Page 16 of Mistletoe Season
“I’m always presentable.”
“Now that you cut off all that hair, you are.” She smiled and shoved him through the doorway.
Kieran was certain something was up, but he went upstairs to his old room to get ready.
She was far too eager for him to get started on the list of nonurgent errands. And Sheryl had seemed overly excited when he had arrived at the shop a few minutes ago. “I’m so happy to see you!” she practically squealed, giving him a big hug.
“You too.” He embraced her.
“Where’s that fruitcake?” she said, moving out of his arms.
He handed her the loaf. “This is for you? You hate fruitcake more than I do.”
But Sheryl wasn’t looking at him, and he could tell she wasn’t paying attention to his words. Her gaze was on the back of the store. “The boys have been asking for Nana’s fruitcake ever since we got back from our trip. Oh hi, Emmy!”
He turned, his pulse thumping when he saw her. Whatever Sheryl was saying didn’t register as he let his gaze linger on Emmy. She was dressed in holiday colors again, wearing a hideous Christmas sweater that somehow looked good on her, jeans, and white tennis shoes. Her bangs were pulled back by gold reading glasses, a complement to her lovely green eyes. He thought he said hello to her, but he wasn’t sure. She seemed to become prettier each time he saw her.
Sheryl tapped him on the shoulder. “Have you had lunch?”
“Not yet—”
“Neither has Emmy.” She grinned, motioning to the door. “Why don’t you two go together?”
He glanced at his sister, catching the sly glimmer in her eyes.Then he looked at Emmy, who seemed unsure about having lunch with him. Ouch.
“You usually eat after Carina gets back,” Emmy said.
“We’re slow right now.” Sheryl held up the loaf again. “I’ll snack on this while you’re gone.”
“I thought that was for the boys,” Kieran said, arching a brow.
“They can’t eat all of it.”
He almost laughed. Her kids could eat a loaf each if she’d let them, and if they’d liked fruitcake. Which they didn’t. First his mother was acting strange, now his sister. He glanced at Emmy again, and just when he realized what was going on, Sheryl was shoving them out the shop.
“Have fun!” she said, shutting the door behind them.
Kieran and Emmy faced each other. He held up his hands, palms out. “She asked me to drop off the fruitcake. That’s all, I promise.”
“I know.” She crossed her arms, hugging herself. “I’m just glad it was for the kids and not me.”
He couldn’t help but chuckle. “Not a fan of fruitcake?”
“No, but don’t tell Maggie. I don’t want to hurt her feelings.”
“Mum’s the word.” He did a zipping gesture across his mouth. The snow had stopped about an hour ago, and none of it had stuck to the ground. It was still cold outside, about two degrees Celsius, he guessed. “Mum’s had me running all over town this morning. I am feeling a little peckish.”
She nodded but didn’t say anything else. It was clear Emmy was growing chilled and didn’t seem all that keen to be with him. He tried not to take it personally. He was the one on vacation, not her. She didn’t have time for his mother and sister’s matchmaking foolishness.
“I’ve got some vegetable soup in the Crock-Pot upstairs,” she said. “You can, um, join me if you want.”
Of course he wanted to, but he didn’t like that she was obligated to offer him lunch. “I think I know what Sheryl’s up to.”
“Oh, Iknowwhat she’s up to.” Emmy half chuckled. “She’s not being subtle, is she?”
“Not a’tall.” He moved closer to her. “We don’t have to eat togeth—”
“C’mon,” she said, motioning for him to follow. She opened the door, and they headed upstairs.
