Page 66 of Pucking the Enemy

“Your mother didn’t even seem concerned about not seeing you over the holiday.”

“That’s normal for her.” I shrugged. “She cares more about her image than quality family time. She’s been begging me to dye my hair blonde and be a perfect little high-society daughter for years. Unfortunately, I don’t vibe with that life.”

“But you should be with family for the holidays,” Cormac insisted, the game forgotten about.

“I usually keep busy. The year before last, I spent Christmas with Seb’s family.”

“My parents like Hazel more than they like me, at this point,” Sebastian added with a laugh. “They would rather she come for Christmas instead of their own son.”

“When are you heading back?” I asked.

“I’m not.”

“You’re not?” Cormac turned to him, equally confused.

“My elder brother’s omega just had a baby, so my family is traveling to Ohio to see them for Christmas. They invited me to come with them, but I assumed, given Hazelnut’s situation with the little peanut, that she would be staying put. I didn’t want her to be alone.”

I smiled at Seb. Spending time with his family had always been a pleasure. “How is Hannah after the baby? All the pictures in the family group chat have been adorable!”

“You’re in the family group chat?” Roman asked.

“Have been since the day it was created,” I declared proudly.

Roman smiled at me, gently pulling me into his lap. I didn’t protest, melting into his embrace. His scent calmed me, making me go boneless.

“What are your holiday plans?” I asked him after a moment.

“They’re up in the air. I was going to ask you what you wanted to do. Usually, we eat Christmas dinner at my parents’ house. My mother loves putting on a feast for close family.”

“Sounds lovely.”

“It is.” Cormac grinned. “She makes the best pecan pie. Every year, she makes them for Christmas and Thanksgiving, and she always makes extra for us to bring home!”

“You know, you could join us. My mother would be ecstatic to host.”

That did sound pleasant. That way, I could spend Christmas with all of my guys.

“How would we explain my situation?”

Roman grinned. “I think we should tell her! I told you she would love it.”

Phillip snorted. “‘Love it’ is an understatement. Caroline Kingswood will be downright giddy and elated at that news.”

“Do you think she could keep the news quiet? She runs in the same circles as my parents, and I’m not ready to tell them yet.”

“I’m certain she can. What do you say, Duchess? We can call her this week.”

“Come on, sweetness! Family Christmas at the Kingswoods!”

“Okay.” I nodded, and all the guys had smiles on their faces, even Seb.

“Thank you, Duchess,” Roman muttered, kissing the top of my head as he pulled me impossibly tight against him.

When I lightly batted his forearm, he released me somewhat, a dazzling grin on his face.

“Caroline is going to try and kidnap her, you know that?” Phillip laughed. “She’ll want to talk nurseries and names.”

“Who can blame her? Our girl is awesome.” Cormac beamed.

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