Page 71 of Mistletoe Kisses

“Karen told me you and Dennis had planned to open this place together.” I didn’t know why those words had spilled out of my mouth. Bringing up my dad was a risky move.

A complicated series of expressions crossed his face. After the grief, sadness tinged his smile.

“The best part about having a brother who liked to read was double the library checkout allotment. All the books we could carry.” Ron smiled fondly.

“What books did you both like to read?”

“I loved horror and mystery novels most, but he couldn’t read enough epic high fantasy. He readLord of the Ringsso many times.”

“That was my favorite as a kid too.”

Ron talked about how they snuck extra books out of the library and used to save their allowance to buy books from summer garage sales.

I wrapped the stories in bubble wrap like the most precious heirloom and stored them in a special place in my heart. I was starved for knowledge about my dad.

The door chimed, and Judith walked in a few minutes later.

Ron smiled widely. “Hey, Mom! This is a pleasant surprise. What are you up to?”

She unzipped her puffy purple coat. “I was picking up a few things at Live, Laugh, Luxury and thought I’d check on one of my favorite sons.”

“Speaking of your favorite sons, I was just telling Arlo about how Dennis and I tried to build a bookcase for our room.”

“The one that collapsed as soon as you put a book on it? Good thing you didn’t go into engineering.” She shook her head fondly, then turned toward me with a teasing smile. “Did he tell you about the time he and Dennis ran away to the library and tried to move in? They took blankets and a bag of chocolate chip cookies and hid in the restroom.”

I laughed. “Sounds like you took the essentials.”

He gestured to me. “That’s what I said!”

“Did you invite Arlo to Christmas yet?”

“Yeah, Ma. I already invited him, but he flies out tomorrow night.”

She patted me on the back. “Such a shame to see you go, my dear. Shuffling flights around at the holidays is tough, and you probably have a family you have to get back to for Christmas.”

“Thank you for the invitation. Mom works at Christmas, and we celebrate later, but I always go to my best friend’s family’s house for Christmas.”

Judith rubbed my arm. “Well, we’ll miss you. You’re like family already.”

“Thank you. If you’ll excuse me.” I gestured to the restroom and hurried away before I fell apart in front of her.

As soon as I closed the door behind me, I squeezed my eyes closed to stop the tears. I couldn’t go back out there with my face even redder than usual. I needed help to calm down, so I pulled out my phone. I wanted to text Lucas, but I was trying to help ease his stress, not add to it. But I would talk to him after his performance. He was easy to talk to.

Arlo: My uncle and grandma invited me over for Christmas.

Keaton: Why don’t you go?

Arlo: I leave tomorrow.

Keaton: You don’t have to.

Arlo: I can’t. This is too much. It’s happening too fast. When I tell them, they’ll need time to process the fact that their family member had a kid they didn’t know about.

Keaton: Honey, they literally invited you, and I’m sure they’d love to have you. Even after you tell them. But if you’re not comfortable, you know my family is excited to see you. So am I. I hear the PJs are great this year.

Arlo: Thank you. Excited to see you. I need a Keaton hug.

Keaton: I miss my Arlo snuggles. Riggs is so muscular. I miss your bony body.

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