Page 39 of The Merriest Christmas

There was a sound like a high-five.

"That's messed up," Finn said.

"We're romantics,"Rose replied then sniffed."I thought you were too, Finn.But if you can't see the beauty of that moment, I don't know."

"I thought she hated him," Finn said.

"Guess we were wrong about that?"

"Maybe.But I don't think Emmy or Seaver would appreciate the picture, Mom."

I opened my eyes, sitting up sleepily."What picture?" I asked."What are you guys talking about?"

Finn, Rose, and Mom all shifted their gazes to me.

And that was when I realized I was still downstairs on the couch.

There was a blanket covering me that I didn't remember putting on.Wrapping paper, scissors, and tape littered the table.The tree lights were still on.Everything looked exactly like it did last night except now light filtered in through the windows.It took me another moment to realize what—or rather who—was missing.

Trying to play it cool, I said, "So, what's going on?"

"Nothing," Rose said then smiled bright."Did you sleep well?"

I shrugged."Yeah, I must've fallen out because I only meant to close my eyes for a second."

"Hmmm."

Finn crossed his arms."Is there anything you want to tell us?" he said.

"Uh, no?"

"Really?Because I found you and Seaver on the couch this morning."

I swallowed."Ah."

"Imagine it, Em.I come downstairs in the wee hours of the morning, as is tradition"—Finn lifted a brow—"only to find you snuggled up with the guy you claim to hate."

"I thought he would've gone back upstairs," I mumbled.

"He didn't.I had to get Rose to make sure I wasn't seeing things. But no, Mom came down and saw everything too.What do you have to say for yourself?"

With a nod, I turned to our mother."Nothing happened."

Mom tilted her head, and I sighed.

"Well, nothing too explicit."

Finn threw up his hands, and Mom looked like she was fighting back a smile."Glad I saw him at the gas station, looking all morose, and insisted he come over."

Surprisingly, I was too.

"Are the other guys up?" I asked.

"Not yet," she said."But I expect they will be soon.Finn's making pancakes."

"Since Archer's not here," Finn explained when I looked at him.

I nodded."Has he or anyone else called?"

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