Page 86 of Mistletoe Kisses

“Oh, that? Did I forget to tell you about the Mason family’s silly string fight on Christmas?”

“Silly string and haunted tree topping angels? I love your family’s traditions.” His smile radiated pure joy. Dinner with his family must’ve gone well. He moved through the room like he’d shed a hundred-pound boulder from his back.

I took his plate to the living room, and he followed. My sister moved from where she’d been sitting next to me on the couch to an extra chair my parents had pulled in for the family gathering. I smiled my gratitude at her. I wasn’t sure if Arlo would get overwhelmed, and I was glad I could keep him close. Though he seemed happy, he was likely nearing his limit of peopling for the day. It was a good thing we were settling in for a movie.

“How did dinner go?” I asked once we settled on the couch. People chatted around us as Dad searched for the movie.

Arlo took a bite of chocolate cream pie and smiled around it. “It went great. They gave me a box of Dad’s things.”

Mom and Warren said, “Aww,” at the same time. Then I realized that the din had died down and everyone was listening to us. I opened my mouth to say we could talk later, but Arlo squeezed my leg.

“It’s okay. I don’t mind sharing with your family,” he said quietly.

As long as he was comfortable.

Arlo gave us a quick rundown of dinner. I played with the hair at the back of his neck as he talked and massaged the back of his head during moments when he got choked up. When Arlo stopped talking, Mom immediately picked up the conversation and shared a story of a great interaction she’d had with Ron and promised to check her yearbook to see if she overlapped with his dad. The rest of the family began talking about the bookstore and their favorite books.

I leaned into him. “That’s my family. Giant shiny squirrel syndrome.”

“I like it. Reminds me of you.” He laughed when I tickled his side.

“Ready to get started?” Dad asked as he pointed the remote at the TV.

We all cheered, which made Arlo laugh. I tucked him closer to my side as the movie began. I always enjoyed Christmas with my family and had never felt like there was something—or someone—missing, but with Arlo there, my world felt more complete.

My family had grilled me about him and us throughout dinner while Arlo was with his family. All full of loving teasing and hope for the future.

We were as rowdy as usual as we called out lines throughout the film. Arlo seemed delighted with it. I was so proud of Arlo for pushing himself out of his comfort zone to spend time with his family to celebrate the first of many Christmases together. And the fact that he appeared comfortable with my family too? It was the whipped cream and sprinkles on top of a perfect hot cocoa.

After the movie ended, we stayed and chatted. Instead of a big, loud conversation, everyone had smaller, quieter ones. Arlo talked with Warren and Reed while I chatted with the twins. It was like my family had somehow come to a silent agreement to try not to overwhelm Arlo. God, I loved them.

As I watched Arlo laugh at something Warren said, I felt my growing love for him expand. It was early days, but I couldn’t wait to discover what life would be like with him.

Chapter37

Arlo

Lucas wrappedhis arm around my waist and tucked his fingers in the pocket of my jeans. I snuggled in closer to him on his couch. We’d just finished a video chat with Keaton. He’d had to hop off to get ready for his New Year’s Eve party.

I’d talked to Keaton a lot over the last week about the big changes I was making and what I needed to take care of back in Minneapolis. It was weird to not know exactly when I’d see my best friend next, but it helped knowing he was the happiest I’d seen him in years. Exciting things were happening for both of us, and I couldn’t wait to watch it unfold.

I was planning to go back to Minneapolis sometime next month to pack up my stuff, so at least I wouldn’t have to wait too long to see him. When he’d asked if my boyfriend—boyfriend!—was joining me, I’d hesitated on asking Lucas to go. It was short notice and a lot to ask him to take off from work when he didn’t get paid vacation, but then I thought about Keaton meeting Lucas and Keaton’s family getting to as well.

If I got lucky, my mom might be in town to meet Lucas too. After the great talk we’d had yesterday, I was actually excited to introduce her. She had been nothing but encouraging about me moving to Oregon and had already started looking for jobs in the Pacific Northwest.

“We should probably start getting ready for dinner,” Lucas said while showing no sign of getting up.

“We should.” I snuggled in closer.

It was nice of Lucas’s boss, Caleb, and his brewer boyfriend, Austin, to co-host a New Year’s Eve party for all the restaurant and brewery folks and their partners. It would be a great night for food and beer. My stomach jumped at the thought of the dinner party, but I was also excited. My anxiety would always be there, but I’d met a lot of the people who would be there tonight. That helped. And Lucas would be there, which always made things better.

Lucas’s fingers began teasing around the waistband of my jeans, which sent shivers racing up my spine. “That’s wild that another major author turned down a new contract with your old job.”

“Keaton always has the juiciest gossip.” I chuckled as I remembered the dark look on his face when he’d filled us in on that rumor during our chat. He didn’t care half as much about losing his job as he did that I’d lost mine. He’d likely hold a grudge forever on my behalf.

“I still can’t believe you gottheJade Torrence to agree to do a sign and ship with Tome Raiders. I mean, Icanbecause it’s you, but surprised I’m basically one degree of separation from them.”

I kissed his neck. “If you’re good, I’ll get you a signed copy.”

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