’t wait for Christmas morning.
Course, we haven’t actually celebrated a traditional Christmas before, so we’re learning on the
fly now.
The slam of a door brings my head up. Jonas storms into the room. I’ve never seen him look like
this…so tense, so frustrated, but also resolved.
“Brother, what’s going on?”
His lips are a thin white line. The rest of the room quiets as he answers. “She’s not safe.”
“Who’s not safe?” I ask calmly, trying like hell to keep my voice level.
“Janey. I went to her apartment tonight. But she’s not there. The landlord said she was evicted
weeks ago.” His hands clench into fists. “I can’t find her. Where is she? She won’t be back at the
office until January. That’s too long to wait. We have to make sure she’s okay now.”
Holy fuck.
Maya and I exchange a look. She slides carefully off my lap, and puts Gracie on the floor. Gracie
goes straight for Jonas, pawing at his shins to be picked up. Some of his tension drains as he looks
down at her. He scoops up the dog, letting her lick his chin. Maya’s hand tucks into mine, and she
