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That was usually true. But right now, I was still fighting to find a perspective that wasn’t bleak. Any second now I’d come up with it. Any second now. I was sure of it. Besides, eggnog boosted creativity and positivity. It was basically Christmas in a bottle.
Pippa and Victoria arrived a few minutes later, followed by Alice, who was carrying two huge bags filled with take-out boxes.
“Do I smell roast duck?” I asked, already rubbing my stomach.
Alice winked. “I couldn’t come without everyone’s favorite, right?”
“Gimme, gimme.” I took the bags from Alice. She’d brought paper plates and cups too, as usual. Within minutes, we’d spread everything on the little coffee table between the armchairs.
“Before I forget, here are the bags for your girls.” I handed Pippa the package.
“They’ll be so happy. I didn’t tell them I managed to place an order before they sold out. Thanks for making that happen.”
“You’re welcome.”
We’d just begun eating when Ava walked in too.
“Is it too early for eggnog?” she asked, her eyes lighting up when she noticed the duck.
“The answer to that will always be no,” Pippa answered on a laugh, pouring Ava a glass.
“Hard day?” Nadine asked.
Ava joined her palms in a prayer. “Please, please, please talk to your husband. I’ve been talking budgets with Logan the entire afternoon. He’s still every bit as stubborn about every expense as he was when I first came to Bennett Enterprises.”
Nadine held up her hands. “I don’t want to interfere in your budget war.”
Ava dropped her chin to her chest, sighing dramatically. “Sebastian says the same. Why’s no one on my side?”
Pippa batted her eyelashes. “We all are. You’re just braver than the lot of us. Any chance you can take over the budget negotiations for my department too?”
Ava’s jaw dropped open. “Traitor. You’d do that to me?”
“Better you than me,” Pippa said on a grin.
Ava took a sip of her glass, closing her eyes, sighing again.
“If you give me enough eggnog, I might start to consider it.”
“Atta girl.” Pippa held her glass up. The rest followed, and we cheered.
“To my brothers, who all married brave women,” Pippa declared. I couldn’t agree more. I loved these ladies.
“I have no idea how you girls handle everything,” I said. “Careers, kids, and everything.”
“Well, we do have pretty amazing husbands,” Ava said dreamily.
Victoria nodded vigorously. “I wholeheartedly agree. They’re amazing.”
“Except when they’re in caveman mood,” Nadine said, but she was grinning. “Nah, even then. They’re cute. Anyone up to pranking them?”
I perked up. “Yes, ma’am. What do you have in mind?”
“Not sure yet. Let’s see if the eggnog will help with inspiration.”
Several cups later, everyone was throwing ideas around.
“If we tell them that we’re surrounded by a group of guys out for a bachelor party, they’ll show up at the door within the hour,” Nadine sa
