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Chapter Five
Maggie
Then
After dinner, we headto a Christmas Eve service in town. As we’re leaving, I notice James trying to pull his hat on – too small. He looks at it and frowns. My eye catches Declan’s – he’s fighting to suppress a smile.
Eli, Brooklyn, Declan, and I ride together to the service. As soon as the door is shut, I say, “Did you see James with his hat?”
Brooklyn rolls her eyes. “Oh, are they still doing that?”
“Every year,” Eli says proudly. “For being a smart guy, I can’t believe he hasn’t figured it out.”
“We should do gloves too,” I say. “Maybe not to James but Will.”
Declan points to me. “I like it.”
I sit next to Brooklyn and Eli at the Christmas Eve service. I’d like to sit next to Declan, but I’m trying to put a little distance between us. It’s too easy to flirt with him. Elizabeth and James are distracted with each other right now, but I don’t want to arouse suspicion.
When we get back to the cabin, I notice Eli switch James’s hat out for one a normal size. We play a few rounds of charades – Collins sisters all on one team versus everyone else. Even though they outnumber us, we crush them.
Keene bows down to us after the game ends. “I don’t like losing, but you guys are the GOAT of charades.”
I fist-bump Celeste. “I knew that improv camp Mom made us go to each summer would pay off one day.”
“Improv camp?” James’s eyebrow shoots up, and he glances over at Elizabeth. He wraps his arms around her waist and pulls her into him. “I need to know more about these improv camps right now.”
“I’ll never tell.” She squeals as he tickles her side.
“Oh, go get a room,” Keene calls. He pretends to gag.
“I think I will,” James says. He checks his watch. “Bedtime. Santa has to come tonight.”
Everyone groans and then heads to their bedrooms. I wait in mine for ten minutes before sneaking out into the hallway and down to Declan’s room. I slip into his room and shut the door behind me. He walks out of the bathroom and grins at me. “Did anyone see you?”
“I don’t think so,” I say.
He slowly walks closer. “You know what I’ve been thinking all evening?”
I shake my head. He stops right in front of me and traces his fingers along my sweater – a ridiculous, oversized Christmas monstrosity.
“I’ve been wondering all evening if you’re wearing Christmas underwear too.”
