Page 49 of Santa Daddies
“And you’d also probably say I shouldn’t have a rebound relationship with our brother’s best friend…” I rolled my eyes but in a self-depreciating way. “Because if it didn’t work out, it could lead to disaster.”
“You’re right. I would have warned you of all those things,” Madeline said, cupping my cheek. “But I’ve seen how you two look at each other and I can say without a doubt this isn’t a rebound thing. Or a young girl’s Santa fantasy. It looks damn real to me.”
Kristoffer and I exchanged a look and that’s when I saw the bruise forming on his cheek. I reached out to touch it.
“Can I speak now?”
We all looked at David.
“First, I’m sorry I punched you. If I could take it back and give it to its rightful owner, I would. And secondly, how could Inot want my sister to be with my best friend?” He shrugged. “But also, if you hurt her, I will push you off this fucking mountain.”
They were about to hug then when a muffled noise came from the cloak room.
David grabbed the knob and pulled the door open and what stumbled out wasn’t everyone’s outerwear. It was two half-dressed people.
Clara looked rumpled with her hair coming undone from its updo and her spaghetti strap halfway down her thin arm.
Lucas just grinned like a schoolboy caught with firecrackers.
“See, I told you we should’ve just left right after we messed everything up.” Clara tugged her strap up and stooped to grab her designer bag off the floor.
“You planned this in the middle of our wedding?” Charlotte asked incredulously.
Clara, trying to get out of the closet, shoved past Charlotte. “Who cares about your stupid wedding?” And that was all it took to turn sweet innocent Charlotte into something else entirely. I’d say a bridezilla, but that wasn’t quite right. She was more like Bridehulk.
I winced, David hissed, Madeline swore, and Kristoffer chuckled. All while Charlotte shook out her hand and Clara held her nose and screamed.
Lucas lunged for Charlotte and David blocked him, holding him up by the knot in his tie.
“This is for you,” David said, looked quickly over his shoulder at Kristoffer, and then popped Lucas in the nose too.
Chapter Fourteen
Emily
Kristoffer tugged me close and draped his arm over my shoulder as we walked into the hall, almost daring anyone to say a word. He brought me to his side of the table and when we sat, he pulled my chair closer to his. It was as if he wanted to show everyone I was his.
It made my middle heat, and I couldn’t wait to get him alone. He waved in the waitstaff and once the food started coming in, it was all anyone could talk about.
“We can do speeches before dessert,” Kristoffer whispered, leaning closer to David and Charlotte who’d just sat at the head of the table directly to his left. “The meal will take everyone’s mind off what just happened.”
“Good plan.” David clapped Kristoffer on the back. “Thanks, man.”
Kristoffer nodded his chin to Charlotte. “You need ice for your hand, champ?”
She smirked, showing him her slightly reddened knuckles. “Nah, she had a soft nose.”
“I still can’t believe you did that,” David said, his eyes wide. Taking his bride’s hand, he kissed it where it was raw and then turned to Kristoffer. “And what about me? Not gonna ask if I need ice?”
Kristoffer smirked and rubbed his jaw. “Nope.”
“Oh shit. Yeah, I forgot about that. You need some ice, buddy?” he asked, biting back a smirk of his own.
The waitstaff walked around the table offering various dishes and once our plates were full, we dug in. The food was delicious and soon the conversation was lively and light. And then as plates were cleared and coffee and desserts were served, Charlotte stood.
“I know there was a little drama tonight.” She moaned, looking around the room. “Pretend as we might that it didn’t happen, it did. So I thought I’d lighten the elephant in the room before we go any further. My future husband,if he makes it to tomorrow, thought it was a great idea to set his sister up with one of his friends. It didn’t go well, obviously, and for good reason. The friend was an absolute ass, and I hope he never gets another hole in one for the rest of his life. But also, David’s sister had already found her own date in our very own best man, Kristoffer.” There was some cheering and clapping as she picked up her champagne flute. “With whom we couldn’t have had such an amazing once-in-a-lifetime destination wedding.” She put her flattened hand beside her mouth and said, “He’s filthy rich and footing the bill for our food and accommodations here…” She lowered her hand from her mouth but raised the one holding the flute of champagne. “So please raise your glass to my new best-friend-in-law, Kristoffer and my new sister, Emily.” Everyone drank and cheered until she continued.
“Now I just want to assure all of you, our family and friends, that I will not be letting my groom and husband-to-be,if he makes it to tomorrow,matchmake anymore. It seemshis skills at judging romantic partnerships stopped right after he chose me.” She raised her hands in an elaborate shrug, making everyone laugh and clap, and then reached over and gave his shoulder a squeeze, while fluttering her lashes. David was looking up at her so smitten it made my chest ache with happiness. “Anyway, I just thought you should all know you’re safe.” She pointed at her barely adult brother, and everyone laughed again.
