Page 91 of The Christmas Tree Farm
ChapterTwenty-Four
Asmall woman with gray hair opened the door at Logan’s house. She had on the ugliest Christmas sweater Kira had ever seen, and that was saying a lot after she’d seen the sweater with Maureen’s dogs on it.
‘You must be Bennett!’ she cooed, scooping Bennett into a tight hug before pulling back to study him. ‘You are the spitting image of your sister.’
Bennett shifted next to her. ‘We get that a lot,’ he said, running a hand through his hair. Kira stood awkwardly beside him, ready to have this day over with. She’d stayed home with the dogs and bad movies yesterday on Christmas Eve, while Bennett visited his aunt Dot, but she’d already told Jeanie she would come to Christmas Day, so she was here even though she felt like she was intruding on Bennett’s family Christmas. But the thought of being alone on Christmas Day was too sad, even for her. She’d never liked Christmas, but she’d also never had to suffer through it alone. Chloe had always been there.
So now here she was, her fake smile plastered on her face and the pie she’d picked up at the bakery in her arms, wishing she was drunk in front of her own fireplace instead.
‘And here’s Kira.’ The woman, Logan’s grandmother, obviously, turned her attention to Kira. ‘Jeanie mentioned you two had been shacking up together.’
Heat flooded to Kira’s cheeks. Could anyone do anything in this town without everyone knowing about it?
‘We … uh…’
Logan’s grandma patted her arm. ‘Good for you, sweetie.’ She winked, and Kira didn’t know if she wanted to laugh or disappear.
‘Nana, stop making them uncomfortable.’ Logan appeared by his grandmother’s side, looking every bit the big, grumpy lumberjack. He’d looked the same picking out a Christmas tree, plowing her driveway, and discussing agricultural engineers with her, so she supposed it was fitting that he looked like that on Christmas Day as well.
‘I think it’s nice! Two consenting adults finding pleasure with each other, it’s lovely. Don’t be such a prude, dear.’ She looked up at her grandson with a beatific smile and Kira watched as Logan’s cheeks blushed red above his beard. His nana chuckled. ‘Come in, come in!’ She took the pie from Kira’s arms and hustled into the house.
Logan sighed. ‘Merry Christmas. I’ll take your coats.’
‘Thanks.’ They handed Logan their outerwear as Jeanie came over to greet them.
‘Merry Christmas!’ She wrapped Kira in her arms. ‘I’m so glad you came!’
‘Of course,’ Kira answered from inside Jeanie’s embrace. The woman was a good hugger. She had to give her that. ‘Thanks for inviting me.’
‘Hey, we crafted together. We’re officially friends. Besides, I’m sure Ben wanted to spend Christmas with you,’ she said, pulling away and turning her attention to her brother. ‘Right, Ben?’
His perfect mouth was tipped down in a frown and Kira wondered if he regretted bringing her. He’d been quiet all morning. Maybe she should have stayed home, stayed out of this part of his life. It was one thing to make friends with his sister on her own time, but a sex-only Christmas fling certainly didn’t involve an extended family get-together.
But again, she’d only been thinking of herself, of her own loneliness and now she’d put Ben in an awkward position.
Damn it, why hadn’t she considered this before they left?
‘Right. Of course.’ He gave his sister a hug. ‘Merry Christmas.’
‘Okay, well come in. Nana Estelle’s put out plenty of snacks, and Hazel, Noah, and Annie are already here.’ Jeanie took Kira by the hand and dragged her further into the house, leaving her no graceful exit strategy. Maybe she could feign a headache after a little while?
‘Hey, everyone, Kira and Bennett are here.’
Kira and Bennett, like they were a couple.
‘Merry Christmas!’ Hazel called from her spot on the couch. Noah sat at her feet and gave Kira and Ben a cheerful wave.
‘Hi, guys,’ Annie said, lifting her glass of wine in greeting. ‘Merry, merry.’
Wine. That seemed like a very good idea right now.
‘Hi, Merry Christmas,’ she managed, before zeroing in on where the drinks were laid out on the drink cart.
‘Hey, Annie, Hazel. Hi, Noah.’ Bennett moved away from her side as he said hello to his sister’s friends at his sister’s fiancé’s house. God, what the hell was she even doing here, crashing someone else’s holiday?
‘So how did your season go?’ Annie asked. She was curled up in a chair by the fireplace. The room was cozy and warm without the need for blanket doors. It was nice.
‘It went pretty well. We got a bit of a late start so hopefully it will go better next year.’
