Page 21 of The Merriest Christmas

After a beat, I sighed again.

"So, there's really nothing you can do to get here?"

"No, sorry."

"That's okay.I wouldn't risk any of you anyway—well, except maybe Baylor."

"Hey," my second older brother's voice said, "you're on speakerphone, you know.I can hear you."

"Oops," I said.

He cursed while the rest of them laughed, and I just wished they could be at home with us.

"You'll still try to make it for Christmas though, right?"

"Of course," Archer said."We want to be there too.For Mom and for you and Finn."

I nodded as Dex added, "So, what's everyone doing now?"

"Well," I said, "most of our guests are outside playing Sumo Santa."

"Man, I love that game."

"Seems like they do too.I knew it would be a good distraction."

"From what?"

"I have a plan in motion," I said.

Dex groaned.

"What?My plans are the best."

"Are they though?"

I looked at the phone then brought it back to my ear."Sorry, I thought I heard you doubting me, but that can't be right."

"I'm almost afraid to ask."

"Dex, you've never been scared of anything—except maybe Maisie when she's mad at you."

"Maisie's never mad at me," he said.

"Yeah, okay."

"We have disagreements," he said, "but I know exactly how to get on her good side."

I made a gagging sound."No details please."

"Wasn't going to give any.Now, back to this plan.What is it?Who does it involve?And why are you whispering?"

"Take me off speakerphone."

"Okay, done."

"The plan's simple," I said."Mistletoe, Finn and Rose, and an amazing first kiss. Oh, and I'm whispering because I'm currently hiding in the best spot to spy on them."

There was dead silence on the other end of the line.

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