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Doc to Cookie&Co: No one is panicking. Just enjoy Christmas.
Boss to Cookie&Co: I never panic.
Then I realize I have another text I didn’t notice earlier. I read it and actually laugh out loud.
It’s from Wade, our Racketeers mascot. Who has clearly been hitting the eggnog. Or more likely, he’s been popping edibles.
Merry Christmas, ya filthy animal! This is your OFFICIAL Sammy, the malamute. Thanks for the bonus! I hope you’re getting your balls jingled and you’re feeling that big Nick energy with your girl. Say hi to Dr. Hughes and McNeill for me.
Then there’s a nutcracker emoji and #crushinit.
The only thing Wade is officially is an idiot.
I forward it to our Cookie & Co. group text. I have a feeling Wade is going to regret sending that, so I text him back, so he doesn’t wake up tomorrow terrified I’ll fire him.
Merry Christmas to you too. See you at the game Thursday, and never mention my balls ever again.
Crew comes jogging into the kitchen. “Boss is laughing? It’s a Christmas miracle.”
I roll my eyes, but I don’t mean it. I catch Danielle’s eye and give her a big smile, then kiss her on the cheek.
One more text, and then my phone is going back in my pocket for the rest of the day.
Boss to Cookie & Co: I’m glad I’m spending the holidays with my favorite people. I love you all. Even Crew.
Then I shove my phone away and whistle Jingle Bells as I carry the potatoes to the table.
Kids come racing up the steps and tumble into the family room, and someone yells at them to wash their hands. Adults are talking and laughing, and music is playing.
It’s the best Christmas I’ve had in a very long time.
CHAPTER13
Crew
Damn,I really love Nathan's shower.
I did not spill my extra large soda on myself in the RV on purpose. But the fact that I need to jump in the shower when we all get back to Nathan's apartment doesn't make me mad.
I slip into his bathrobe too. Because why not? Yeah, my bag is right outside the door, but I've worn most of what's in it and… Nathan has great taste in just about everything. Coffee, sports drinks, women, bathrobes.
I'm tightening the belt as I step out into the living room. I just stop in the doorway for a moment. My little family is here, and they've all crashed hard.
Michael is puttering around in the kitchen, storing leftovers.
Nathan is stretched out on the couch, with Dani on top of him. His eyes are closed, his tie and shoes are off, and though his hand is resting on her back, it's not moving.
I come around the end of the couch and glance down at my girl. Her eyes are open, but she’s staring dreamily at the white Christmas lights on the fireplace mantle.
I run my hand over her hair. She gives me a sweet smile.
I drop onto the end of the other couch.
She moves her head so she can look at me. "You're wearing his robe?"
"You can’t scold me for this since you didn’t join me in the shower.”
She smiles, then yawns. “I wouldn’t have done a good job soaping you up. I’m exhausted."
