Page 33 of A Holly Jilly Christmas

I’m an instant fan.

But by the time he pulled away, setting me back on the ground from where I was perched on the edge of the island, we were both starved—for actual sustenance. After scraping the top layer off the burned mac n cheese, it turned out the middle was very edible.

Now we’re snuggled on the couch watching A Charlie Brown Christmas and eating the gooey middle of the mac n cheese. Only a few bites have any crunch.

I set my plate down and burrow my way closer to Case, practically climbing into his lap. He laughs and manages to set his plate down without jostling our position. Then he wraps me up in both arms, pulling my legs over his and curling me into his chest.

More and more, this feels like a perfect bubble shimmering in the air, beautiful but poised to pop out of existence at any moment. I want to ask about it, to ask what happens when we go back home, but I’m not ready. Playing house is just too much fun.

“What are your Christmas plans?” I ask, watching Charlie Brown pick out the worst tree.

“Spending it with my sisters and their families.”

“They’re both married?”

“Yep. My oldest sister doesn’t have kids, but my other sister has three to make up for it. They’re wild.”

I smile at the sound of a smile in his voice. “I bet you’re a fun uncle.”

“I thought my vibe was more … stuffy and too serious—isn’t that what you said?”

I search for a ticklish spot on his ribs, but he captures my hand and places it over his heart. I’m meltier than the center of our mac and cheese.

“What about your parents?” I ask.

“They’re both gone. It’s been a few years now.”

Every time Case talks about his family, I feel a tug in my heart. “Oh, wow. Were they in an accident? Or bad health? Sorry. I’m nosy. You just seem so young to have lost both of them.”

He shrugs. “They waited until they were a little older to have kids. And like I said, they were workaholics. Despite both being doctors, they didn’t take care of themselves very well. Long hours, not enough sleep, weird meals at weird hours. Dad had a stroke, and Mom had a heart attack about a year later. I’m not saying I wasn’t sad, but in so many ways, they felt like strangers or colleagues rather than my parents.”

That’s so deeply sad—all of it—that I have no words. So, I snuggle in closer and place a kiss on his neck, right where his beard starts.

“What about you? Do you have family plans?”

I let out a breath. “I did. But … my brother got to my parents’ house first with his wife and kids and gave everyone the flu. The whole house is basically under quarantine. I’m on my own.”

Case tips his head back to meet my gaze. “Come spend Christmas with me and my family.”

I swear, my heart lifts off like it was just filled up with helium. “Really?”

“Yes. You’ll love it.” He pauses. “Though, I do need to give you some caveats.”

“Such as?”

“You’re sure to get hit on at least one of your kneecaps with a hockey stick thanks to my sister’s kids. So, you’ll have to sign a liability waiver first. Also, my oldest sister insists on making all the food like some kind of kitchen martyr, and she is a terrible cook.”

“It can’t be worse than burned macaroni.”

He chuckles. “Trust me. This was about a thousand steps up.”

“Why do y’all let her cook?”

“When Marcy insists on something, it’s best to yield. Sometimes Karen and I sneak out later for pizza or whatever we can find that’s open.” He pauses, then begins stroking my arm, his fingertips dancing along my skin and drawing out rows of goose bumps. “Come. No one should be alone on Christmas.”

“I’ll think about it,” I say around a yawn, though there’s nothing to think about. Because even if it’s way too soon, I’m already picturing more nights like this on the couch, more holidays, more EVERYTHING with Case.

I settle into him, fighting to keep my eyes open.

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