Page 3 of The Merriest Christmas

"Like having the right ingredients to do our annual gingerbread competition—"

"A tradition you started last year after watching too much Food Channel," Finn put in.

"—or making sure everyone has their preferred snack or beverage.You know, Mom loves her Christmas mints.Dex and Bay always request my hot chocolate cocoa with the mini marshmallows.Chase has to have his peppermint tea, and Archer will be crankier than Scrooge himself if we don't have candied yams at dinner."

"Archer's always cranky," Finn said.

"I will be telling him you said that," I replied."But still, the yams and Honor's presence should make him happy.Don't you think?"

Finn got up with a shrug and started rifling through the groceries.

"So, did you get anything for me?" he asked.

"Duh," I said and threw him a bag of tortilla chips."Picked up a jar of your favorite salsa too.Extra spicy.It's in the bag by the sink."

Finn held the salsa up like a trophy."You're the best, Em."

"I know this," I said, discreetly hiding one of the bags behind my back."You know, I invited Rose."

"You did?" Finn said, salsa and chips all but forgotten."What'd she say?"

"That she'll stop by."

"When?"

"Could be any minute now."

"Seriously?"

I nodded.

"How long is she staying?" Finn asked, his voice full of hope and expectation though I could tell he was trying to play it cool.

"How long do you want her to stay?" I said back.

He didn't say it.Didn't have to.The answer was clear as day on his face.

Forever.

My brother was in love, and I knew then I'd made the right decision.

"Emmy."

He was obviously suffering, so I decided to put him out of his misery.

"Rose has a big family like us."I shrugged."She said she'll hang for a bit, but then she has to go home to spend the holiday with them."

"But Rose is coming here for Christmas Eve," Finn repeated.

"Yep."

"Because you asked her?"

I nodded again.

"Why?" he said."I know she's your roommate and all.But like you said, she's got her own family."Finn crossed his arms and gave me a stern look."What are you up to?"

"Who me?" I said with faux innocence then shook my head."Do you really care, Finn?Rose is coming, and no offense, but you are in desperate need of a shower.I'd go now if I were you."

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