Page 31 of A Very Fumbling Merry Christmas

Chapter 10

FAITH

“Merry Christmas!”

I can’t believe he wore it. It’s six o’clock, but I’m wide awake and full of the excitement that comes with Christmas morning. I never really lost the joy and anticipation of Christmas. Waking up next to my husband just makes it even more special, and the fact that he’s wearing the matching PJs I bought is the cutest thing ever.

“What time is it?” Hunter’s voice is so sexy in the morning, all low and gravelly.

“Six.”

“Love, go back to sleep.”

“I can’t. I’m too excited.”

“Just five more minutes. Maybe ten. I only came to bed a few hours ago.”

“Okay.” I kiss him and wait a few minutes until I know he’s fallen back to sleep. I’m going to make him breakfast. I always make cinnamon rolls on Christmas morning. I used to take some to the neighbors growing up, and I thought it might be nice to keep that tradition going. I’ll make a few batches and deliver them to our neighbors. I use the title loosely because this house has so much land around it, I’ll have to hop in the car to get to each of the neighbors on either side of us.

I take my time, listening to Christmas songs and singing along as I busy myself in the kitchen. Hunter’s gifts are nestled under the tree, and I quickly fill his stocking. Seeing how much effort he put into making the place look great last night after I feel asleep, just warms my heart.

The coffee machine is brewing Hunter’s favorite morning pick-me-up, and I’m going to add a sprinkle of cinnamon to the froth on top. If I could do those cool designs you get in a coffeehouse, I’d draw him a love heart. The last time I tried, it looked like a ball sack, and he didn’t exactly find that enticing.

I call my mom and dad to wish them a Merry Christmas, which is a brief conversation this year, and then I call my brother. Next on my list is Zee.

“Merry Christmas, bestie!” I’m a tad overexuberant for the time of day, but Zee’s used to it.

“Merry Christmas. How are you so peppy? It’s still dark out.”

“It’s Christmas. What’s not to be peppy about? My husband is sound asleep in the matching festive onesie I bought for him, I’m making cinnamon rolls, and my best friend in the whole world is coming over to share Christmas dinner with me. I’d say I have plenty to be ecstatic about this year.”

“Bully for you.”

“What’s wrong?”

“Nothing. I’m just tired.”

“Up all night helping Coop get rid of the butt plug?”

“He’s not here.”

“What? Did y’all have a fight?”

“We’re not married, Faith. I have to go see my folks this morning before I come over to your place, or I’ll never hear the end of it. Cooper has family obligations as well. We’re not at the stage where we’re ready to meet each other’s families. No biggy. He’ll be at your place later, so I’ll see him there.”

“Why do I feel like you’re spinning me a load of bullshit right now?”

“I don’t know. Everything is peachy. Can we change the subject? Has your electricity meter exploded yet? I can see the light coming off your place from way across town.”

“Very funny. My home is bathed in the warm glow of Christmas magicalness.”

“That’s not even a word.”

“It is in my world.”

“So, I’m going to go see my folks once I get off the phone with you, spend a few hours there and grab a light lunch, then I’ll head your way. Is there anything I need to bring other than my sparkling wit and incredibly good looks?”

“Some humility,” I say with a chuckle.

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