Page 53 of Stolen Holidays
“Mom says secrets are bad.”
Damn this kid. So adorable and literal. To be young again, when everything is easy, and black and white. “Your mom’s right. Secrets are bad. Let me rephrase: I need you to keep what you see a surprise. It’s Callie’s Christmas present, and she can’t know.”
I watch him struggle with the idea of keeping something from his new best friend. After a minute, he finally agrees. “Okay. But only if you promise this is the best present in the whole world.”
“Promise. It’s the best present in the entire universe,” I assure him. I want to tell him exactly what I’m planning but in the end decide not to. I’m not sure I trust the little bugger not to betray me. He adores Callie.
Together, we head for the barn, where I find Mason following his wife around like a little angry bear. Emery and Hilly are decorating the barn. Not only have Hilly and her husband, Jeff, helped to make this entire week absolutely amazing, but they have also donated their time helping with the wedding. Lucky for me, Hilly is a romantic at heart, and she’s Jeff’s heart.
“Uncle Mills!” Rhys runs towards Mason and leaps into his arms.
“What are you two doing out here?” Emery cocks her head and scowls at me.
I hold my hands in the air. “Sorry. I’m just having a little freak-out. Did you see the gray cloud outside?”
Emery’s scowl fades into an understanding smile. “Jeff mentioned something about a storm. That’s why I called Chris. He’s already on his way.”
My shoulders fall away from my ears as relief floods my system. “You’re a lifesaver, Em.”
Emery points towards the back door. “You should really thank Jeff. He’s been so helpful.”
The man in question walks in hauling a huge ladder. He leans it against the back wall as Hilly follows behind him with an enormous bunch of fresh pine garland in her arms.
“Ahem.” Mason clears his throat.
Emery snorts a laugh and pats his cheek. “You’re helpful too, Mr. Bossy.”
“’Bout time you recognize,” he growls, giving her a kiss.
“Oh, shoot!” Our heads whip towards Hilly’s harried voice. “Dang it, Lucky. Get out, you silly bird.”
Lucky grumbles, and victory dances around the room. Cheeky bird. It would be hilarious if it weren’t for all the decorations laid around the room. The last thing I want is for emu crap to get on the tablecloths or something.
Jeff swears under his breath. “Hilly, I told you to close the barn door.”
With a scowl, Hilly points at Jeff. “Don’t you start with me, mister. I did close the door. He’s gotten good at opening it all by himself.”
Like he knows they’re talking about him, Lucky shimmies and preens. Jeff reaches for Lucky, who ducks out of the way but not before pecking Jeff in the junk.
He grunts, “Damn bird.”
Mason wraps an arm around Emery’s waist.
“Mason, I’m fine.”
“Don’t care. I want nothing to do with that thing, and I don’t want him coming after you.” Mason pulls Emery behind him and walks her farther away from the emu.
Rhys, unfazed by the bird’s appearance, skips towards the emu and pets it. Lucky enjoys Rhys’s attention and calms down. “Good boy.”
Lucky bumps heads with Rhys and grumbles.
“Did you know emus are dinosaurs’ living relatives?”
“How cool. I didn’t know that. Thank you for sharing.” Hilly grins and joins Rhys, the two petting Lucky, who calms down as he’s showered with love.
“Hello, anyone here?” Cam steps into the barn without warning. “Hey, guys. What’s going—” Cam stops mid-step, his eyes wide in surprise. And maybe a little fear.
Lucky’s head snaps up at the sound of Cam’s voice, and the emu stares at him. Cam’s been avoiding the emu since their little naked run-in the other day. Cam slowly steps back, and Lucky tracks the movement.
