Page 98 of The Holiday Ex-Files

Please let us make it a merry Christmas for him and, you know, us, Miss Sparkly begged.

I’m working on it.

You are and I’m proud of you.

Wow, Sparkles, a compliment?

You have to love yourself first, right?

Yes. And I promise, I’m getting there.

Then promise me we will never, ever do the Brazilian wax thing again.

Oh, I promise. Now excuse me while I go get some more ice.

Chapter Thirty-Two

Dear Ex-Filers, I never thought I would say this, but here is a poignant thought from Mike Ditka: “If you’re not in the parade, you watch the parade. That’s life.” I’m not saying it’s bad to be a spectator. There would be no need for the parade if there was no one to watch it and cheer and catch the candy. Cheerleaders play a huge role in life, but if you want to be in the parade, so to speak, don’t let anyone keep you from jumping in. Grab a trombone and get down with your bad self. Or whatever instrument floats your boat.

By the way, thank you for all your messages of concern. I have to wear loose clothing, but I think I will survive. Stay safe and don’t do wax.

Lots of love,

Cami

I clicked publish as I wended my way through the large crowd, mostly made up of my family, to get a good spot on the main parade thoroughfare. It was a cheery scene with everyone bundled up; the streets boasted twinkle lights and wreaths on every lamppost. Everyone seemed to be smiling, and anxious children wiggled in their parents’ arms, longing to see the wonders of the parade floats, especially the one that carried Santa. Our town had the best Santa too. His beard was his own and his suit was hand sewn. My minions who were still believers were convinced he was the real Santa.

My main purpose in getting a good view of the route was to find Noah. He’d said he would try and be near Thompson’s Barbershop. I looked across the street at the barbershop and didn’t see him or Jaxon and Liam.

Mom wrapped an arm around me. “Looking for someone, dear?” she sang.

I adjusted my beanie to cover my cold ears. “Maybe.” I smirked.

“Maybe, she says.” Dad laughed on the other side of Mom. “Look how she sparkles.” Dad winked at me with a knowing twinkle in his eye.

“Do we need to tell Noah the rules for dating our sister?” Derek boomed too loudly into the crowd.

I whipped around and glared at him. “Shhh. And no. I’m a grown woman; I make my own rules, thank you very much.”

“No one is saying you can’t have your rules.” Seth fist-bumped Derek. “But as your brothers, we are sworn to not only protect you but humiliate you.”

All five of my brothers guffawed while their wives told them to behave and leave me alone.

At this rate, everyone would know there was a little something, something going on between me and Noah. While I wouldn’t deny it, it would be a lie to say I wasn’t worried about what it meant for my future. Would my business disappear? Would that part of me disappear? Was I supposed to let that part go? I knew I should be brave and blaze my own path and trust that those meant to follow me would. It’s not like I didn’t have a bunch of built-in groupies with my family. But they didn’t pay the bills. And honestly, I loved my job, as weird as it was. Just yesterday I got a request from a man to crop out his ex-fiancée, who turned out to be a convicted felon who had escaped from prison and had been on the run for five years. I couldn’t make this stuff up.

I also couldn’t deny the inexplicable happiness and comfort I felt when Noah came into view. He was adorable with Liam on his shoulders and holding Jaxon’s hand. It didn’t hurt that he looked like a sexy lumberjack in his plaid flannel shirt, jeans, and his beanie that showcased the curls above his ears. How he wasn’t freezing, I didn’t know, but I enjoyed the view all the same.

As I stared at him, it hit me. More than the holiday scene around me, Noah felt like Christmas to me.

I waved at him and the boys, longing to keep that feeling of Christmas he invoked.

The boys enthusiastically waved back.

Noah flashed his charming smile at me.

“Come over here,” Mom yelled, as she waved them over.

Noah glanced at me, his eyes asking if that was okay.

I nodded and smiled. I would never again make Noah feel as if I were ashamed to be seen with him. He deserved at least that from me.

He and the boys pushed their way out of the crowd on that side and crossed the street, and just in time too. One of the local high school marching bands started to play, “We Need a Little Christmas.” How fitting for me. I felt that need so acutely as Noah neared.

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