Page 207 of A Merry Mountain Christmas

A slow grin spreads across my face. “What does the other one look like?”

Her cheeks flush. “No comment.” Then she looks startled and says, “I’m sorry. You’re still standing on the porch. Come inside.”

I follow her inside and shut the door behind me.

“Did Aidan get off to his grandparents okay?” I know he was reluctant to go, worried we’d have fun without him.

“It took a bit of persuasion, but when I reminded him I’d be at the dance studio this morning, he was more open to it.”

“And how are the lessons going? Did Monica stop falling every time she makes a jump?”

Happiness flashes in her eyes. “Yes, although it took half the lesson. I love going to the studio. Molly isverypleased with herself for suggesting the place. You know, Cal’s starting to feel a little threatened by how much Aidan talks about you.”

I laugh. “He’s got nothing to worry about.”

“So…” She gives me a direct look. “When exactly does Cal plan on unveiling his surprise for Molly?”

I give her a smile. “No comment.”

She didn’t ask about the nature of the surprise, I notice, but she’s a smart woman—she’s probably figured it out. There are only so many presents that would require the help of an underemployed construction worker.

“I suppose that’s fair,” she says, but she still frowns.

“So have you heard where the wedding is yet?”

“No.” She drifts to the sofa and starts to sit down before stopping herself and heading toward the fireplace, giving me a glimpse of the lace back of her dress. I can see her skin through the design, and there’s no evidence of a bra.

Is Mary braless?

That seems so unlike her, but there’s no way she’s wearing a bra with that back.

Fuck.

I need to take my mind off the fact that there’s only a thin slip of fabric covering her breasts, but the new thought that pops into my head isn’t any safer.

Is she wearing panties?

Of course she is. She wouldn’t be standing in front of me completely commando, would she?

“Did you ever figure out a gift for them?” I ask in a choked voice. When we last spoke about the wedding, she still hadn’t figured out what to get the bride and groom.

She gestures toward a square box wrapped in white paper and tied with a fluffy bow on the kitchen table. “I did. I was dying to ask Molly and Cal for help, but Nicole wanted me to keep it a secret. I have no idea whether she’ll like it.”

“So, what did you get?”

She flushes a little. “I did some research before I got my vibrator. I got her one I thought she might like, from a company owned and operated by women.”

I burst out laughing.

A sheepish look washes over Mary’s face. “She seems like the kind of woman who has a collection of them.”

Her phone dings in her hand, and she jumps. “Sorry,” she says, then checks her phone screen. Her brow furrows. “She sent an address. Nothing else.”

“What is it?” I close the distance between us and examine the address on her phone. “That’s across the highway from my place. If it’s on that part of Haywood Road, I doubt it’s a church.”

Mary chuckles. “Nicole would only get married in a church if she and Damien dressed as vampires.” Her eyes fly wide as she looks up at me. “Oh. God. Do you think she would?” She presses a hand to her face. “She would. That’s exactly the kind of thing she would do. Especially to shock me.” She inhales a deep breath. “Oh, God. How incredibly narcissistic of me. Even Nicole wouldn’t plan her wedding just to shock me.” Dread comes into her eyes. “Only that’s exactly the kind of thing shewoulddo.

I grasp her upper arms and squeeze lightly. “Take a deep breath. From what you’ve told me, I wouldn’t be surprised if the entire ceremony was planned to shock you, but that’s okay. Ifthat’s what makes her happy, good for her. Besides, just think of the story you’ll be able to tell your sisters.”

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