Page 84 of A Cozy Kind of Christmas
Jill tiptoed out of the twins’ nursery, with bleary eyes but a bright grin. She held a baby monitor in one hand and somehow managed to make her neon-green Grinch ugly sweater look chic. “You two, this is so festive. You completely outdid yourselves. You didn’t have to go to any extra trouble. Just having you both here is enough.”
“Extra trouble? This?” Meg scoffed, waving her hand toward the red and green balloon arch and peppermint-striped bunting strung from the high exposed-beam ceilings. The industrial space was a perfect blend of Jill and Owen, with massive windows that provided ample natural light for Jill to paint and a maker’s space for Owen. A long, open-concept kitchen divided their live-work space. Colorful modern couches, funky chairs, throw rugs, and coffee and side tables carved by Owen gave the living room a homey feel.
“Meg said we should make it look like Christmas threw up in here, and I think we met the brief.” Johanna echoed the sentiment, carefully stacking gift bags and boxes in a pile. Her ugly holiday sweater was slightly more refined—a creamy cashmere with gold and silver snowflakes. She looked relaxed and comfortable. Being her own boss clearly suited her. “We’ve been plotting and planning for weeks. It’s been the perfect distraction from the whirlwind of work. If anyone asks you to launch your own women’s sports network, a word to the wise—run away screaming. Immediately.”
Meg rolled her eyes. “Don’t believe a word she says—she’s been girl-bossing hard and absolutely killing it.”
Johanna rolled her eyes, bumping Meg’s hip dismissively. “She’s just hyping me up.”
“Because it’s true. Numbers don’t lie. I’ve seen your social—everything you posted goes viral instantly.” Meg centered a bouquet of winter lilies and cranberry roses amongst the food they had arranged on the long counter. “And just so you know, Jill, this is the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Christmas. We’re just getting started. Wait for the marching band and dancers. They’ll be showing up in…” She paused and pretended to check her watch. “Twenty minutes.”
“You wouldn’t dare.” Jill scowled playfully, gesturing toward the other room where the twins were napping. “They say never wake a sleeping baby, and definitely never waketwosleeping babies.”
“It’s a good thing I didn’t think of it earlier. I actually may have booked a band, and then you would have murdered me for Christmas.” Meg winked and popped a grape into her mouth.
“How are you feeling?” Johanna asked Jill. “You look amazing. I’d never know you had twins a few months ago.”
“Amazing—ha!” Jill rested the baby monitor on the counter and adjusted the settings so she could keep an eye on the babies.“I don’t think I’ve slept more than about two hours for the past few months. I can’t remember the last time I showered, and I’m pretty sure this is spit-up in my hair, but thanks for the vote of confidence and the blatant lie.”
“It’s not a lie. You’re glowing,” Meg said, reaching for another grape.
“More like sweating.” Jill made a face and then took in the spread. They’d continued with the holiday theme for the food—pumpkin and mince tarts, a tiered cake in the shape of a Christmas tree with glossy green Swiss buttercream, tea sandwiches, cups of tomato soup and slices of grilled cheese cut out in holiday shapes, and petit fours. “This is so pretty. Everything looks delicious, and I can’t thank you two and Matt and Connor enough for coming.”
“Like we would miss it. We are the godparents, after all. I can’t speak for Johanna and Connor, but you’re not getting rid of me or Matt until I get to smooch their chubby little cheeks for at least a few more days.” Meg was thrilled that Jill had suggested a baby shower after the twins’ arrival. The timing was perfect with holiday breaks, and it meant everyone got to lend a hand and cuddle the two cutest bundles of joy Meg had ever seen.
Was she biased?
Sure.
Did she care?
No chance.
Jill reached for a cracker and slathered on a healthy dollop of artichoke dip, then glanced toward the maker’s space where Owen was showing Matt and Connor his latest artistic tool—a 3D printer. “Tell me everything. How’s it going in love land?”
“Love land?” Meg scrunched up her face.
Jill bobbed her head and gave Meg a knowing look. “Uh, yeah, you two lovebirds all over each other. You can’t keep yourhands off another, and it’s already been almost a year since you made it official.”
Meg blushed. “We’re making up for lost time.”
“Hey, no notes, I’m just so happy for both of you.” Jill munched on the cracker and helped herself to another. Then she turned to Johanna. “What about you and Connor?”
“It’s good,” Johanna admitted. “He’s been with me all the way in starting the network, and shockingly, our female viewership loves that such a well-known sportscaster is focusing on women’s sports. It’s pretty ironic, isn’t it?”
“He’s the best,” Meg said with a sly smile. “Who would have ever pegged you for falling for a sports bro?”
“Not me, but I guess that’s love, right?” Johanna shrugged and changed the subject. “Are you still loving Bend? I need all the juicy details before everyone starts showing up for the party.”
“Honestly, it’s been pretty great.” Meg looked at Matt, feeling the familiar patter of her heartbeat at the sight of his broad shoulders stretching to hang a string of vintage Christmas lights on the other side of the room. His cheeks had a hint of five-o’clock shadow, and he’d grown his hair out a bit, so his sandy locks swooped over his forehead as he reached toward the ceiling. He caught her eye and flashed her a playful smile that made her breath catch in her throat. “It’s just easy. We’ve found a good rhythm. His podcast is really starting to take off. He has five sponsors now, and the reviews are great. People really seem to be resonating with it. Not that I’d expect anything different. Like Gam says, when you’re on your path of purpose, the energy just flows.”
“Same for you, yeah?” Jill held up a finger as she finished a bite. “When will I have a hot copy of your novel in my hands?”
Meg was thoughtful for a minute. She couldn’t believe how much had changed in a year or that she had finally realized yetanother dream. The novel needed work—lots of work, but she wasn’t afraid of digging deep and doing however many rewrites it took to turn her first draft into a finished manuscript. She couldn’t have done it without Matt by her side. Okay, maybe that wasn’t entirely true. Shecould havedone it, but having him cheer her on this past year had given her a bonus confidence boost. And honestly, it had been fun. Writing was a new adventure, taking her down unexpected twists and turns, and Matt was all in for the wild ride, the late-night sessions pounding out words on her laptop, bringing her pints of Chunky Monkey ice cream and mochas with extra whip to fuel her word count.
“It’s not done yet. The first draft was decent. But editing is taking more time, which is fine. I’m hoping to finish it while I’m here and have it ready for you and Johanna.”
“I’ve got nothing but time for the next few days. Send me pages!” Johanna practically demanded.
