Page 22 of The Merriest Christmas

"Dex?" I whispered."Hello?"

"Yeah, I'm here," he said.

"I just texted Rose to meet me.Then I sent one off to Finn.They should be in position any second now."

"Emmy."Dex's tone was disapproving, and I could picture him shaking his head."Playing matchmaker never ends well."

"Oh really?Tell that to our brothers, all of whom I helped find their happily-ever-after."

Dex sighed.

"Yourself included," I added.

"I love you, Em," he said."But you need to let Finn and Rose figure things out on their own."

"I've been trying to, but they're taking forever."

"Not the point."

"And you know this will make Finn's Christmas.Don't even try to argue."

"Finn's smart," Dex said. "He's going to know you orchestrated this."

"So?He'll thank me after."

A scoff was his only reply.

"Oh, I have to go.Rose is coming," I said quietly."Christmas really won't be the same without you.I'll be praying you guys make it.Love you, Dex."

"Love you, Emmy—even if you meddle too much."

"Stay safe."

"You too, baby sis."

As I clicked off my phone, Finn came into view.He and Rose both settled under the entrance to the living room and smiled at each other.

"Hey," Rose said, "your sister texted me.Said it was urgent."

"Me too," Finn said.

"I hope she's okay."

"Emmy can take care of herself.She probably just needs help with something."

Rose nodded.

"So," Finn said, leaning up against the wall while he tucked his hands into his pockets, "are you ever going to send me your latest book?"

"If you really want me to," she said.

"I do.I love your writing."

"Really?"

"Of course.You're amazing, Rose."

Rose's cheeks went red as she stared up at him."Thanks, Finn.That means a lot to me.I still can't believe you like my books."

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