Page 37 of A Very Merry Mistake

She gives me a nod, and we walk outside.

“They weren’t shittin’ us when they said it was an arctic blast movin’ through,” I say, opening the door for her, and she climbs in, blowing her warm breath into her hands.

I crank the truck. “Can’t turn the heat on yet. Gotta get the engine warm.”

She smiles. “It’s fine. Reminds me that I’m alive.”

I look over my shoulder, back out of the driveway, and head down the old gravel road. We drive past the rows of Christmas trees covered in frost and the building where customers line up to pay. Another half mile down the road is my parents’ place. Their house sits up on a small hill and somewhat overlooks the farm. Smoke drifts out of the chimney, and I know Mom didn’t tell Dad we were stopping by. He’s too proud to ask for help most of the time, even if I offer first.

I park next to the SUV in the garage. When all of the boys were still at home, we used to fight over who got the third parking space. Now, anytime I snag it, it feels like a victory.

We walk through the side door that leads through the mud room and into the kitchen.

“Honey!” Mama says when she sees me. Then Claire comes into view, and her mouth falls open before twisting into a smile. “Oh, goodness. Who is this?”

She looks between us then forges on before I can answer. “I’m Evelyn Jolly, Jake’s mother. It’s so nice to meet you.” My mother doesn’t care about personal space or boundaries and immediately pulls Claire into a tight hug.

I shake my head and mouth, I’m sorry.

“I’m Claire Chester. It’s very nice to meet you, too.”

Mom turns to me with raised brows. “You didn’t tell me you were bringin’ a beautiful girl home. No warning or nothing! I would’ve at least fixed my hair.”

“You look great,” I tell her, placing a kiss on her cheek. “Also, I didn’t plan on having company, either. It just kinda happened.”

“What does that mean?” Mom looks between Claire and me, then holds up her hand to stop us from explaining. “Wait, let’s do introductions in the living room so your father can be on the same page and you won’t have to repeat yourselves.”

“Ma,” I sigh. “It’s not a big deal. Claire is just a guest. That’s it.”

She doesn’t listen and shuffles through the kitchen. I glance at Claire and place my hand on the small of her back to guide her into the living room, where my father is reading in his recliner. His glasses are sitting on his nose, and when he looks up from his paper, he’s shocked.

“Howdy,” he says with a grin.

Claire turns and whispers, “Your dad is freaking Santa Claus?”

I nod. “Yeah.”

Dad lets out his infamous ho-ho-ho so she gets the full effect. Claire walks over to him and politely introduces herself.

“Nice to meet you. So Jake didn’t tell you I’ve got a list of who’s naughty and nice and I check it twice?”

“Actually, no,” she says with a kind smile, but there’s a sparkle in her eyes. “I’ve seen your picture online at least a thousand times. You’re a legend.”

Dad folds the newspaper and sets it down on the small table next to his recliner. “I do get around, as Santa does.”

Claire laughs. “I have so many questions.”

“Please have a seat,” Mom offers, and Claire moves to the small couch and sits on the edge. I plop down next to her.

“I can’t believe you didn’t tell me,” she whispers.

Doesn’t help that Dad is wearing red pants, a white shirt, and suspenders. In December, he’s never caught without his signature gear. Even when the town is shut down, and everyone is locked inside, he’s prepared.

“Honestly slipped my mind,” I tell her truthfully. I’m so used to everyone already knowing that it’s not even a point of discussion.

Mom clears her throat. “I thought we’d bring the conversation in here. Jake was just gettin’ ready to tell me how he and this young lady met.”

“Mom,” I say, “it’s not like that. We’re not together,” I explain again.

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