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Mom stares at me from across the kitchen, broom in hand. “Are you okay?”
“Oh, I’m fine. It’s your son and his best friend who can’t stop being ridiculous. They’re fighting with each other and with me, too. Hudson’s a bit dramatic when it comes to me, isn’t he?” I take another sip.
Mom nods. “He got that from your dad. Hudson was just a normal older brother who picked on you and teased you. Dad got sick and suddenly Hudson decided it was his job to worry about you. It’s cost him his relationships over the years, but he’s committed. You’re upset they didn’t make it last night, I could tell. But between me and you, I kind of appreciate the little moments where it’s just you and me.”
The corner of my mouth pulls up and Mom’s admission. “Well, I won’t ever turn down a chance for some girl time with you. There’s more to the argument, but in the end, it was a lot of overreactions, myself included.”
“That’s the thing about family. The three of you will have to work it out. You’re stuck with each other for life, and that includes Nathan. When his mom got sick, I promised her I’d treat him as my child and that’s a commitment I’m going to keep. Besides, if he never came around, I’d miss him. He’s a good kid. He and Hudson will get back on the same page.” Mom puts an old vinyl Bing Crosby album on her antique record player. “He’s sensitive, too. Hudson and you are the only people he has in this world. Nathan’s life hasn’t been easy, but he’s beat the odds. He’s special, that one.”
“He is special.” I can’t stop the glowy warmth that radiates from me at the mention of Nathan’s name, even if I am upset with him right now.
“Nathan and Hudson have always looked out for you, too,” my mother speaks up. “They’ve kept you so safe that they often forget you’re all grown up now. I think your dad sent them to look after you when he couldn’t be here himself.”
Mom goes on about her chores in the most casual way. But her words sit heavy on my heart. My heart rate ticks up and my eyes go glassy. How lucky am I to have two of the most loyal men fiercely protecting me? They made an awful mistake yesterday, but who hasn’t? I need to talk this out with both. My world won’t be right until I do. I need to go talk to them.
I finish my coffee. “I’m going to get dressed.”
Just as I’m about to head down the hallway, I hear the front door creak open. Hudson strides inside with a camera, angling it toward me. Annoyed, I hold up my hand and furrow my brow at him. This is not a good start to our reconciliation.
“Get that out of my face. I want to talk to you, but I’ve got to get dressed first.” I turn my head away, but Hudson is unbothered by my request. “That’s so annoying. I was just about to come to tell you that I forgive you for being awful yesterday, but now you’ve apparently lost your mind.”
“Holly Sinclair, you need to come with me.” Hudson’s voice is lower than usual and I’m not impressed.
“Hudson Sinclair, no.”
“We’ll be live in less than a minute either way. You might want to just come with me, so I don’t have to follow you into that mess of a room you’ve been staying in.” Hudson chuckles and my eyes grow wide.
He wouldn’t. Only the look on his face tells me he absolutely would.
I hurriedly tug my hair out of its disheveled bun and try to straighten it with my hands. My black-rimmed glasses are clumsily placed on the kitchen table. The front door swings open and Hudson steps back in surprise.
I look past Hudson to find Nathan. He’s standing in a mountain of freshly fallen snow, his arms wide open as if welcoming winter. He’s wearing an outrageous Christmas sweater with every holiday pattern imaginable, sequin snowflakes, candy canes, reindeer and a dashingly festive felt Christmas tree sewed across the chest. It’s awful, yet he makes it look good. Over Nathan’s head, a boom mic is suspended from a tree branch.
“What are you doing?”
“This. Turn around, sweetheart.”
I look around and am struck dumb by what I see. Mom’s house is decorated with Christmas lights sparkling like huge beach-ball-sized gumdrops. They create a multi-color array as radiant as gems on our roof. It looks exactly like the sugar cookie display from our television segment brought to life. It’s a dream and the beauty of it takes my breath away as I take in its wonder. This house is the essence of Christmas Town magic. This moment has filled me with joy and made me feel incredibly special, loved, and valued.
“We are live with Holly Sinclair. I wanted to surprise her here at her mother’s house in Christmas Town because Holly is my own personal Christmas miracle.” Nathan speaks into his mic and looks past me into the lens of the camera. “Holly, say good morning. This is live.”
I tuck a strand of hair behind my ear and look directly into the camera. “Hi.” I’m not exactly dressed for filming. But when I catch my reflection in Nathan’s eyes, I feel like the most beautiful woman in the world.
He comes to stand beside me, draping an arm over my shoulders. “This girl has illuminated my life with joy, happiness, and love. I finally understand the feeling of Christmas joy. I’m even coming around to the idea of matching sweaters. She is my whole world, and I want everyone to know how honored I am to have her beside me. Holly, I adore you. No, it’s more than that. Holly, I love you with all my heart.” He drops the mic to his side and pulls me close to his chest. “I love you, Holly.”
“I love you, too.” The words practically leap from my throat.
Epilogue
One Year Later
Holly
“I’ll be the first to admit it’s a little over the top. But I hope you’re ready to see it in all its glory.” Nathan smiles at me and it melts my heart.
The shadows that once lined Nathan’s face are gone. These days, the man is all love, laughter, and Christmas cheer. It’s amazing how many things can change in a year.
Be Merry has reached an insane level of success. Our little show has grown into a permanent staple for the network, offering people a small dose of Christmas cheer every week of the year.
