Page 26 of This December

A few minutes later, I entered the living room with my duffle bag bouncing against my knees and found Cole addressing everyone.

“…seen the pictures and videos on social media and in the news. I don’t know how the next few days are going to go, so I’ve hired some security to help you all out over the next week or so. They’ll be on hand to stop people from harassing you, and keep you safe. I’m so sorry about all this.”

“You didn’t have to do that,” my dad protested.

Cole grimaced. “I think it’s better to be safe about it, especially since so many of the kids were in the videos. I can’t control what the media writes about me or any of you, but hopefully with security in place, we can stop anything crazy from happening.”

“What kind of crazy are you worried about?” Aspyn pursed her lips and sent me a glare as I joined Cole in the living room.

United front and all that.

Cole raised his hands in a placating gesture. “I truly believe there’s nothing to worry about. You know as much as I do. I’m just trying to be proactive here.”

“No, you’re worried about something.” Aspyn shook her head. “And I want to know what it is. What kind of crazy should we be worried about?”

Cole rubbed the back of his neck and sent me an imploring look, but I shrugged. I didn’t have any experience with this.

Finally he sighed. “I’ve had people—women mostly—try to break into my house. To show their, uh—” Cole sent a sidelong glance at the kids’ wide eyes. “Their love of my music. The ones I’m aware of have restraining orders, but at the end of the day that’s just a piece of paper. And who knows how many more are out there. So you’ll have security to keep you all safe. Again, I’m so sorry to bring this to your doorstep. Literally.”

“It’s fine, Cole Jackson.” Mom beamed. “We’re just so pleased you joined our Twelve Days of Christmas celebration. I know the kids have loved having you here.”

I rolled my eyes. I seriously needed to have a talk with her later. The full naming thing was weird.

“I’ve loved being here with you all.” Cole wrapped his arm around my shoulders. “Especially this one here.”

I beamed up at him, but he was looking down at Olly who was clutching his other side. It was hard to be annoyed when they looked so cute.

“Oh. And this one too.” Cole laughed and pressed a kiss on the top of my head.

At least I knew he was addressing me this time.

I sighed. “Thanks for remembering who brought you here.”

His eyes burned with a different kind of promise, but all he said was, “You ready to roll?”

“Can I come?” Olly asked with a puppy dog stare.

“Oh, Oliver—” Aspyn began before Cole cut her off.

“How about I have you all over to my place this weekend? I have this huge hill on the backside of the property that would be perfect for sledding. Do you know anyone with some sleds we could use?”

“I do! I do!” all the kids shouted as they jumped up and down.

Cole grinned. “Sounds like a date. And I have a snowmobile we can get out of storage too. Go tear up the hills. If that’s okay with your parents, of course.”

Matt nodded his approval while Aspyn continued to sport her lemon eating negativity.

And I gotta admit…I loved every second of it.

Breaking News from the Babbler

Cole Jackson’s New Flame Has Been Identified

A Mystery Woman No More

Exclusive Details

Sources have pinned down the identity ofCole Jackson’smystery caroling partner. She isDecember Jamesof Tahoe City, CA. James was previously a resident in San Jose where she’d worked as a junior marketing associate at tech startup CRUS. James was downsized in October and returned home to her parents’ home in Tahoe City where she’s apparently been working at a local grocery delivery service.

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