Page 50 of Merry with Me

At the sound of his name, Oliver turns, and when he sees me, his face lights up. I’m not just imagining it because Isla leans in close and says, “Holy hell, Blake.”

“Blakely,” he says, his voice velvety smooth.

“Hi.” I wave, offering him a smile. “I didn’t expect to see you here.”

“Me either,” the man says.

“We were shocked when he invited us,” the woman says.

My eyes go back to Oliver, and he shrugs, shoving his hands into his pockets. “You mentioned it.”

“Hi,” a small voice says. I look down at a little boy tugging on my coat. “I’m Abe.”

I crouch down so that I’m close to his eye level. “Hi, my name is Blakely.” I hold my hand out for him.

“Do you know Uncle Oliver?”

“I sure do. We work together.”

“He’s not really my uncle, but he’s my dad’s best friend, and Dad says that’s uncle status.”

All the adults laugh at his explanation. “I agree with you.” I wink at him.

“I’m Marisa, and this is my husband, Brad, and this little one is Carrie.”

“It’s nice to meet you.”

“What are we, big sis, chopped liver?” Beckham asks.

“Sorry.” I laugh. “This is my family. My mom, Kennedy, my dad, Declan, my little brother, Beckham, my little sister, Brooklyn, and my best friend, Isla,” I explain.

“Are you going to sit on Santa’s lap?” Abe asks me.

“I am. Are you?”

“Yep. My baby sister might be scared, but I’m going to help her.”

“That’s what big brothers are for. You know, maybe Uncle Oliver will get a picture with Santa too.”

“Yes!” Abe jumps, pumping his fist in the air. “Will you, Uncle Oliver?”

I glance up and expect a scowl from my grumpy doctor, but I’m surprised to see the corner of his mouth tilted in a smile. “Sure thing, bud. You know, I think Blakely should take one with us.”

“Oh, she is,” my mom chimes in. “I’m dragging all three of my kids up there.”

Abe’s eyes widen. He looks up at Beckham. “Are you sitting on Santa’s lap too?”

“You know it, little man.” Beckham holds his fist out for him to bump, and Abe wastes no time bumping knuckles with my little brother. Then he looks over at his coach. “Hey, Coach,” he says, and Brad nods his greeting.

Everyone makes small talk as the line moves forward. Finally, it’s Abe and Carrie’s turn. They both do amazing. Carrie isn’t sure at first, but when Abe reaches over and takes her hand, she smiles and calms down. Brad and Marisa, and even Oliver, join in, and then it’s Abe and Oliver’s turn.

“Blakely.” Oliver waves to me.

I step forward and kneel next to Abe, who is perched on Santa’s knee. The elf takes the picture. Then Abe says, “Now you two!” He runs off, and I turn back to the camera and smile.

Oliver winks as he steps to the side, and my siblings move in for our picture. Mom and Dad join us for one, and then Isla and I get ours. By the time we leave, we’ve all spent way too much money on pictures with Santa, but I’m smiling. We’re all smiling, even my grumpy doctor.

“We’re going to grab some hot cocoa before the lighting ceremony. Are you all staying?” Mom asks.

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