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He gives me that rare gift—an Alex smile. “I should have guessed you’d end up with Belle. I can still remember you singingMichelleto her when I introduced you. She was only six, but she lit up like a Christmas tree when you told her it meant beautiful.”
I look over at where she’s standing talking to Kennedy, Alice, and Catie, laughing at something that Kennedy’s said. “She’s the best thing that ever happened to me.” I look back at her brother. “So, you’ll do it?”
“Of course,” he replies, and he gives me an uncharacteristic bearhug.
“Aw,” James says, coming up behind us with Henry and Juliette. “That’s really touching. Brings a tear to my eye.”
Alex moves back and gives him the finger, and we all laugh.
“I meant it,” James protests.
“Yeah,” Juliette agrees, “Alex, honey, you’re so sarcastic and grumpy, and it makes a change to see you showing some emotion.”
I give a short laugh at the look on his face. “She has a point.”
He has a mouthful of whisky. “Happiness is overrated.”
“Ha!” She grins. “We’ll see. I’ve noticed you spending a surprising amount of time in the physio room when someone’s mum is around.”
“Are you talking about Mistletoe?” I ask, amused.
“Yeah, Finn started his therapy in May. It’s funny how often Alex is around when Missie comes in to pick him up.” She flares her eyes at Alex.
He scowls. “Don’t start.”
“She’s single.”
“Juliette…”
“And you’re single…”
“I’m warning you.”
“I know you like her,” she states. “Your face does that thing when you see her.”
“My face does not do a thing, and I’d appreciate it if you contain your fantasies to your own love life.”
“Remember,” she says, “pineapple is a great safe word.”
“What?” Belle walks up just in time to catch the last sentence. “Wow, I totally have to be a part of this conversation.”
We all laugh, while Alex glowers.
“We’re teasing him about a client,” Juliette says. I think she’s had quite a few glasses of wine, because she doesn’t normally provoke him as much as this. “Her name’s Mistletoe Macbeth.”
“Oh what a great name,” Belle says.
“It’s a ridiculous name,” Alex replies. “She sounds like a stripper.”
“I wouldn’t say that to her face,” Juliette points out. “It’s not a great way to start a relationship.”
“We’re not having a relationship.”
“Yet.”
“Juliette!” He yells her name.
She jumps. “All right, keep your hair on.”
