Page 64 of The Holiday Honeymoon Switch
“You say that every year,” says Aiden’s mom with a laugh.
“Well, it’s true. It just gets better every year!”
“So, Holly,” says Murray, leaning forward, “how long will you be with us in Krimbo?”
“I’m staying until just before New Year’s,” Holly says.
Alexa purses her lips. “You came here all by yourself? For Christmas?”
“Oh—well.” Holly feels suddenly self-conscious.
“Not everyone’s family goes as wild over Christmas as ours does,” Aiden says. “And Holly has a high-pressure lawyer job in the city. She needs a break. You know how that is, Alexa.”
Their conversation is interrupted by a group of neighbors crossing the street to wish them a happy Christmas. The friends and family all stand outside chatting and finishing their mulled wine, and then it’s time to troop inside to check on the turkey and the rest of the dinner fixings.
“Another half an hour and then it needs to rest for a bit,” Aiden’s father announces. “Why don’t we open presents?”
Everyone rushes into the living room, where Grandma Hazel is appointed “Santa.” Aiden and Holly sit close together on a love seat.
Aiden glances over at Holly and smiles.
“What?”
“You just look happy,” he murmurs.
“Iamhappy. This is the kind of Christmas I always dreamed of as a kid. I can’t believe I’m lucky enough to be here.”
He reaches down and squeezes her hand. “And I can’t believe I’m lucky enough to have you here.” He kisses her cheek.
“This one’s for Holly, from Charlotte and Murray,” Hazel announces—and soon, Holly realizes that even though they would have only found out she was coming the day before, everyone in Aiden’s family bought her a gift: a cedar-scented candle from his parents that reminds her of Aiden, an ornament in the shape of a Christmas cookie from Sidra and Alexa, and a hand-knit scarf from Grandma Hazel and Grandpa Sam that perfectly matches the blue of Holly’s coat.
“Can’t say I can take any credit for that one,” Sam says when Holly thanks them both. “But you’re more than welcome, dear. We just like to see our Aiden looking so happy—and if someone decides to stay up until all hours knitting because of that”—he winks at Hazel—“so be it.”
“Worth it,” says Grandma Hazel. “I can hardly sleep on Christmas Eve anyway. Too excited. It was good to have something to keep myself occupied.”
Aiden leans his head down to murmur in Holly’s ear again. “Hey, I thought maybe we’d do our gifts later, alone? Back at your place or mine?”
Holly smiles and whispers back that, yes, she’d love that, and tucks the small gift she has for him away for later. She feels a glowing warmth inside at the idea that she gets to spend a magical night with his family—and then look forward to some time alone with Aiden, too.
Once the presents are opened and the living room is littered with the fabric ribbons and reusable bags, GrandpaSam announces he’s going to carve the turkey. Soon, they’re all gathered around the dining room table. The dining room is an old-fashioned one, with a fireplace on one end. It crackles and pops as they dig into the feast, which, surprisingly, Holly still has room for even after the enormous sandwich she ate earlier.
After the meal, the family decides to take a breather before dessert—Alexa and Sidra’s legendary sticky toffee pudding, apparently—and the women all go into the kitchen to start the dishes while the men go to the living room to play Rummoli.
Between the five of them, surprisingly short work is made of the many pots and pans, and Sidra and Alexa eventually send Grandma Hazel and Charlotte to relax in the living room. “Why don’t you both go relax, too?” Holly suggests to Alexa and Sidra. “I can finish these last few pots.”
“I’ll dry them,” says Alexa. “Sid, you go. Put your feet up for a while until it’s time to flambé the dessert.”
Once Sidra is gone, the silence in the kitchen between Alexa and Holly suddenly hangs heavy.
“So, flambéed Christmas pudding, huh?” Holly says. “I’ve never had that before. Sounds great. I’m a big fan of your desserts.”
“You’ve made that clear,” Alexa says wryly, taking the clean chafing dish Holly hands her and drying it briskly. Then, “Can I ask you a question?”
“Of course. Anything.”
Alexa puts down the dish. “Why did you come here, seeking out Aiden?”
Holly frowns. “Excuse me?”
