Page 40 of The Holiday Ex-Files

Shanna carefully scooted over on the couch and patted the empty space.

I cautiously sat next to her, admiring her long, braided blonde hair and fabulous skin. She didn’t even have a lick of makeup on and still looked like she could model for COVERGIRL.

“Hi,” I said almost inaudibly.

She didn’t hesitate to wrap her arms around me. “Hi, friend.”

I clung to her, soaking up her familiarity and warmth. I realized how much I had missed her and missed out on by staying away. “How are you?” my voice cracked.

“Oh, you know, just being a human incubator and couch potato. It’s the life.” Her tone said she wouldn’t have it any other way.

I leaned away and looked down at her swollen belly—covered in a hot-pink blouse—which was moving. What a miracle.

“She’s amazing,” Adonis chimed in, while lowering his boys to the floor.

Shanna grinned at her husband. “He says that now, but when I said I was craving a cheeseburger at six o’clock this morning, he was singing a different tune.”

I had noticed it smelled faintly like grilled hamburgers when we walked in.

Adonis lowered his chin to his chest. “But who got a cheeseburger?”

He was getting the best husband award in my book. My brothers were going to hear about this.

Shanna laughed and rubbed her belly. “The girls and I thank you.” Shanna then looked between me and Noah. “It’s good to see you two together again. Feels like old times. Good times,” she added.

I couldn’t disagree with that, so I nodded.

Noah gave his sister a meaningful look before clapping his hands. “We should probably get going.”

Shanna looked at the large wall clock near their rustic fireplace. “Oh yes, you’re going to be late. Come here, boys.”

Late for what, I had no idea. I went to stand but Shanna kept ahold of me.

Jaxon and Liam gathered around us, looking as cute as could be in their designer-brand jeans and matching camo shirts. They probably hated that they matched. I knew my nieces and nephews never appreciated it when their parents or I subjected them to such torture.

“Boys,” Shanna said, “this is Cami. She’s the lady I told you about. I want you to be good for her and your uncle today. She’s the nicest, most fun person I know.”

Oh, direct blow to the heart. I wanted to be that woman again.

Let’s do it! Miss Sparkly shouted before she took over my mouth and we said, “I can decorate your porch for you.”

I covered my mouth, but it was too late. Miss Sparkly had made her debut, and she made it clear she wasn’t going down without a fight.

Chapter Thirteen

Dear Ex-Filers, I just saw the best shirt. In bold letters it said, I THINK, THEREFORE I’M SINGLE —LIZZ WINSTEAD. I don’t know who this Lizz is, but she’s a genius. Like, I think we could be best friends. If anyone knows where I can get one of these shirts, give a sister a shout-out in the comments.

Lots of love,

Cami

I published my quick post while taking a bathroom break in the tiniest restroom of all time. We were at Jaxon’s school carnival, and I had to say, I could have used a mini toilet back in the day. I’d fallen in once, back in second grade. I still have nightmares over it. Nothing like having to call your mom with soaking-wet pants and your classmates thinking you peed yourself. Good times.

Thankfully, I came out of the bathroom as dry as could be to find three handsome men waiting for me. Waiting for me to obliterate them, that was. I took ring toss and balloon darts seriously. I had just kicked all their butts, and they were looking for revenge. We were on to bobbing for apples and the football toss next. I had my arm and my pearly whites ready to take on the Cullen and Diaz boys.

Jaxon and Liam were shoving their faces full of cotton candy, which I was pretty sure was on Shanna’s no fly list, but as a troublemaking aunt, I would give Noah a pass. If he wanted to defy his sister and spoil his nephews, I would support him.

Noah stood with his hip cocked, holding all my recently won tickets.

It wasn’t lost on me how many women’s gazes landed on the gorgeous man. Even some of the married women. Noah didn’t seem to pay them any attention. Instead, he smirked at me and handed me my tickets when I landed by his side.

“Thank you. I hope you didn’t steal any because I counted them.”

“Count away if you’re worried.” He grinned.

“Don’t mind if I do.” I plucked the tickets out of his hands.

He laughed at me.

“You boys ready to go back into the gym?” I asked between counting.

“Yeah!” they both shouted with their mouths full of colored sugar. With blue mouths, there was going to be no hiding Noah’s treachery.

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