Page 14 of Love, Lies and Sleigh Rides
“Long story short, she didn’t have a place to stay last night because of the storm, so Mom being Mom offered her a room.”
“I’m surprised she’d invite a distraction into the picture so soon after her favorite came home.”
Kade laughed. “I see you’re still into laying on the guilt trip even though you know it’s not true.”
“Kidding, KB.” He took Della’s peel from him and pitched it into the garbage underneath the counter. “So, this woman—”
“Fallon.”
A slow smile crept across his brother’s face. “Fallon,” he repeated slowly. “If she’s as pretty as her name—”
“She might hear you. Here. Plug your mouth before you make us both look like idiots.” Kade shoved another banana into his hand.
Tim shook his head, dropping the banana into the basket. “I’m holding out for Mom’s breakfast casserole.”
Kade wasn’t about to enlighten his brother that Fallon did in fact live up to her name, especially with the very real possibility of Tim meeting her at some point during the day. That might lead to Tim being Tim, the always-in-your-business, unfiltered big mouth he was known for. Kade loved Tim, Tyler too, who could be an even bigger buffoon. But it wouldn’t be a stretch for Tim to pepper Kade—or Fallon for that matter, stranger or not—with questions. Embarrassing ones.
* * *
Later that afternoon,Kade settled back into his chair at the dining room table and surveyed the room. His gingerbread house wasn’t progressing much—too many distractions. Voices mingled into one noisy collective sound, which made it impossible to single out individual conversations. But the scene before him was enough, this annual Behar tradition on the first of December. He’d missed more of these than he cared to think about. He intended to be present for future parties if at all possible.
“What’s with the simpering smile?” asked Tyler, while adding wheat squares to the roof of his house.
His brother squinted at him, shaking his head when Kade didn’t answer right away. Tyler had never been one for sentimentality. Kade didn’t want to bother trying to explain how he felt, seeing these faces he’d missed.
“Can’t a guy sit here and revel in the party atmosphere without being harassed?”
Tyler tossed back his punch and smacked his lips. “Didn’t mean anything by it. Just poking you.”
Kade sipped his punch, keeping his eye on the crowd in the great room. His mother and father fawned over Della and Kyah. Jeannie, their mom, looked like she was conspiring about something on the couch with Lucy Riggins, who worked at Buds N’ Blooms. They’d recently opened a pop-up boutique together next to Debi’s Donuts. Behind them, Tim gestured wildly while he talked with Wynne and Chase Ford, who were newly married and just arrived back from their honeymoon. The Fords’ roots went way back in Hendricks; Ford Hardware was where Chase’s new bride Wynne worked as the business manager. And Elaine had introduced her to Kade as the one who now handled the farm’s financials.
Tyler looked around the room. “So, where’s the mysterious houseguest?” He eyed the platter of cookies Elaine placed on the table and snagged a chocolate snowball, popping it into his mouth.
Kade took in a deep breath. “Probably upstairs.”
“Seriously? How dare she miss the Annual Behar Christmas Bash. Did anyone invite her down?”
“Yes, but she said she feels uncomfortable, out of place. I don’t blame her.”
“Then I will. Tim said she’s a looker.” He half-rose before Kade pulled him back down.
“Don’t even think about it. She’s a houseguest. Mom invited her down. She’ll come if she wants to.”
“You’re sounding a little possessive.”
“Don’t be ridiculous. I don’t even know her.”
“Man. What I wouldn’t do to be in your shoes. Staying in the same house with a beautiful woman and you’re not taking advantage of that,” said Tyler with a scoffing tone.
“There’s plenty of time for…forthatonce I get settled. Let me unpack first at least before you try to hook me up with someone.”
“She’ll be gone by then.”
“I don’t mean her specifically.” Kade picked up the plastic knife and smoothed frosting onto the edge of another graham cracker.
Tyler planted his hands behind his head and leaned back against the chair. “Then maybe I will.”
Kade shifted on the couch to look Tyler in the eye.
